Amazon today announced an original pilot based on ‘The Book of Strange New Things’ slated to cast world-renowned actor and producer, Anil Kapoor. The ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘24’actor will play the role of Vikram Danesh, the authoritative head of the base on Oasis.
Based on the cult-hit novel from Michael Faber, Amazon’s upcoming pilot follows a priest who is sent into space to help found a new colony but what he ends up discovering not only puts his faith to the test but life as we know it. The pilot is set to be written and executive produced by Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies) and produced by Andy Harries (Strike Back) and Lila Rawlings (Left Bank Productions) with Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland) directing. The one-hour drama pilot is a co-production of Amazon Studios and Left Bank Productions.
“The Book of Strange New Things is a mesmerizing genre-defying novel from a writer in full command of his many talents, and we couldn’t think of anyone better than Anil Kapoor to play this complex role. He is one of India’s most respected stars and we are honored to work with him on the pilot,” said Nitesh Kripalani, Director and Country Head, Amazon Video India. “We know our Prime members are going to love the monumental novel being brought to life with Anil being cast in it.”
Anil Kapoor is one of India’s most critically-praised movie stars and one of international cinema’s most prolific and versatile actors today. A highly successful movie producer, media entrepreneur and humanitarian, Kapoor grew up surrounded by the burgeoning Mumbai film industry and his acting career has spanned 37 years, with appearances in more than 150 films. Kapoor has amassed six Filmfare Awards from 15 nominations as an actor and three prestigious National Film Awards for his work as an actor and filmmaker. He has been recognized with a SAG award for his role on Slumdog Millionaire and served as President of the fictional Republic of Kamistan on 24. He has also starred opposite Tom Cruise in 2012’s blockbuster Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
Kapoor saw the potential the format of 24 held and saw a vision for how a local adaptation could change the face of Indian television, which led to him successfully acquiring the remake rights, making the first-ever producer to successfully negotiate and buy adaptation rights for a fiction format as large as 24. The series went on to become the most awarded Indian television show of 2014, with 32 nominations and 18 wins, including the Indian Television Academy Award for best actor for Kapoor’s portrayal of the lead role of Jai Singh.
