Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee is set to direct an adaptation of Keith Gessen‘s novel “A Terrible Country,” marking his English-language debut and first British film.
Shubham Saraf (“Shantaram,” “A Suitable Boy,” “The Father and the Assassin”) will star in the lead role, with Jonathan Reiman producing through his Fast Forward International banner. Dhruv Sehgal, writer-creator of Netflix’s “Little Things,” will co-write the screenplay with Banerjee.
The India-based adaptation follows a failing British-Indian academic who relocates from London to Delhi to care for his ailing grandmother. Through navigating family demands, ideology and desire, he discovers the true cost of idealism in a country he doesn’t fully understand.
Banerjee, whose credits include “Shanghai” (which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival), “Bombay Talkies” (Cannes premiere) the festival favorite “LSD,” and International Emmy-nominated “Lust Stories,” most recently released “LSD2” on Netflix. His film “Tees” awaits release.
Saraf recently wrapped filming on the “Cliffhanger” reboot opposite Pierce Brosnan, Lily James and Franz Rogowski, as well as Gurinder Chadha’s “Christmas Karma.” He’s currently shooting Apple’s “Star City” with Rhys Ifans and Anna Maxwell Martin.
“Gessen’s work is universal to any human and culture grappling with identity, belonging and unbelonging in our fast changing world,” Banerjee said. “It will be a turbulent ride I’m really looking forward to.”
Saraf added: “Dibakar has long been a hero of mine and it is nothing short of a dream come true to have the chance to work with him on such an impactful project.”
Producer Reiman said: “I cannot think of a better way to bring this deeply moving story to the world than with Dibakar at the helm.”
Charlie Wilson, founder and partner of Insight Management & Production, will executive produce alongside Banerjee. Insight’s Amanda C. Lee will co-executive produce.
Insight Management & Production and Circle Management and Production represent Saraf. Matter Entertainment reps Banerjee, while Collective Artists Network represents Sehgal. Sudisha Mukherji serves as production counsel.
variety.com
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