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Farzi
Farzi
Farzi
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Farzi
Promotional poster
GenreBlack comedy
Crime thriller
Created byRaj & DK
Written by
Directed byRaj & DK
Starring
Music byKetan Sodha
Sachin–Jigar
Tanishk Bagchi
Country of originIndia
Original languageHindi
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
ProducersRaj & DK
CinematographyPankaj Kumar
EditorSumeet Kotian
Running time42–66 minutes
Production companyd2r Films
Original release
NetworkAmazon Prime Video
ReleaseFebruary 10, 2023 (2023-02-10) –
present
Related
The Family Man

Farzi (transl. counterfeit)[1] is an Indian Hindi-language black comedy crime thriller television series created, produced and directed by Raj & DK, who also co-wrote the series with Sita Menon and Suman Kumar. It stars Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, Kay Kay Menon, Raashii Khanna and Bhuvan Arora, and tells the story of a disillusioned artist who decides to make counterfeit money.

Initially conceived as a film in 2014, Farzi was expanded into a television series by 2019. Principal photography began in Mumbai in July 2021. Filming also took place in Alibaug, Goa, Nepal, and Jordan. Sachin–Jigar and Tanishk Bagchi composed the songs, while Ketan Sodha provided the score. The series shares continuity with Raj & DK's spy series The Family Man.

The eight-episode series was released on Amazon Prime Video on 10 February 2023. Farzi received positive reviews, and emerged as the most-watched Indian streaming series. By the end of February 2023, Kapoor confirmed that the show would return for a second season. At the 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards, Farzi received 10 nominations.

Premise

[edit]

Sunny is an artist disillusioned by the income inequality in India after failing to keep his grandfather's extensive printing press in business. He decides to team up with his best friend Firoz to make counterfeit money. They face challenges from Mansoor, a gangster, and Michael, a cop.[1][2] According to co-creator Raj Nidimoru, the title refers to counterfeiting, as well as the "fakeness" inherent in people.[1]

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main

[edit]

Recurring

[edit]
  • Kavya Thapar as Ananya, Sunny's ex-girlfriend
  • Chittaranjan Tripathy as Michael's divorce lawyer
  • Lokesh Mittal as Lakdawala
  • Vijay Kumar as Jitu Kaka, Mansoor's uncle and manager
  • Saqib Ayub as Anees, Sunny and Firoz's friend and a small-time goon
  • Karan Maan as Commander Murtaza
  • Nilesh Divekar as Bilal, Mansoor's henchman
  • Priyadarshini Indalkar as the receptionist at MKG Publishing
  • Akkshay Gunaawat as Suparn
  • Saurav Chakraborti as Jamal, Mansoor's henchman
  • Mrinmayee Godbole as Rekha's divorce lawyer
  • Armaan Bhanushali as young Sunny
  • Kabir Khan as young Firoz
  • Vivek Madaan as Arjun Nayar
  • Govind Pandey as MLA Kesaribhai Doshi
  • Divyam Shukla as Vyom, Rekha and Michael's son
  • Ashutosh Priyadarshi as Titu Khislu, a Bangladeshi smuggler
  • Anna Ador as Svetalana

Cameos

[edit]

The following actors make cameos, reprising their roles from The Family Man:[3][4][5]

