SonyLIV's only expectation from us is to deliver Scam 2003 on time, says Hansal Mehta

The crime drama Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020) turned out to be a turning point not just for SonyLIV and actor Pratik Gandhi but also for filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The show, which is based on the life of the late stockbroker Harshad Mehta, just might be his most celebrated work to date. 

Hence, the upcoming follow-up Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, which is based on the life of Abdul Karim Telgi, is highly anticipated.

Mehta got candid about the show during a roundtable chat recently at the event celebrating two years of SonyLIV’s new avatar, which, incidentally, commenced with Scam 1992.

The filmmaker said Scam 2003 will be entertaining and authentic. "It will have all the things that season one had and much more. We will be delving into a new life, a new character. The character will come on its own. I think we will try to incorporate the learnings of season one,” Mehta said.

The roundtable, which was hosted by critic Rajeev Masand, was also attended by filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, actor Rana Daggubati, producer and filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, chief executive officer of Applause Entertainment Sameer Nair and SonyLIV executive vice-president and business head Danish Khan. 

Mehta added that the new season would have a fresh approach. “We cannot be bogged down by season one,” said Mehta. “I know it was a huge success. We can’t get into the trap; you will end up disappointing yourself. It’s better that it’s a completely fresh take.” 

Scam 2003 will see Mehta don the hat of the creator while Tushar Hiranandani has been brought on to direct the show. 

“There is a new director on board, who is executing it with his own vision, skills and ability,” said Mehta. “He is interpreting the character in his own way. And we have a new actor [Gagan Dev Riar]. So there are a lot of new things to look forward to.”

During the discussion, Cinestaan.com asked Mehta how challenging it was to keep the expectations of the platform in check while shooting the next season. He jokingly answered, “The only expectation from the platform is to deliver it [the content] on time. We are racing towards meeting that expectation,” he said. 

The event also saw SonyLIV announcing a slate of over 50 Hindi original shows. Some of these include Freedom At Midnight, Faadu, Tanaav, Avrodh: The Siege Within (Season 2), Maharani (Season 2), Pulwama Key No 1026, Rocket Boys (Season 2), Garmi, Main Sahir Hoon, India's First Election and Meme Boys.