Hansal Mehta has re‑entered the director’s chair for the upcoming third chapter of the Scam franchise, this time sharing the helm with former writer Sumit Purohit. Production is underway and the series will examine the rise and legal battles of Sahara founder Subrata Roy.
The collaboration was confirmed by Bollywood Hungama on August 14, 2026, and marks a notable shift for Purohit, who contributed to the script of the 2020 hit Scam 1992 and now steps into a co‑directorial role. The series, slated for a global launch on SonyLIV in early 2027, is being shot in several Indian cities, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Mumbai and Dehradun.
What Happened
Hansal Mehta, who launched his digital career with the financial thriller Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, will direct the new season alongside Sumit Purohit. The announcement came after the franchise’s second season, Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, where Mehta served only as showrunner while Tushar Hiranandani handled direction.
Sumit Purohit, previously a screenwriter on the inaugural season, made his directorial debut with the espionage series Saare Jahan Se Accha and later helmed the unreleased satirical drama Baaghi Bechare. His transition to co‑director for Scam 2010 reflects a deep familiarity with the series’ narrative tone.
The storyline will focus on the financial controversies surrounding Subrata Roy, the charismatic leader of Sahara India Pariwar. Marathi actor Siddharth Bodke has been cast as Roy, supported by Kritika Singh, Moon Banerjee and veteran television actor Aditya Srivastava.
Filming commenced in late May and is expected to conclude by mid‑September, after which post‑production will prepare the series for its early‑2027 debut on SonyLIV.
The Details
Production is being handled by Applause Entertainment in partnership with Birla Studios. The series draws its source material from Tamal Bandyopadhyay’s 2014 book Sahara: The Untold Story, which chronicles the complex interplay of market forces, regulatory frameworks and personal ambition that defined Roy’s empire.
Locations span from the bustling streets of Delhi to the historic lanes of Lucknow, providing visual contrast that mirrors the series’ thematic focus on public perception versus private reality. The shoot schedule allocates roughly two weeks per city, allowing the crew to capture both courtroom dramatics and corporate boardroom settings.
While the exact episode count has not been disclosed, insiders suggest a ten‑episode arc, each running between 45 and 55 minutes. The series will retain the gritty, investigative style that characterized the first two seasons, with an emphasis on tight editing and period‑accurate production design.
Background
The Scam franchise originated with Mehta’s adaptation of journalist Sucheta Dalal’s investigation into stock‑market manipulations by Harshad Mehta. The 2020 series received critical acclaim for its meticulous research, strong performances, and its role in popularising financial‑themed storytelling on Indian streaming platforms.
Following the success of Scam 1992, the franchise expanded with Scam 2003, which explored the counterfeit stamp paper scandal orchestrated by Abdul Karim Telgi. Although Mehta stepped back from directing that season, the series maintained the franchise’s reputation for high‑quality dramatization of real‑world financial crimes.
Subrata Roy’s saga, which includes the 2012 Supreme Court order to liquidate Sahara’s assets and the subsequent legal tussles, offers a fresh narrative vein. The decision to centre the third season on his story aligns with the franchise’s pattern of spotlighting pivotal moments in India’s corporate history.
What It Means
For viewers, the return of Mehta to the director’s seat signals a potential resurgence of the series’ original visual language, likely to blend courtroom tension with personal drama. Purohit’s involvement may also introduce fresh directorial perspectives, given his experience in both thriller and satirical formats.
Industry analysts see the project as a strategic move by SonyLIV to reinforce its position as a home for ambitious, fact‑based series, competing with global streaming giants that are increasingly investing in Indian content. The series’ focus on a high‑profile business figure could attract both domestic audiences familiar with the Sahara controversy and international viewers interested in corporate governance narratives.
From a production standpoint, the multi‑city shoot underscores the growing logistical capabilities of Indian streaming productions, which now routinely manage complex schedules across diverse locations.
Key Points
Hansal Mehta returns as co‑director for Scam 2010 alongside writer‑turned‑director Sumit Purohit.
The series will dramatise the rise and legal challenges of Sahara founder Subrata Roy.
Siddharth Bodke leads the cast as Roy, with Kritika Singh and Moon Banerjee in supporting roles.
Filming spans Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Mumbai and Dehradun, wrapping by mid‑September 2026.
Applause Entertainment and Birla Studios produce the show, adapting Tamal Bandyopadhyay’s 2014 book.
Global premiere slated for early 2027 on SonyLIV, reinforcing the platform’s focus on high‑budget factual dramas.
What Happens Next
Post‑production will begin shortly after the September wrap, with editors, visual effects teams and composers aligning to meet the early‑2027 release window. Observers will watch for trailer drops and promotional events that may reveal additional casting details or episode structures.
Stakeholders, including SonyLIV, Applause Entertainment and the creative team, are expected to leverage the series’ launch to highlight the platform’s commitment to nuanced, investigative storytelling, potentially setting a benchmark for future Indian financial dramas.
This article is based on reporting published by bollywoodhungama.