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Artist"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
Sunny is a poor artist, who assists his grandfather Madhav in running an idealistic printing press, alongside his best friend Firoz. Trouble arises when their business is at the risk of bankruptcy. Disillusioned, Sunny and Firoz decide to print counterfeit 500-rupee notes. Initially unsuccessful, their second attempt pays off. Meanwhile, a determined officer, Michael, captures his nemesis, counterfeiting kingpin Mansoor Dalal, in Nepal. However Mansoor escapes. Later, Mansoor kidnaps Sunny and Firoz.
2"Social Service"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
In a flashback, a young Sunny is abandoned by his father. He meets another abandoned boy, Firoz at a train station and strikes up a friendship. Sunny's maternal grandfather Madhav adopts both him and Firoz. In the present day, Sunny and Firoz are able to pay off their grandfather's debts. Meanwhile, Megha, an idealistic officer for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), chances upon Sunny's fake note, but is not taken seriously by her superior. Michael blackmails Minister Pawan Gahlot to set up a task force investigating counterfeit money.
3"CCFART"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
Michael sets up the Counterfeiting and Currency Fraud Analysis and Research Team (CCFART), the task force he wanted through Gahlot's help. He shares a troubled relationship with his ex-wife, Rekha, and son. Megha, dissatisfied with her job at the RBI, joins Michael's team. She soon gets in trouble when she defies Michael to investigate the "artist" whose fake note she had found, and almost busts their operation. Meanwhile, Sunny and Firoz get hired to print fake money for a politician and end up delivering a ₹20 crore shipment to Surat themselves.
4"Dhanrakshak"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
Rekha sends Michael divorce papers. Megha's fake note scanner, Dhanrakshak, is launched by Gahlot, who believes the media attention will help him win the election. Meanwhile, Madhav suffers from dementia. Mansoor is rattled by the arrests due to Dhanrakshak. Impressed by Sunny's artistry (Dhanrakshak cannot detect his notes), Mansoor kidnaps him and Firoz and makes Sunny an offer to work for his crime organization.
5"Second Oldest Profession"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
Sunny agrees to start working for Mansoor and produces a fake 2000-rupee note at his lab in Jordan. Mansoor arranges a neuro specialist and pays for Madhav's surgery. In Bangladesh, Mansoor's henchman Bilal is caught by Michael and the team. Michael threatens Bilal and turns him into an informant. Back in Mumbai, Sunny is asked by Mansoor to infiltrate CCFART. He stages a meeting with Megha and manages to hack into her phone.
6"Cat and Mouse"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
Sunny spies on CCFART's plans through Megha's phone. Michael gets information from Bilal, and another mole in Mansoor's organization. Following a cat-and-mouse game between the two organizations, Mansoor suggests a "Trojan Horse" plan to smuggle ₹12,000 crores in counterfeit notes into India. With help from a Russian boat crew, Sunny manages to trick Michael, successfully smuggling the cash.
7"Supernote"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
Sunny and Firoz enjoy their wealth and move into plush flats. Sunny finds himself falling for Megha and removes the tracker from her phone. Megha discovers that the "artist" is leaving his signature ('S') in the fake notes. Mansoor is desperate to get the fake cash into the market and urges Sunny to act quickly. Michael devises a plan to lure the "artist".
8"Crash and Burn"Raj & DKRaj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar10 February 2023 (2023-02-10)
Sunny and Firoz almost get caught, but Michael manages to see their faces. To escape from the cops during a chase, Sunny and Firoz scatter the fake cash into the streets. Displeased by this, Mansoor orders them to be killed, but Sunny uses the help of his friends to escape. Mansoor sets fire to Madhav's printing press, seemingly killing him. Angered, Sunny goes on a rampage -- he kills many of Mansoor's men and sets fire to the cash, promising Mansoor that he will be back for more. Meanwhile, Michael and Rekha get divorced. Megha is close to uncovering Sunny's identity.

Production

[edit]

Farzi was first conceived as a film by Raj & DK with Shahid Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in 2014.[6] Kriti Sanon joined the cast by the end of the year.[7] By 2019, it was expanded into a television series with Kapoor still attached.[1][8] In January 2021, Kapoor confirmed that Raashii Khanna had joined the project.[9] In September 2021, Bhuvan Arora said that he was working on the series.[10] Raj & DK offered a part to Vijay Sethupathi when they were in Chennai filming The Family Man; he joined the production 40 days after they began filming.[11] He credited his co-star Raashii Khanna, with whom he had worked before in Tamil films, for making him comfortable on set.[11]

Principal photography began at Film City, Mumbai in July 2021.[12] Filming also took place in parts of Mumbai, Goa, Alibaug, Nepal, and Jordan.[13] Pankaj Kumar served as the cinematographer.[14]

The series was officially announced by Amazon on 28 April 2022, during the launch exhibit of 40 Indian projects sanctioned by the company.[15] Kapoor, Sethupathi, Khanna, Kay Kay Menon, Regina Cassandra, Zakir Hussain, Bhuvan Arora, Amol Palekar, and Kubbra Sait were all announced to star.[15]

