Mumbai: Aditya Birla Group’s Applause Entertainment and BBC Studios India are set to collaborate again for the Indian adaptation of the British mystery thriller Guilt. The as-yet-untitled Indian remake will be directed by Shaad Ali with actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub playing the lead roles.
Applause Entertainment and BBC Studios have previously partnered on other popular dramas for the Indian market, which includes Criminal Justice and Rudra – The Edge of Darkness, which is currently in production.
The original series of the award-winning British drama was created and produced by Happy Tramp North and Expectation for BBC Scotland and BBC Two. Set in Edinburgh, the series sees two estranged brothers thrown together by tragedy and united by guilt, with riveting plot twists and a strong vein of black humour.
The Indian version of Guilt will revolve around the lives of brothers, Jaggi and Daljeet - played by Ahlawat and Ayyub. While the elder brother Jaggi enjoys the comfort of a wealthy and seemingly perfect life, the younger one Daljeet struggles to survive running a vintage book shop cum café. Their life spins out of control when a tragic accident occurs and distrust starts enveloping their lives, creating a rift between them and everyone around, said the statement. The upcoming six-part series will also feature actors Tina Desai, Shruti Seth, Maya Alagh, Mugdha Godse, and Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles.
“Guilt is a wonderful addition to the prolific partnership we have with BBC Studios," said Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair. "Backed by our common intent to deliver the most clutter-breaking and sought-after stories to the Indian audiences, we have successfully experimented with global formats, interpreting them to suit the Indian cultural context. As an account of altering moralities in the face of adversity, Guilt cements itself as yet another splendid thriller that is sure to find resonance amongst viewers."
“It is a pleasure to partner with Applause Entertainment again for Guilt, a series that promises a perfect mix of a well-crafted story and stupendous actors," director Shaad Ali said. "The concept is highly engaging, and we have strongly endeavoured with Applause to bring home yet another global format which oscillates between the nuances of brotherhood, suspicion, and consequences of choice. I am sure the show will manage to strike a chord with the audience.”
BBC Studios India, general manager, Sameer Gogate added, “This series is a leap ahead in our steady and growing partnership with Applause and our shared vision of bringing genre-bending premium content to Indian audiences. We are looking forward to another exciting journey of mounting a show that brings in the essence of realism in fiction, coupled with a stellar star cast and director who will light up the screens with their performances.”
