The web series 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web', created by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, premiered on Netflix on January 14, 2026, and has been widely reviewed. Emraan Hashmi stars as Superintendent Arjun Meena, a dedicated customs officer at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, leading a specialized task force against a sprawling international smuggling network. Critics have lauded Hashmi's performance, noting a departure from his conventional 'swagger' to a more intense, restrained, and intelligent portrayal, highlighting his character's reliance on patience and strategic thinking over overt heroics. Many reviews also suggest that Neeraj Pandey, known for his realistic crime thrillers, largely finds his footing again with 'Taskaree', bringing his signature focus on institutional detail and procedural accuracy to the narrative. The seven-episode Hindi-language series explores the complex machinery of global smuggling, moving across various international locations such as Milan, Bangkok, Addis Ababa, and Al-Dera, and delves into the moral complexities faced by law enforcement. While some critics point to occasional narrative predictability or a slow pace in certain parts, the series is generally praised for its compelling storyline, strong ensemble cast including Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha, and its engaging, detail-oriented approach to the crime thriller genre.