Writer Sita Menon stated that a scene indicating a crossover with Raj & DK's show The Family Man was not pre-planned and that the idea came to Raj on the day of the shoot.[16] DK later confirmed the crossover, stating the worlds in the two series "run parallel to each other".[17]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Farzi
Soundtrack album by
Sachin–Jigar, Tanishk Bagchi
Released28 January 2023
Length8:00
LanguageHindi
LabelSony Music India
Official audio
Farzi Jukebox on YouTube

The duo Sachin–Jigar, who are frequent collaborators of Raj & DK, composed music for the series.[18] They composed two songs, "Paisa Hai Toh" and "Sab Farzi".[19][20] Tanishk Bagchi composed the third song, "Aasmaan".[21] A soundtrack album comprising these three songs was released by Sony Music India on 28 January 2023.[22]

No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Paisa Hai Toh"Jigar SaraiyaSachin–JigarVishal Dadlani, MellowD, Sachin–Jigar3:08
2."Sab Farzi"Priya SaraiyaSachin–JigarSaba Azad, Sachin–Jigar2:30
3."Aasmaan"Raghav MeattleTanishk BagchiRaghav Meattle, Anumita Nadesan2:52

Release

[edit]

Two first-look posters of Farzi featuring Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi were released on 5 January 2023.[23] A week later, on 13 January, the official trailer was released.[24] To promote the show, Prime Video collaborated with Swiggy to send out fake ₹2,000 notes to customers who ordered from the service.[25] The series was released on Amazon Prime Video on 10 February 2023.[26] Later that month, Kapoor confirmed that the series would return for a second season.[27]

In March 2023, a YouTuber named Joravar Singh Kalsi, and his friend Gurpeet Singh, were arrested in Gurgaon for enacting a scene from the series, in which they threw fake currency notes from a speeding car.[28]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]
Critics praised the performances of Shahid Kapoor (left) and Vijay Sethupathi.

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV wrote that "thanks to a gripping storyline, the uniformly-paced series sustains its momentum within the individual chapters and across all its eight parts", and praised the performances of Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi and Kay Kay Menon.[29] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express concluded that the "inimitable Vijay Sethupathi livens up show that is in service to its star Shahid Kapoor, not its plot".[30] Anuj Kumar of The Hindu also compared it unfavourably to The Family Man, writing that the "socio-political commentary that was seamless in The Family Man gets repetitive and even jarring at times here". He also expressed displeasure with how "the writers have spent hours in explaining the business of counterfeit currency, but have left the nuts and bolts of the story loose", but found Kapoor and Sethupathi's performances to be "splendid".[31]

Deepa Gahlot of Rediff.com was appreciative of the performances of Sethupathi and Menon; she found certain episodes to be "adrenaline-pumping" but found others "yawn-inducing".[32] ThePrint's Nidhima Taneja termed it a "gripping crime thriller" and found Bhuvan Arora's to the "breakout performance" of the series.[33] Shweta Keshri of India Today wrote that "Farzi is an intriguing watch, but with too much detailing, it tends to get exhausting in parts". She added that "Kapoor has knocked it out of the park this time", termed Sethupati "remarkable", and Menon "top class".[34] Scroll.in's Nandini Ramnath opined that "the show’s strengths include a well-chosen cast, strong individual moments, and dialogue destined to endure as memes". She was particularly impressed by Pankaj Kumar's cinematography, which she said "includes several continuous takes to create momentum and one bravura – and hilarious – chase sequence set in a crippling Mumbai traffic jam".[35]

Pratikshya Mishra of The Quint termed it a "sly, gripping thriller" and added that "the camerawork and editing work hand-in-hand to create a nearly mesmerising experience, mimicking the hypnotic nature of greed, fame, and power".[36] Sowmya Rajendran found similarities between Farzi and The Family Man; she labelled it a "mostly engrossing crime drama" and found Kapoor "likeable as the anti-hero".[37] Dishya Sharma of News18 found Farzi to be "binge-worthy" but not "as great as The Family Man"; she picked up the performances, cinematography and music as the series' highlights.[38] Ronak Kotecha of The Times of India opined that Farzi "is a refreshing and intensely gripping scamster saga whose pros far outweigh its cons".[39]

