Farzi Web Series – All Episodes, Reviews & Where to Watch
Farzi is an Indian crime thriller web series that premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in February 2023. It marks Shahid Kapoor’s digital debut alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Kay Kay Menon. The eight-episode first season follows a struggling artist who stumbles into the world of counterfeiting and finds himself caught between law enforcement and a powerful criminal syndicate. Created by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., the duo behind “Sacred Games,” the series drew attention for its fast-paced storytelling and strong performances.
Overview
Sunny (Shahid Kapoor) is a talented but broke artist in Mumbai who can barely keep afloat. Everything changes when he accidentally creates a perfect replica of currency and attracts the attention of Michael (Vijay Sethupathi), an international crime lord who recognizes Sunny’s potential. At the same time, CBI officer Satyajeet (Kay Kay Menon) has been tracking counterfeiters for years and now has a new target.
The show balances several storylines—Sunny’s moral crisis, Michael’s growing empire, and Satyajeit’s single-minded pursuit. It explores ambition, loyalty, and the gray areas between legality and crime. The show doesn’t lecture viewers about right and wrong. It just presents the messiness of living a double life.
The eight episodes range from 45 to 55 minutes each, with cliffhangers that pull you into the next one. The pacing jumps between action and quieter moments that dig into why characters make the choices they do. Some critics called it unpredictable, though others felt the final episode rushed through plot points.
Cast
Shahid Kapoor plays Sunny Mehra, the protagonist whose journey drives the series. This was his first web series, and he committed to a darker, more complex role than his usual romantic lead parts.
Vijay Sethupathi is Michael, a crime lord with a calm exterior and violent streaks. Known for his work in Tamil cinema, Sethupathi makes Michael both magnetic and genuinely unsettling.
Kay Kay Menon portrays CBI officer Satyajeet Sharma with quiet intensity—a man obsessed with catching counterfeiters even when it costs him personally.
The supporting cast includes Bhumi Pednekar as Sunny’s journalist girlfriend, Amrita Singh as his mother, and Rajendra Gupta. Each character gets enough screen time to feel real, which makes the moral conflicts hit harder.
Episodes (Season 1)
Episode 1: “The Artist” — Sunny is barely surviving in Mumbai as an artist and part-time worker. After losing another job, he gets a call about his mother being hospitalized, which leads him to discover a counterfeiting operation.
Episode 2: “First Job” — Sunny reluctantly joins the counterfeiting ring, using his artistic skills to perfect currency prints. Satyajeet notices signs of a new player in the market.
Episode 3: “The Trap” — Sunny proves himself to Michael’s organization. Satyajeet’s investigation narrows in, creating pressure on the counterfeiters.
Episode 4: “The Master” — Michael’s backstory emerges, showing the scale of his operations. Sunny starts building alliances inside the criminal network.
Episode 5: “Betrayal” — A shocking twist shifts the power dynamics. Sunny faces his first major moral choice as the consequences of his actions become clear.
Episode 6: “The Heat” — Law enforcement closes in. Relationships crack under pressure, and loyalties get tested.
Episode 7: “The Reckoning” — Storylines converge. Sunny must decide between protecting his family or staying loyal to his criminal connections.
Episode 8: “Endgame” — The season ends with a dramatic finale that wraps up immediate conflicts while leaving room for future stories.
Where to Watch
Farzi streams exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar. All eight episodes dropped on February 10, 2023, letting subscribers binge the entire season at once.
You’ll need an active Disney+ Hotstar subscription. The platform offers a mobile-only plan and premium plans that support multiple devices in HD or 4K. New users can sometimes access free trials or promotional offers.
International availability varies by region through Disney+ Hotstar’s regional versions. Check your local library for confirmation. The series is in Hindi with English subtitles, plus audio dubs in other Indian languages.
Reception
Critics gave Farzi generally positive reviews. Shahid Kapoor’s shift from Bollywood romantic lead to conflicted antihero got attention—his performance added weight to a character that could have fallen flat. Vijay Sethupathi’s menacing turn as Michael earned consistent praise, with many calling him the show’s highlight despite joining production later.
“Farzi works as both a gripping thriller and a character study, lifted by strong performances and tight direction.” — A major entertainment publication
Some reviewers compared it to “Money Heist” for its strategic storytelling. Others noted the final episode felt rushed, leaving threads unexplored. A few called out predictable moments in an otherwise unpredictable show.
Audience reaction matched critics. The series trended on social media during its release week. Viewers liked that the show tackled morally gray territory without spelling out lessons.
Production
Directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. aimed for an Indian crime thriller with global appeal, drawing from their “Sacred Games” experience.
Sets portrayed both Mumbai’s streets and the criminal underworld’s opulence. Counterfeiting scenes consulted experts to get details right without revealing anything sensitive.
Shahid Kapoor transformed physically for the role and studied real counterfeiters to understand their mindset. Vijay Sethupathi, primarily working in Tamil, learned his Hindi lines phonetically.
Filming happened across India and internationally, matching the crime story’s global scope. Cinematography and music received extra attention to elevate the production beyond typical streaming fare.
FAQs
Is Farzi based on a true story?
No, it’s original fiction inspired by real counterfeiting operations.
Will there be a Season 2?
No official announcement yet. The finale left some threads open, so renewal discussions may happen.
What’s the age rating?
18+ for violence, language, and mature themes.
How does it compare to Sacred Games?
Both share creators and crime elements, but Sacred Games focused on political conspiracy while Farzi centers on counterfeiting and personal morality. Farzi moves faster.
Can I watch without a subscription?
No—it’s exclusive to Disney+ Hotstar.
What languages are available?
Hindi with English subtitles, plus other Indian language audio options.
Farzi delivers a solid crime thriller with strong performances and intricate plotting. Whether you’re into the genre or exploring Indian streaming content, it’s worth a watch. Check out the first season on Disney+ Hotstar and see for yourself what all the noise is about.
