Plot Summary:

The series begins slowly, with the first three episodes establishing characters and settings. Post Episode 3, the plot takes a sharp turn as we dive deep into the pirated film industry of 90s Mumbai. Munawar Faruqui’s character gets entangled in this illegal trade, revealing the darker sides of the Bollywood dream.

Positives:

• Munawar Faruqui delivers a surprisingly layered performance.
• The show stays grounded with its raw, realistic portrayal of street-level crime.
• Cinematography and set design capture the ’90s aesthetic well.
• Peels back the glitz of the film industry to show its darker reality.

Negatives:

• Uneven pacing—you must sit through 3 episodes before things pick up.
•  Some scenes feel illogical or unnecessarily stretched.
• Not suitable for family viewing—includes adult themes and violence.
• Missed emotional beats in key moments that could’ve hit harder.

Performance Breakdown:

Munawar Faruqui deserves credit for stepping far outside his comfort zone. His portrayal of a conflicted man driven to crime isn’t just believable—it’s memorable. While the writing could’ve been tighter, Faruqui shines through in several intense moments, offering glimmers of vulnerability and rage. Gulshan Grover also shines.

Final Verdict: First Copy Review

First Copy is far from flawless, but its grounded tone and strong central performance make it a compelling watch. If you’re willing to invest time beyond the slow start, there’s depth, nostalgia, and some gritty thrills waiting for you. (3.5/5)