Audience viewership

[edit]

According to the consulting firm Ormax Media, Farzi emerged as the most-watched Indian streaming series of all time, with a projected 37 million viewers, overtaking the record previously set by Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022).[40]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award ceremony Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
2023 IWM Digital Awards Most Popular Actress in a webseries Raashii Khanna Won
Filmfare OTT Awards Best Drama Series Farzi Nominated [41]
Best Director in a Drama Series Raj & DK Nominated
Best Actor in a Drama Series Shahid Kapoor Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Bhuvan Arora Nominated
Best Original Story (Series) Raj & DK Nominated
Best Original Screenplay (Series) Raj & DK, Sita Menon, Suman Kumar Nominated
Best Production Design (Series) Parichit Paralkar Nominated
Best Editing (Series) Sumeet Kotian Nominated
Best Background Music (Series) Ketan Sodha Nominated
Best Original Soundtrack (Series) Sachin-Jigar, Tanishk Bagchi, Raghav Meattle Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Farzi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Farzi is an Indian Hindi-language thriller web series created by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK for , starring as Sunny, a struggling who turns to counterfeiting impeccable fake notes to save his grandfather's , thereby entangling himself in a high-stakes criminal network pursued by a relentless special task force officer portrayed by .
The eight-episode first season premiered worldwide on 10 February 2023, earning critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, strong performances—particularly Kapoor's transformation from an ethical to a cunning forger—and exploration of economic desperation driving illicit activities, with an rating of 8.3 out of 10 based on over 52,000 user reviews.
Supporting cast includes as a veteran bureaucrat, as an investigative officer, and as Sunny's cousin, contributing to the series' depiction of intersecting personal ambitions and institutional in India's counterfeit economy.
While praised for its tension and authenticity in portraying the mechanics of , some reviews noted narrative drags and formulaic elements reminiscent of the creators' prior works.
A second season entered production in 2025, with reportedly earning a record ₹40 fee, signaling continued commercial success.

Synopsis

Plot Overview

centers on Sunny, a skilled grappling with financial hardship while helping manage his grandfather's outdated in . Motivated by stark income inequalities and the press's impending closure, Sunny leverages his artistic expertise to forge high-quality counterfeit notes, inadvertently plunging into a sprawling network of illicit currency operations. Parallel to Sunny's venture, a relentless Financial Intelligence Unit officer named Michael spearheads a aimed at eradicating syndicates across . As Sunny's scheme expands and intersects with elements, it draws intense scrutiny from , sparking a tense pursuit fraught with and ethical dilemmas. The narrative unfolds across seven episodes, depicting the escalating conflicts between counterfeiters, corrupt intermediaries, and determined investigators, while highlighting the technical intricacies of fake note production and the broader economic undercurrents fueling such crimes.

Core Themes and Motifs

Farzi centers on the theme of against entrenched socioeconomic inequality, portraying the Sunny's descent into counterfeiting as a defiant response to a system that perpetuates for the while enriching the elite. This is underscored by recurring references to "" (revolution), the name of Sunny's uncle Nanu's , symbolizing grassroots resistance to economic injustice. The series illustrates how ordinary individuals, stifled by limited opportunities, rationalize criminal as a form of , with Sunny's artistic skills repurposed for forging currency notes indistinguishable from genuine ones. A prominent motif is the moral ambiguity of , particularly in the of counterfeiting, where the act blurs ethical boundaries between , , and systemic critique. Sunny's highlights the seductive allure of illicit wealth, as his initial reluctance gives way to rationalizations that frame not as but as a counter to institutional corruption. This theme extends to , exemplified by Michael Vedanayagam's unyielding pursuit, which contrasts with the moral compromises evident in higher echelons of power, revealing how personal integrity clashes with pragmatic necessities. The narrative delves into financial terrorism as a motif, equating large-scale counterfeiting with economic sabotage akin to warfare, capable of eroding national stability through and loss of in currency. amplifies this, with politicians depicted as patrons of counterfeit operations to fund elections, illustrating causal links between electoral funding shortages and . loyalty and personal loss serve as counter-motifs, grounding the protagonists' motivations in tangible hardships, such as Sunny's orphanhood and Nanu's principled yet flawed , which propel the plot while underscoring the of unchecked ambition.

