First Copy Teaser: Munawar Faruqui’s Acting Debut Explores Mumbai’s Piracy Network in Gripping 90s Thriller

The First Copy Teaser dropped on April 1, marking the much-awaited acting debut of stand-up comic and reality show winner Munawar Faruqui. Rising to prominence with his win on Bigg Boss 17, Munawar has since been branching out into various corners of the digital world.

While fans have seen him host and judge reality shows, this Eid brought an exciting twist—his first fictional web series, First Copy. Co-starring Krystle D’Souza, the gritty thriller dives into the dangerous and often overlooked world of film piracy during the 1990s in Mumbai.

Watch The First Copy Teaser Below

First Copy Teaser Hints at Raw, Unfiltered Crime Drama

Shared by Munawar himself on Instagram, the First Copy Teaser introduces audiences to Arif, his on-screen persona, with the caption: “Maal nakli hai, par Arif ka swag bilkul asli hai! First Copy streaming this June only on Amazon MX Player for FREE!”

Set in the underbelly of Mumbai’s cinematic heartland, the teaser hints at a gripping cat-and-mouse narrative, exploring how bootleg copies and black-market networks almost brought Bollywood to its knees.

The teaser successfully captures the aesthetic and spirit of 90s Mumbai, where ambition, betrayal, and survival intersected at every street corner. In today’s era—where even Salman Khan’s Sikandar was recently leaked before its theatrical release—the topic feels more relevant than ever.

Munawar Faruqui’s Transformation from Mic to Movie Sets

Faruqui has long been known for his sharp humor and social commentary, but First Copy Teaser reveals a more intense, emotional side of the artist. Speaking about his character, Munawar shared, “Arif’s story is a testament to survival in a world where nothing comes easy. Portraying him has allowed me to explore his depth— the charm, the intensity, and the emotional turmoil he goes through. It’s a journey that will surprise you at every turn.”

Previously seen on Lock Upp, as a mentor on Playground, and currently hosting Haftaa Vasooli, Munawar’s move to fiction signals a major expansion in his creative journey. Fans familiar with his comedy will be eager to see this darker, more layered performance.

Krystle D’Souza Adds Emotional Complexity to Mona

Krystle D’Souza plays Mona, a key figure in the narrative. Known for her roles in both television and film, she brings a grounded realism to her character. “First Copy is an intense exploration of the human cost of ambition. It definitely has been a great learning while playing the role of Mona, and bringing complexities of the 90s to the fore,” she stated.

Krystle’s last appearance was in Visfot, and with First Copy, she adds another memorable performance to her resume—this time amidst the chaos of a booming but vulnerable film industry.

Industry Legends Elevate the Stakes

Joining the leads are cinema stalwarts Gulshan Grover, Raza Murad, and Meiyang Chang. Gulshan Grover, in particular, is no stranger to portraying nuanced villains and morally grey characters. “The series takes us back to an era when the line between crime and cinema was razor-thin. First Copy is raw, intense, and shines a light on the unseen side of Bollywood’s golden age— where ambition could make or break you,” he remarked.

Behind the Scenes from the Director

The gripping narrative is helmed by writer-director Farhan P Zamma, who explained the creative drive behind the series. “With First Copy, we wanted to dive deep into the untold world of 90s film piracy—a time when ambition and risk went hand in hand. This series is a blend of gripping storytelling, complex characters, and the relentless pursuit of power,” he said.

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, emphasized the show’s novelty and relevance: “With First Copy, we are bringing a fresh, high-octane drama that dives into a world rarely explored on screen. With its thrilling narrative, compelling characters, and a setting that brings the 90s to life, we’re excited to bring this bold new series to audiences across the country on Amazon MX Player.”

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