The script is being developed by internationally renowned writer and director Anurag Kashyap, who last year won widespread critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival.
Endemol, the world’s largest independent production company today announced that it is co-producing a major new drama series for Sony Entertainment Television India with Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the leading role.
The series will be based on an idea from Endemol India who will co-produce alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s own company Saraswati Creations. The script is being developed by internationally renowned writer and director Anurag Kashyap, whose gangster epic ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ won widespread critical acclaim at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
Amitabh Bachchan, who has starred in 180 films in a career spanning more than four decades, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. He most recently appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster production of ‘The Great Gatsby’. The new series for Sony Entertainment India will be his first ever appearance in a TV drama.
Further details about the production will be revealed soon.
Deepak Dhar, MD and CEO, Endemol India comments: “We are thrilled to be working with Amitabh Bachchan and Anurag Kashayp on one of Endemol India’s most exciting projects to date. This epic drama series will have India’s biggest international film legend starring in his first ever television role and the the nation’s most exciting writing talent driving the narrative. Today’s announcement is further evidence of how Endemol India’s fast expansion in TV drama and film production is adding a significant new dimension to our business.”
Founded in 2006 and based out of Mumbai, Endemol India has grown to be one of the country’s largest producers of entertainment television.
The company’s credits include Bigg Boss, India’s version of “Big Brother”, which will launch its seventh season on Viacom 18 network Colors in autumn 2013 and is now being locally produced in two further regional languages. Other entertainment hits include Fear Factor for Colors; talent shows Laughter Challenge and Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star for Star Plus; The Money Drop on Sun Network and over 400 episodes of Deal or No Deal, also for Sun Network.
In addition to its leading position in entertainment programming Endemol India has been expanding in TV drama and film production. New projects announced so far in 2013 include the remake of the hit thriller Kahaani in Tamil and Telugu; the Hindi remake of critically acclaimed blockbuster Traffic; and a partnership with Eros International to co-produce three feature films.
Endemol India is a partnership between Endemol Group (51% shareholder) and CA Media, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group (49% shareholder).