Cast and Characters

Principal Performers


Shahid Kapoor leads the cast as Sunny, an aspiring artist drawn into the world of counterfeit currency production after economic hardships force him to collaborate with criminal networks. His portrayal emphasizes Sunny's internal conflict between artistic integrity and survival-driven pragmatism, marking Kapoor's debut in a digital crime thriller series. Vijay Sethupathi embodies Michael Vedanayagam, a tenacious special tasked with dismantling fake note syndicates, bringing a mix of intensity and subtle humor to the role from the criminals' perspective. Sethupathi's performance draws on his experience in , infusing the character with layered motivations rooted in personal and professional duty. Kay Kay Menon plays Mansoor Dalal, a shrewd and ruthless figure in the counterfeiting underworld who mentors Sunny, showcasing Menon's versatility in depicting manipulative authority figures. appears as Megha Vyas, a ministry official entangled in the investigation, contributing to the series' exploration of institutional responses to economic crime.

Supporting Roles and Dynamics

Bhuvan Arora plays Firoz, the loyal childhood friend of protagonist Sunny, whose technical ingenuity enables their initial foray into high-quality counterfeit currency production using innovative printing techniques. Their bond, rooted in shared abandonment and —having met sketching at station and later adopted by Sunny's grandfather—drives much of the narrative tension, blending unwavering support with moments of confrontation over escalating risks, as Firoz's innocence and comedic outbursts provide levity against the criminal perils they face together. Kay Kay Menon portrays Mansoor Dalal, a suave and ruthless counterfeiting kingpin who controls a vast underground network, employing charm and intimidation to expand his operations. Dalal's dynamic with pursuing officer Michael Vedanayagam features sharp-witted exchanges and calculated power plays, underscoring a rivalry fueled by territorial control over fake currency distribution channels, while his opportunistic recruitment attempts toward Sunny highlight exploitative alliances in the criminal hierarchy. Raashii Khanna's Megha Vyas serves as a key investigator in the specialized anti-counterfeiting , bringing analytical rigor to the manhunt against Sunny's operation and injecting earnest determination into inter-agency collaborations. Her interactions with senior enforcers reveal bureaucratic frictions and personal stakes in dismantling syndicates, contrasting the criminals' improvisational chaos with methodical pursuit. Additional supporting figures, such as Chittaranjan Giri's Yasir Chacha as a grizzled mentor offering expertise, and Amol Palekar's Naanu as Sunny's grandfather—a former freedom fighter embodying ethical restraint—further shape relational dynamics, with the former enabling technical escalations and the latter serving as a to the protagonists' moral descent into for profit.

Production Process

Development and Writing

Farzi was conceived by filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., known as Raj & DK, in the early 2010s as a centered on counterfeiting. They pitched the concept to , who was attached to star, but the project did not advance to production at that time and was shelved in favor of other endeavors. The idea resurfaced for development as a following India's 2016 demonetization policy, which highlighted issues of counterfeit currency and provided timely economic context for the narrative. Raj & DK partnered with , expanding the original outline into a multi-episode format to explore character arcs and plot intricacies more deeply. The series title was officially announced on , 2022. The screenplay was co-written by Raj & DK, , and Suman Kumar, with contributions from Raghav Dutt. Raj & DK initiated drafts in English to capture core structure and rhythm, after which Menon adapted them into , followed by refinements from a dedicated writer to refine natural phrasing and cultural nuances. This layered approach allowed the script to blend thriller elements with , drawing from Raj & DK's prior works like the caper dynamics of 99 (2009) and the urban grit of Shor in the City (2010), while ensuring an original fictional narrative unrooted in specific real events. The writing emphasized character-driven storytelling, prioritizing authentic motivations over formulaic tropes, as Raj & DK aimed to craft protagonists before finalizing .

