Bollywood’s obsession with rags-to-riches stories gets a shocking twist in Amazon MX Player’s new crime thriller First Copy, starring the brilliant Munawar Faruqui in his most daring role yet. Set in the lawless 90s, this 10-episode series pulls back the curtain on Mumbai’s pirated movie empire – where bootlegging cassettes was the ultimate shortcut to riches. But does this dark tale of ambition and crime deserve your weekend binge? Let’s investigate!
The Plot: When Crime Pays Better Than 9-to-5
Meet Arif (Munawar Faruqui), a small-time thief who discovers Mumbai’s dirtiest secret – piracy pays better than honesty. After serving jail time for stealing music cassettes, Arif tries going straight, only to face humiliation at every turn. That is, until he stumbles upon the lucrative world of pirated Bollywood films and builds an underground empire that would make Bhansali jealous.
Twist Alert: Just when Arif thinks he’s made it, his love affair with Mona (Crystal Dias) and run-ins with rival gangs threaten to destroy everything.
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Star Power: Munawar Shines in Career-Best Performance
- Munawar Faruqui proves he’s more than just a comedian, delivering nuanced intensity as the morally conflicted Arif
- Gulshan Grover and Raza Murad bring vintage Bollywood villainy as rival piracy kings
- Sakib Ayub steals scenes as Arif’s loyal-but-terrified partner-in-crime
Did You Know? The series features actual 90s piracy hotspots like Mumbai’s infamous Heera Panna market as filming locations.
What Works?
✅ Nostalgic 90s Vibes: From old Bollywood posters to cassette culture, the production design is flawless
✅ Gripping Crime Saga: Think Sacred Games meets The Wolf of Wall Street – desi style
✅ Binge-Worthy Format: 30-minute episodes packed with shocking twists
What Doesn’t?
❌ Predictable Arc: The rise-fall-redemption template feels familiar
❌ Adult Content: Some scenes make it unsuitable for family viewing
Fan Verdict: “Munawar’s transformation will shock you – this isn’t the guy from Lock Upp anymore!” – @WebSeriesFanatic
Final Verdict: Should You Watch?
If you loved Scam 1992 or Mirzapur, this crime drama with a 90s Bollywood twist will keep you hooked. While not groundbreaking, First Copy delivers solid entertainment with stellar performances and nail-biting tension.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) – “A flawed but fascinating look at Bollywood’s pirated past”
Where to Watch: Streaming now on Amazon MX Player
Hot Gossip: Industry sources say MX Player is already developing Season 2 – will we see Arif enter the DVD piracy era?
(P.S. After watching this, you’ll never look at your old Bollywood cassettes the same way again!)
