Renowned comedian, YouTube artist, and reality show winner Munawar Faruqui is all set to make his highly anticipated OTT acting debut with the series First Copy, which begins streaming for free on Amazon MX Player on June 20, 2025. Backed by a compelling cast, intriguing plot, and a nostalgic yet edgy 1990s Mumbai setting, First Copy marks a significant transition for Munawar from the world of stand-up and reality TV to acting in a gripping digital series.
Produced by Salt Media and RVCJ Digital Media, and directed by Farhan P. Zamma, the series promises an explosive combination of gritty storytelling, retro realism, and a dive into India’s underground film piracy culture during the DVD era.
First Copy OTT Release Date
First Copy is all set to be premiered on 20 June 2025 on Amazon MX Player.
While First Copy hinges on the high-stakes world of film piracy, the show goes beyond that to explore emotional and societal dimensions. The narrative touches on themes such as: Ambition vs. Ethics: Arif’s rise to power forces him to constantly choose between financial gain and personal morality.
Nostalgia: With the backdrop of 90s Mumbai, the show rekindles memories of single-screen theaters, bootleg VHS shops, and the analog pulse of an era. Accessibility vs. Ownership: The series indirectly comments on the socio-economic divides that pushed many to consume pirated content when legal access to cinema was a luxury.
The Price of Dreams: As Arif’s empire expands, the emotional cost begins to mount, raising questions about loyalty, trust, and legacy. The writing delicately balances crime-thriller elements with social commentary, making it more than just a series about bootleggers it’s a reflection of a time when people stole cinema not for profit alone, but to feel closer to the stories they loved.
When and Where to Watch First Copy
You can watch this crime drama on Amazon MX Player from 20 June 2025.
Munawar Faruqui has built a massive following through his comedy, music, and reality TV wins—particularly Kangana Ranaut’s Lock Upp and Bigg Boss 17. First Copy is his first major acting role, and based on the trailer and early reactions, it’s clear that Munawar has taken the transition seriously.
In the role of Arif, Munawar brings a mix of charisma, intensity, and emotional vulnerability. He sheds the humorous persona fans are used to, replacing it with a deeply layered character who carries the burden of ambition, responsibility, and secrecy. The response to the trailer has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans and critics praising Munawar’s performance as “surprisingly compelling and natural.”
As First Copy begins streaming on June 20, 2025, viewers will get to witness a story that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on how far we’ve come in terms of content access, creativity, and ambition. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or just curious to see Munawar in a new avatar, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
First Copy Series Story
The series opens with a cinematic introduction that sets the tone immediately: a man is seen burning a DVD on an old computer, immersed in his task. As the whir of the burning process continues, he delivers a powerful monologue contrasting two kinds of people those who try to fall asleep chasing dreams, and those who refuse sleep, chasing ambition.
This philosophical moment transitions into a symbolic gesture the burned CD labeled “1999” is tossed to a younger man lying on a cot. With the command to “get to work,” the older man leaves, and the story begins.
Set in 1990s Mumbai, First Copy plunges viewers into the chaotic, neon-lit world of DVD piracy, where dreams of Bollywood meet the underbelly of criminal enterprise. At the heart of it all is Arif, a young, street-smart man played by Munawar Faruqui, who rises from humble beginnings to become the piracy kingpin of the city.
Arif doesn’t just copy movies he copies dreams, ambitions, and a slice of the city’s soul. His journey through the maze of crime, creativity, ambition, and betrayal paints a fascinating portrait of an era when cinema was religion, and pirated DVDs were its underground prayer books.
Cast and Crew of First Copy Series
While Munawar anchors the series, First Copy also features a strong and experienced supporting cast: Gulshan Grover – Known for his iconic villainous roles, Grover adds gravitas and menace as a powerful underworld player.
Krystle D’Souza – Brings charm and complexity in a key role that intertwines with Arif’s journey. Saqib Ayub, Ashi Singh, Meiyang Chang, Inam Ul Haq, Raza Murad, and Shobi Thilakan Each contributes meaningfully to the rich narrative tapestry. Veteran actor Raza Murad and Vani Vishwanath add a touch of classic Bollywood gravitas to the storytelling.
Director Farhan P. Zamma, making his web-series debut, crafts a visual style that’s both nostalgic and gritty, while writer Anurag Arora ensures the script remains tight, character-driven, and emotionally resonant.
First Copy is an upcoming web series set to stream on Amazon MX Player starting June 20, 2025. Presented in Hindi, with expected support for subtitles, the series falls under the crime, drama, and thriller genres.
Released in an episodic web series format, First Copy promises a gripping narrative that explores the underground world of DVD piracy in 1990s Mumbai. With its unique theme, compelling performances, and free streaming access, it is poised to be a major addition to the OTT lineup this year.
First Copy is more than just a crime drama it’s a nostalgic ode to an era of analog rebellion, set in the heart of Mumbai where passion and piracy collided. With a compelling plot, high production value, and Munawar Faruqui’s confident acting debut, the series is poised to be one of the most talked-about OTT debuts of the year.
