Amazon MX Player, the free streaming service from Amazon, has released the highly anticipated trailer for First Copy, an upcoming series that explores the excitement, energy, and impact of cinema during the 1990s. The trailer provides a captivating glimpse into a realm where the passion for storytelling was as intense as the aspiration for fame. Starring Munawar Faruqui in his OTT debut as Arif, a mastermind of piracy, alongside Krystle D’Souza, Gulshan Grover, Saqib Ayub, Ashi Singh, Meiyang Chang, Inam Ul Haq, and Raza Murad, First Copy will be available for free streaming starting June 20 on Amazon MX Player.
The trailer establishes a compelling and emotionally resonant storyline, reflecting a time when the city’s love for cinema was reaching new heights. Central to the narrative is Arif, a vibrant young man whose magnetic personality and streetwise instincts draw him into a world where film dreams are replicated, consumed, and exploited. However, as Arif’s ambitions expand, so do the emotional tolls involved. First Copy is set against a cultural backdrop that tackles real issues surrounding accessibility, nostalgia, and the significance of original creation. In a digital age that is transforming entertainment, the series reflects on the critical importance of supporting legal, creator-driven content.
Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, remarked, “First Copy tells a compelling underdog story about a dreamer pursuing ambition and identity amidst the chaos of the vibrant ’90s film industry. With Munawar Faruqui making his scripted series debut, the show brings a refreshing and authentic perspective to a time when narratives provided not just entertainment but also escape, connection, and hope.”
Regarding his role as Arif, Munawar Faruqui commented, “First Copy resonates with me as an underdog story and holds a special significance since it marks my debut in a series. Portraying Arif posed an intriguing challenge; he is lively, flawed, and someone with grand aspirations. Films were a significant part of my upbringing, and this story evokes memories of that period. It blends nostalgia, striving, and emotion, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience this new dimension of myself.”
Krystle D’Souza, who plays Mona, stated, “Mona is a multi-faceted character; she exudes regality, carries wounds, and is unashamedly proud. It was refreshing to play a woman who refuses to fade away, even when society suggests she’s past her peak. Her relationship with Arif revolves around significance, comfort, and perhaps even redemption. First Copy allowed me to explore those subtle emotions lurking beneath the surface, which is where Mona truly thrives.”
Veteran actor Gulshan Grover shed light on his character, Mahesh Kumar: “Taking on the role of Mahesh Kumar was like re-experiencing an era that I have seen evolve firsthand. He is authoritative, shrewd, and has crafted his life through influence and intimidation. His goal isn’t to please anyone but to navigate a system he has a hand in shaping. The series revives the essence of 90s cinema—its drama, chaos, and emotional stakes. It goes beyond the film industry to delve into human ambition, which makes it universally intriguing.”
“First Copy is a project that holds personal significance for us, rich with nostalgia and meaningful storytelling. Partnering with Amazon MX Player has been a fantastic experience; they resonate with a broad audience and share our conviction that entertainment should be free and accessible to everyone. This series pays homage to the golden age of cinema, a period when every film felt like a momentous occasion. We hope it rekindles the magic of that time and highlights the profound way stories connect us across generations,” said Farhan Zamma, Writer and Director of First Copy.
First Copy is set to premiere on Amazon MX Player starting June 20, available for free via its mobile apps, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.