Filming and Locations

Principal photography for Farzi commenced in on July 13, 2021, with an initial 40-day shooting schedule involving and the directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK. The production spanned multiple phases across and abroad to capture the series' narrative scope, which involves counterfeit operations and pursuits extending beyond urban India. Filming occurred extensively in , serving as the primary hub for interior scenes and urban sequences depicting the counterfeit underworld. Additional Indian locations included Alibaug and , where coastal and suburban settings facilitated action and character-driven segments requiring natural landscapes. To broaden the visual palette and align with plot elements involving international intrigue, significant portions were shot in , particularly for rugged terrains, and for desert exteriors that enhanced the series' high-stakes chases and evasion scenes. Directors Raj and DK scouted these diverse sites to integrate authentic backdrops, avoiding over-reliance on studio sets for realism in the crime-thriller format.

Post-Production Techniques

The post-production phase of Farzi emphasized refining the series' blend of thriller tension and comedic undertones through targeted techniques. Editors focused on pacing to maintain across the eight episodes, selectively trimming and sequencing to heighten in operations while preserving humorous character interactions, resulting in a runtime that balanced episodic closure with overarching plot progression. Visual effects were primarily deployed in the opening , produced by Motion under the direction of Parthasarathy, featuring dynamic inspired by graphical motifs from modern Indian notes to evoke an infinite, deceptive symbolizing the theme of . This sequence utilized 2D and to integrate vibrant, energetic visuals that set the tonal foundation, with each frame meticulously crafted to align with the series' "farzi" () motif. Sound design, handled by Saraswati Kumar Deepak, incorporated layered foley and ambient effects to underscore the gritty realism of processes and high-stakes chases, while modulating comedic beats through subtle timing adjustments in dialogue and environmental cues. techniques were applied to achieve a desaturated palette with selective warm tones for interpersonal scenes, enhancing the dual genres' contrast and maintaining visual consistency across diverse locations depicted in the series.

Music and Audio Elements

Score Composition

The background score for the Farzi was composed by Ketan Sodha, an Indian composer known for his work on projects like and Pari. Sodha's contributions focused on underscoring the narrative's tension in counterfeiting operations and cat-and-mouse pursuits between protagonists and , employing electronic and synth elements to evoke a modern thriller atmosphere. Reviewers highlighted the score's role in amplifying suspense during key sequences, such as the depiction of illicit printing processes, where it provided rhythmic intensity without overpowering dialogue. Sodha mixed and composed specific cues, including the "End Credits - Theme," which integrates recurring motifs from the series to reinforce themes of and . The score's production aligned with directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK's vision for a gritty, realistic tone, drawing from 's experience in blending orchestral and digital sounds for pacing in action-oriented scenes. Unlike the vocal songs, which were handled separately, the prioritized subtlety to heighten emotional stakes, particularly in interpersonal dynamics involving characters like Sunny and Michael. This approach contributed to the series' immersive quality upon its premiere on on February 10, 2023.

Soundtrack Tracks and Usage

The original soundtrack for Farzi comprises three , released digitally on January 26, 2023, prior to the series premiere. These tracks were composed specifically for the series by Sachin-Jigar and , blending hip-hop, electronic, and melodic elements to underscore themes of and ambition.
Track TitleComposer(s)Singer(s)Duration
Paisa Hai TohSachin-Jigar, Mellow D, Jigar Saraiya3:11
Sab FarziSachin-Jigar, 2:31
AasmaanAnumita Nadesan, Raghav Meattle2:48
"Sab Farzi" features in promotional music videos starring and , emphasizing the series' counterfeit economy motif through its rhythmic lyrics on fakery. "Paisa Hai Toh," released as a single on February 27, 2023, accompanies high-energy sequences and was marketed with footage of the leads, highlighting monetary temptation central to the plot. "Aasmaan" provides an emotive backdrop, integrated into reflective moments via its released on March 3, 2023, evoking aspiration amid moral ambiguity. Additional tracks like the end-credits theme and "Koi Fark Nahi Padta" (featuring rapper DRV) extend the album's scope but remain tied to promotional and closing usages rather than core episode placements.

Release Strategy

Platform Premiere

Farzi premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on February 10, 2023, with all seven episodes released simultaneously for subscribers worldwide. The streaming platform, known for dropping full seasons at once to encourage binge-watching, made the Hindi-language crime thriller available in multiple regional languages including Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, alongside English subtitles to broaden accessibility in India and international markets. The release followed a promotional buildup, including a trailer drop on February 1, 2023, which highlighted the series' counterfeiting plot and garnered over 10 million views within days, signaling strong pre-launch interest. No theatrical or broadcast television premiere occurred, as Farzi was produced as an original for Prime Video under its D2R Films banner, aligning with the platform's strategy for direct-to-OTT content investment in Indian originals.

