Controversy Strikes Again! Munawar Faruqui's First Copy Rejected by OTT Platforms Due to Fear of Backlash?

Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui recently made his acting debut in the web series First Copy, currently streaming on Amazon MX Player. Starring alongside Krystle D’Souza, the show is written and directed by Farhan P. Zamma. However, in an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Farhan revealed that several OTT platforms were hesitant to pick up the show due to Munawar’s controversial public image.

“When we started writing the show, Munawar wasn’t even on Bigg Boss. I had seen his stand-up and instantly felt he was the perfect fit,” said Farhan. Despite being the director’s first choice, Munawar himself was unsure, as he was yet to gain major popularity and had never acted before. He requested the team to wait until his stint in Bigg Boss ended, expressing a strong desire to play the lead role.

Platforms Reluctant Over Lead Actor’s Controversies
Farhan admitted that platforms were sceptical about Munawar’s ability to lead a series. “They never told us directly, but we understood. We were scared every time a controversy hit him,” he said. The frequent controversies made streaming services unsure whether to associate with him. “He’s a hard worker, but controversies did play a role in making him famous,” Farhan added.

Also Read: Get Ready for ‘First Copy’ Dialogues! Munawar Faruqui’s Piracy Kingpin Role in Nostalgic Series is a Must-Watch

Success Despite the Odds
Eventually, many platforms passed on First Copy, a decision they now regret. “Some channels now say, ‘The show should have been with us.’ I reminded them—they never gave us a response,” Farhan said.

Despite initial hurdles, the show is performing well. Farhan concluded, “We didn’t make it for critics. It’s for hustlers—people who dream big. Once they watch an episode, they’ll want to watch the rest.”