IMAGE: Zoya Afroz, Emraan Hashmi, Amruta Khanvilkar on the Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net launch occasion in Mumbai, January 7, 2026. {Photograph}: Panna Bandekar

Strolling into the launch of Netflix’s newest thriller, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net, felt very like navigating an airport.

A bustling counter handed out boarding passes. Sure, boarding passes!

Subsequent up, a ‘little too critical’ safety test.

After which, designated boarding gates!

This was a cleverly-staged introduction to the high-stakes world of customs enforcement, which kinds the premise of Neeraj Pandey’s newest present.

 

IMAGE: The boarding cross on the Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net launch occasion.{Photograph}: Mayur Sanap/Rediff

The intriguing set-up captures the present’s novel theme, which headlining star Emraan Hashmi describes as a ‘new world’.

“The customized officers have by no means made it to the display screen. And I do not know why,” Emraan says on the trailer launch.

“That is one regulation enforcement physique for which no movie has ever been made. Now we have made movies on cops, Military, BSF. And I’ve performed just about all the things. However this was incredible, and I simply felt that that is such a brand new world.”

IMAGE: Emraan Hashmi on the Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net launch occasion. {Photograph}: Panna Bandekar

Emraan mentioned he was impressed by the script which is “rooted in authenticity” and praised the staff for spending over two years creating the story.

The actor, who performs a customs officer within the present, was requested whether or not he had ever confronted questioning at an airport.

Sure, people, India’s star actor has.

WATCH: Emraan Hashmi remembers his expertise with airport customs.

Video: Afsar Dayatar/Rediff

Neeraj Pandey, recognized for thriller exhibits like Particular Ops and Khakee, mentioned Taskaree is his try to shine a light-weight on the quiet braveness of officers who function behind the scenes.

He revealed that Emraan signed on “inside minutes” of listening to the fundamental storyline.

“The one problem was making a family-friendly present with Emraan,” Pandey mentioned, playfully poking enjoyable on the actor’s long-standing daring onscreen picture.

“That was fairly a problem, however we managed to tug it off.”

Emraan was fast to reply, as he quipped, “Nicely, I managed myself for the present.”

IMAGE: Amruta Khanvilkar, Neeraj Pandey, Emraan Hashmi on the Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net launch occasion. {Photograph}: Panna Bandekar

Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net centres on a particular customs job power working on the Mumbai airport.

Emraan performs Arjun Meena, a devoted customs officer who takes on a robust smuggling community headed by Sharad Kelkar, who steps into the function of antagonist.

The collection additionally stars Amruta Khanvilkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu and Zoya Afroz.

WATCH: Why working with Emraan Hashmi was particular for Zoya Afroz.

Video: Afsar Dayatar/Rediff

No Emraan Hashmi outing feels full and not using a contact of romance, so does Taskaree include its share of swoony moments and dance numbers?

“In fact, love story hoga,” Emraan says with a smile.

“Most important hoon aur love story nahin hain, aisa kabhi nahin ho sakta. There are two lovely ladies within the present,” he provides.

IMAGE: Staff Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net on the launch occasion. {Photograph}: Panna Bandekar

WATCH: Why Amruta Khanvilkar bought violent on the set.

Video: Afsar Dayatar/Rediff

Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Net premieres on January 14.