The stage is officially set for Munawar Faruqui’s much-anticipated acting debut in the gritty crime drama series First Copy, and the recently released teaser offers a compelling glimpse into what promises to be a riveting watch. Scheduled to premiere in June 2025 on Amazon MX Player, the series dives into a dark and largely unexplored facet of Bollywood’s history—the underworld of 90s film piracy.
Munawar Faruqui as Arif: A Game-Changer
Known for his wit and raw storytelling on reality shows and stand-up stages, Munawar Faruqui now steps into the shoes of Arif, a street-smart piracy kingpin navigating the glitzy yet dangerous lanes of 90s Bollywood. The teaser introduces Arif as both charismatic and calculating, someone who has clawed his way from the bottom to build a formidable empire that threatens the powerhouses of the film industry.
In a powerful teaser moment, Arif lights up a cigarette amid a sea of black-market DVDs, symbolizing his control over the booming bootleg business. Munawar brings an unexpected intensity to the screen, and his transformation into a dramatic actor seems promising, with just the right blend of grit, vulnerability, and swagger.
90s Nostalgia Meets Crime Drama
Set against the shimmering backdrop of Bollywood’s golden decade, First Copy doesn’t just lean on nostalgia—it reimagines it through the lens of crime, ambition, and underground networks. The teaser captures this perfectly with moody lighting, period-specific props, and a haunting score that elevates the suspense. It’s a world where creativity collides with crime, and the stakes are life-altering.
What’s the Story?
First Copy revolves around Arif (Munawar Faruqui), a small-time hustler who rises to become the undisputed king of Bollywood piracy in the pre-digital era. But with power comes enemies—film producers, gangsters, and even the law are after him. The series explores how far ambition can push a man and the brutal consequences of playing with fire.
Cast & Crew Insights
- Streaming On – Amazon MX Player (Free Streaming)
- Munawar Faruqui (as Arif) – “Portraying him allowed me to explore his depth—the charm, the intensity, and his emotional turmoil.”
- Krystle D’Souza (as Mona) – “First Copy is an intense exploration of the human cost of ambition.”
- Gulshan Grover – “It’s raw, intense, and shines a light on the unseen side of Bollywood’s golden age.”
- Director & Writer – Farhan P Zamma (promising a “fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat thriller”)
Director’s Vision and Creative Backing
Farhan P Zamma, who has both written and directed the series, brings a sharp, gritty storytelling style to the screen. His vision is clear—to spotlight the human cost of ambition in a world where legality and morality are blurred. As he explains, First Copy is not just about piracy, it’s about survival, power, and the high-stakes decisions that shape destinies.
The series is backed by Amazon MX Player, which continues to push boundaries with bold, character-driven stories. According to Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, the series is “a high-octane drama” with rich characters and a unique period setting that hasn’t been explored much in Indian web content.
Teaser Delivers on Thrills & Freshness
The teaser of First Copy hits all the right notes—it’s fast-paced, mysterious, and emotionally layered. With Munawar Faruqui leading a powerful cast, the show seems set to offer more than just a crime drama. It promises a journey into a dangerous era where dreams were sold in black markets, and ambition often came with a price tag.
As the premiere date nears in June 2025, First Copy is definitely a series to watch out for—especially for fans of true-crime thrillers and period dramas with an emotional punch.