The series is based on the book Reporter’s Diary: Sanjay Singh by journalist Sanjay Singh, who originally broke the story. The narrative tracks the life of Abdul Karim Telgi, beginning with his humble origins as a fruit seller at a railway station in Khanapur, Karnataka.
The series' most significant strength is the immersive performance of lead actor Gagan Dev Riar. To bring the complex character to life, Riar underwent an extraordinary physical transformation, gaining nearly 20 kilograms to match Telgi's physique. His meticulous preparation went beyond mere physicality; he visited Telgi’s hometown of Khanapur to master the specific Hyderabadi-Bombay dialect and mannerisms. He also studied photographs and videos of Telgi, stitching together all available information to create a layered, authentic portrayal. Scam 2003 The Telgi Story -2023- Web Series
The series received high praise for its writing, direction, and acting, making it a must-watch in the Indian true-crime genre. The series is based on the book Reporter’s
The cinematography uses warm, sepia tones to evoke the late 1990s and early 2000s. The production design meticulously recreates old Mumbai local trains, dusty government offices, and retro printing presses. Real Life vs. Reel Life: The True Story To bring the complex character to life, Riar