Promotion and Marketing

The official trailer for Farzi was released on January 13, 2023, showcasing the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Shahid Kapoor's counterfeit artist Sunny and Vijay Sethupathi's pursuing officer. The trailer's launch event on January 15, 2023, featured a staged "fake encounter" setup involving the cast and creators Raj & DK, emphasizing the series' counterfeiting theme. Prime Video employed thematic tie-ins for promotion, including a collaboration with Instamart that distributed fake ₹2,000 notes to select customers ordering via the platform, mirroring the show's plot of high-quality . Additional digital campaigns reached over 150 million unique viewers through programmatic video and display advertising, directing traffic to a dedicated for the series. A crossover advertisement integrated Manoj Bajpayee's character Srikant Tiwari from The Family Man—another Raj & DK creation—to endorse Farzi, released in early March 2023 to leverage shared universe appeal. Promotional clips featured Kapoor in character, such as a February 3, 2023, video depicting Sunny's pre-conman life influenced by love, and a January 11 teaser where Kapoor humorously interrupted a fake trailer shoot. Pre-release screenings and events drew celebrities, including a February 9, 2023, gathering attended by Kapoor, his father , stepmother , brother Ishaan Khattar, , and , amplifying buzz through social media shares. These efforts contributed to Farzi achieving Prime Video's largest opening for an original series upon its February 10, 2023, premiere.

Reception and Analysis

Critical Evaluations

Critics praised the performances of leads Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi, with Kapoor's portrayal of the protagonist Sunny noted for its brooding intensity and restraint, marking a strong OTT debut that echoed real-life authenticity. Sethupathi's role as the antagonist was highlighted for lending heft to the narrative through naturalistic delivery and dialect management, often setting a high bar that elevated supporting cast dynamics. The series received acclaim for its script's early rapport-building among characters and quirky humor, which provided engaging thriller elements akin to directors Raj & DK's prior works like , though some found it less inventive and reliant on familiar tropes. Direction was commended for effective scene sequencing and subplot execution, maintaining tension in crime caper sequences despite a get-rich-or-die-trying premise criticized as generic. Weaknesses included pacing drags from emotional and romantic subplots, leading to soulless segments that disrupted momentum, alongside politically messy undertones that some viewed as underdeveloped or inconsistent with the core counterfeit currency plot. Critics noted the narrative tapering into easy resolutions after initial edginess, with weaker emotional depth and character arcs compared to benchmarks like Breaking Bad, potentially better suited as a shorter film. Overall ratings averaged positive, such as 3.5/5 from multiple outlets, balancing gripping scam elements against formulaic risks, though some argued the shine masked shallower thematic execution.

Audience Metrics and Responses

Farzi achieved significant audience engagement, recording an estimated 37 million views in , establishing it as the most-watched subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) series in the country's history according to Ormax Media's analysis. This figure surpassed previous benchmarks, with the series being the only web original to exceed 30 million viewers in 2023, driven by its release on in February of that year. The high viewership reflects strong initial traction among Hindi-speaking audiences, particularly in urban and semi-urban demographics tracked by Ormax's consumer surveys. On , Farzi holds an average user rating of 8.3 out of 10, based on over 53,000 votes as of late 2023, indicating broad approval from international and domestic viewers. Audience feedback emphasized the series' gripping narrative and performances, with many users praising its blend of crime thriller elements and character-driven storytelling, often rating individual episodes between 8.0 and 9.0. platforms saw positive buzz, with discussions highlighting Shahid Kapoor's portrayal of the protagonist and the show's commentary on economies, contributing to its ranking as one of IMDb's top global series at peak popularity. Viewer responses commonly noted the series' rewatch value and emotional depth, though some critiques pointed to pacing inconsistencies in later episodes. Overall, the metrics underscore Farzi's appeal as a breakout hit in Indian OTT content, fostering discussions on economic themes like fake currency that resonated with everyday viewers.

