Mumbai: With a strong focus on building an exciting and ambitious content slate that serves a diverse set of audiences, Applause Entertainment has rapidly emerged as one of the leading studios in India. An Aditya Birla Group venture, the content studio led by media veteran Sameer Nair has announced its first International partnership with the highly acclaimed Gurinder Chadha’s Bend It Films & TV and Sunder Aaron’s Locomotive Global, to expand its global footprint.
Under this partnership the companies are developing an original, multi-season, drama series chronicling the life of an Indian Guru. This show titled “Seeker” witnesses the journey of a man who starts with noble intentions, his incredible rise to global fame and following even as he evolves into a grey mystic. The simple ashram gradually turns into an empire, soon too complicated for him to handle. With a colourful cast of characters and dark, complex layers, the series is currently under development and a multi-national writers room has been set up for it. It will feature an International Indian cast and be shot at various locations within and outside of India.
Over the years, Gurinder Chadha has made her mark as one of the most reputed and notable content producers. She and her team are the minds behind the award winning – ‘Bend it Like Beckham’, ‘Bride and Prejudice’, ‘Blinded By The Night’, ‘Viceroy’s House’, ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’ and the recently released drama series, ‘Beecham House’ on Netflix India.
Also partnering on the series is Locomotive Global Inc., a global media company led by Sunder Aaron, who has in the past worked on building channels for Sony Entertainment Television India, and has also cofounded Hindi language television network, The Q India. Aaron is a leading media professional focused on the creation and distribution of original premium content across the globe.
Applause Entertainment is the first of its kind, Indian content and IP creation studio, creating premium content, and working with platform partners to entertain and delight their customers. It has created over 19 diverse shows across languages which are a combination of international format adaptations, book adaptations and originals.
The studio introduced the Indian audiences to the official adaptations of popular international shows like ‘Criminal Justice’, ‘Hostages’, ‘The Office’ and ‘Your Honor’, and is presently developing Indian versions of hit shows like ‘Fauda’ and ‘Luther’. Applause Entertainment has also created rich original content with shows like ‘Rasbhari’, ‘City of Dreams’, ‘Bhaukaal’ and ‘Hasmukh’. All these drama series have found homes on leading global video streaming services like Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, MX Player, Netflix and others. Recently, Applause Entertainment announced its latest multi-show deal with the refreshed SonyLIV 2.0.
Commenting on this exciting partnership, Sameer Nair, CEO, Applause Entertainment said, “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Gurinder Chadha and Sunder Aaron. Gurinder’s passion for telling stories and the global expertise of Locomotive Global aligns well with our philosophy and strength for investing in and creating outstanding premium content. This is an incredible time to tell this particular story, about the faith of the human race in a higher power, and in the telling, to cater to a universal, global sensibility.”
Award-winning filmmaker and Chairperson, Bend It Films & TV Gurinder Chadha said, “As an International Director and Producer, I have been inspired to witness the strong appetite that both Indian and global audiences have for original, ambitious, border-crossing drama series. I am excited about this creative collaboration with Sameer Nair and his team at Applause along with Sunder Aaron. ”
Sunder Aaron, Co-founder and Principal, Locomotive Global Inc said, “Applause Entertainment in a short time has already made waves in India. We are excited to be part of their mission to tell stories that also make waves around the world. We are thrilled to partner with a special talent in Gurinder Chadha, and are extremely pleased to work with Bend It Films & TV and Applause Entertainment on this compelling and unique narrative project. Together, we are already working to bring together a brilliant team of writers & creators who will help us develop high quality scripts and present this fascinating story to a global audience.”
