Left Bank lands Amazon Indian original

Amazon has ordered an original drama pilot for its soon-to-launch Indian service, with Slumdog Millionaire and 24 star Anil Kapoor on board.

The series will be based upon the Michael Faber novel The Book of Strange New Things and will be produced by Sony’s UK-based prodco Left Bank Pictures (The Crown).

Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland) will direct the pilot, which will be written by Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies).

Amazon has been focusing on buying movies for its Indian service, and this marks its biggest drama series investment in the territory.

The book and series follow a priest sent into space to create a new colony who finds his faith tested and human life threatened by what he finds beyond Earth.

“The Book of Strange New Things is a mesmerising 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,” said Nitesh Kripalani, director and country head, Amazon Video India. “He is one of India’s most respected stars and we are honoured to work with him on the pilot.”

Amazon will not say when the Prime Video service will launch in India. The core fast-delivery Prime service has already rolled out.

Local reports suggest a heavily discounted Prime Video service will massively undercut Netflix in an Indian market in which the latter is considered expensive and lacking in local content.