Economic and Viewership Data

Farzi garnered substantial viewership on Amazon Prime Video following its premiere on February 10, 2023, emerging as the most-watched Hindi web series of the year per Ormax Media's analysis, with 37.1 million views across India. This milestone positioned it as the first Indian subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) original to exceed 30 million views, surpassing prior benchmarks set by series like The Family Man and Mirzapur. The series' performance extended its lead in the Hindi original content category, outpacing competitors such as Prime Video's Bawaal and Netflix's offerings. Production costs for the first season remain undisclosed in public records, though remuneration details highlight significant investments in talent: Vijay Sethupathi received ₹7 crore for his role as Michael, while supporting cast members like Kay Kay Menon and Bhuvan Arora commanded fees in the range of ₹1-2 crore each. Shahid Kapoor's exact compensation for the lead role of Sunny was not reported, but the series' viewership success directly influenced escalated budgets for subsequent production, evidenced by his reported ₹45 crore fee for season 2—the highest of his career. Revenue figures from streaming subscriptions or ancillary deals are not publicly available, as Amazon Prime Video does not disclose per-title earnings; however, the metrics prompted immediate renewal for a second season, signaling strong commercial viability.

Awards and Recognitions

Farzi garnered recognition at various Indian awards ceremonies, primarily for its direction, , and overall production quality. At the International Awards 2024, the series won Best , while received the Best Actor in a award for his portrayal of the Sunny. Directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, known as Raj & DK, were awarded Best Director in the OTT category for their work on the series.
AwardCategoryRecipientResultYear
Best Web SeriesFarziWon2024
Best Actor - Web SeriesWon2024
TOIFA (Times of India Film Awards)Male Actor - Web SeriesWon2024
IMDb STARmeter AwardsBreakout StarWon2023
Critics' Choice Film AwardsBest FarziNominated2024
Best Production Design (Series)Parichit ParalkarNominated2023
Best Editing (Series)Sumeet KotianNominated2023
The series accumulated numerous nominations across platforms, reflecting acclaim for its technical and performance elements, though specific wins were concentrated in actor and director categories.

Future Installments

Season 2 Development

Following the success of the first season, Shahid Kapoor confirmed in February 2023 that a second season of Farzi was in development. The project is being helmed by directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, who prioritized scripting after completing other commitments such as Citadel: India and The Family Man season 3. As of October 2025, Farzi season 2 remains in the writing stage, with pre-production activities underway. Filming is scheduled to commence in January 2026, following 's completion of other projects. Reports indicate that has secured a fee of Rs 40 for his role, representing his highest to date for a project. The returning cast is expected to feature alongside , with no official changes announced. Amazon Prime Video and the creators have expressed optimism about production, targeting a release in the second half of 2026, though no formal announcement has been made by the platform. Earlier projections from April 2025 suggested a December start to filming, but schedules have shifted to accommodate actor availability.

Anticipated Elements

The second season of Farzi is expected to continue the core narrative established in the first, focusing on the high-stakes world of counterfeit currency operations in , with protagonist Sunny's () deceptive schemes facing intensified pursuit by intelligence officer Michael (). Directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, known for blending thriller elements with dark humor and moral ambiguity in projects like , have indicated ongoing script development that builds on these themes, potentially exploring escalated consequences from the season 1 finale's unresolved tensions. Key returning cast members are anticipated, including and in their lead roles, alongside supporting actors like , whose character arc is expected to evolve amid the criminal underworld's expansions. No official announcements detail new characters or subplots as of October 2025, though production reports suggest a heightened scale in action sequences and investigative intrigue, aligning with the series' examination of economic crime's societal impacts. Viewers anticipate the retention of the show's bilingual (Hindi-Telugu) format and stylistic elements, such as rapid pacing and satirical undertones critiquing corruption, which propelled the original's success on . Filming commencement in late 2025 positions the season for a potential 2026 streaming debut, with enhanced production values funded by Kapoor's reported ₹40-45 remuneration, signaling ambitions for broader narrative scope. Specific plot revelations remain under wraps, as creators prioritize script finalization post-other commitments like Citadel: India.

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