Apple TV+ has finally released the first look of “Shantaram,” a new drama series starring Charlie Hunnam. In the series, Hunnam plays Lin Ford, an Australian prison escapee living a double life in 1980s Bombay — running a local health clinic by day and working for the local mafia.
Melbourne-based Indian-Australian actor Jeet Dhaliwal who has played a role in “Shantaram” told The Australia Today that he is excited about the opportunity to be part of a series based on such an acclaimed work.
He says:
“Working on this project’s been a great learning and rewarding experience! I am Grateful to have got the opportunity.”
The series is based on the internationally bestselling novel by Australian writer Gregory David Roberts. Shantaram had sold over 6 million copies and translated into more than 40 languages when Apple TV+ won the rights to adapt the novel in a 2018 bidding war.
This highly anticipated series is a thrilling epic adventure that follows an Australian’s journey to redemption through India that changes his life. It is a fictionalised account of Gregory David Roberts’ life, a convicted bank robber who escaped to India while serving 10 years time inside Pentridge Prison in Victoria.
A First Look shows Lin Ford riding a motorcycle through Mumbai’s slum. Ford is alone in an unfamiliar city and struggles to avoid the trouble he’s running from in this new place.
According to a release:
“Ford is committed to living under the radar and alone — a lifestyle that allows him to hold onto his freedom. But that freedom, and solitary existence, will be threatened when he meets Karla (Antonia Desplat) and questions if love is worth more than freedom.
Ford’s future will become a question between the two — freedom which may not be possible without his involvement in the illegal, and dangerous world of Bombay crime.”
The series is written and executive produced by Steve Lightfoot and directed by Bharat Nalluri. In addition to Hunnam, the series also stars Shubham Saraf, Elektra Kilbey, Fayssal Bazzi, Luke Pasqualino, Antonia Desplat, Alyy Khan, Sujaya Dasgupta, Vincent Perez, David Field, Alexander Siddig, Gabrielle Scharnitzky, Elham Ehsas, Rachel Kamath, Matthew Joseph and Shiv Palekar.
The first three instalments of the 12-episode series will premiere in mid-October with subsequent episodes airing each Friday through December.
