The 1990s in India was a decade of transition cassettes turned to CDs, Doordarshan made way for cable TV, and Bollywood films became more accessible, not through multiplexes, but through pirated VCDs. First Copy, a new web series streaming on Amazon MX Player, dives headfirst into this underground world, blending crime, drama, and nostalgia into a flawed yet fascinating narrative.
Starring stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui in his acting debut, the series explores the rise and fall of a piracy kingpin in Mumbai. With a strong supporting cast, authentic 90s aesthetics, and a morally ambiguous protagonist, First Copy has enough going for it to keep viewers engaged—but does it fully deliver?
Plot Summary: From Rejection to Criminal Empire
The story follows Arif (Munawar Faruqui), a young man working at a video parlor in Mumbai. After facing humiliation at a film production house, he stumbles into the world of pirated VCDs, initially as a means of survival but soon as a full-blown criminal enterprise.
Arif’s journey from a struggling nobody to a feared piracy don is filled with ambition, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. Saqib Ayyub plays a relentless cop determined to bring him down, while Krystle D’Souza and Ashi Singh add emotional depth as the women in Arif’s life.
The series blends crime thriller elements with family drama, exploring how ambition can corrupt and how desperation can blur the line between right and wrong.
What Works in First Copy?
1. Munawar Faruqui’s Strong Debut
The biggest surprise here is Munawar Faruqui. Known for his sharp comedy, he delivers a raw, intense performance as Arif. His transition from a vulnerable, struggling young man to a ruthless criminal is convincing.
- Standout Scene: A quiet moment where Arif stares at a pile of pirated DVDs, realizing the cost of his choices. No dialogue, just pure acting.
- Emotional Range: From quiet desperation to explosive anger, Munawar proves he’s more than just a comedian.
2. Authentic 90s Nostalgia
The series nails the look and feel of 90s Mumbai:
- Video parlors, VCR tapes, and shady CD stalls everything feels lived-in and real.
- Bollywood references—from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge posters to shady piracy syndicates, it’s a love letter to 90s film culture.
- Cinematography—the grimy streets, dimly lit rooms, and chaotic local trains add to the atmosphere.
3. Supporting Cast Elevates the Drama
- Saqib Ayyub as the cop is ruthless and compelling, a perfect foil to Munawar’s Arif.
- Krystle D’Souza brings vulnerability and strength as Mona, Arif’s love interest.
- Gulshan Grover in a restrained role—no over-the-top villainy, just quiet menace.
4. Interesting Moral Dilemma
The series doesn’t just glorify crime—it questions ambition, greed, and the price of success.
- Is Arif a victim of circumstance or a willing criminal?
- How far is too far when survival is at stake?
Where First Copy Falls Short
1. Uneven Pacing & Dragging Middle Episodes
- First 3 episodes are tight and engaging.
- Mid-season slump: The story loses momentum with repetitive drama and stretched-out scenes.
- Finale feels rushed—some character arcs needed more closure.
2. Underdeveloped Side Characters
- Meiyang Chang’s character has potential but is barely explored.
- Ashi Singh’s Afreen is likable but feels sidelined in the second half.
3. Overly Dramatic Background Score
- The music sometimes overpowers the scenes instead of complementing them.
- Feels too Bollywood-melodramatic for a gritty crime series.
4. Editing Could Have Been Tighter
- Some transitions feel abrupt.
- A few emotional moments lose impact due to choppy editing.
Themes & Social Commentary
Beyond the crime drama, First Copy touches on deeper issues:
- The rise of piracy and its impact on Bollywood.
- Class struggle—how lack of opportunities pushes people into crime.
- Moral decay—how power changes people.
However, the series could have gone deeper into these themes instead of sticking to surface-level drama.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Watch If You Like:
Crime dramas with a desi flavor.
Nostalgic 90s settings (VCRs, video parlors, old Bollywood).
Munawar Faruqui’s acting debut—he’s the highlight.
Skip If You Prefer:
Fast-paced thrillers (this one drags in parts).
Highly unpredictable plots (some twists are predictable).
Perfectly polished storytelling (this is rough around the edges).
Rating: 3/5 – Flawed but Good Watch
First Copy isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s engaging enough for a one-time watch. It’s like a pirated DVD—imperfect, but still entertaining.
First Copy succeeds in capturing a bygone era and delivering a solid crime drama, even if it stumbles in execution. Munawar Faruqui proves he’s a versatile performer, and the 90s nostalgia is spot-on.
If you’re in the mood for a gritty, slow-burn crime story with a strong emotional core, give it a shot. Just don’t expect Sacred Games levels of brilliance—this one’s more about the vibe than perfection.
Now streaming free on MX Player!
What did you think of First Copy?
Have you watched it yet? Did Munawar’s performance surprise you? Let me know in the comments!
Tags: #FirstCopyWebSeries #MunawarFaruqui #MXPlayer #WebSeriesReview #90sNostalgia #CrimeDrama #Bollywood #Piracy #IndianWebSeries