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Boat Story: A thrilling journey from the UK to India
A new wave in Indian television
In a significant move for the Indian entertainment industry, All3Media International’s gripping thriller “Boat Story” is set to sail into Indian waters. Originally commissioned by BBC One and Amazon Freevee, this 6×60′ series has captured the attention of Mumbai-based Locomotive Global Media, who have acquired the exclusive rights to adapt it for the Indian market.
The masterminds behind the original
“Boat Story,” which made its debut in 2023, is the brainchild of Harry and Jack Williams. Produced by Two Brothers Pictures in association with All3Media International, the series has been lauded for its intricate plot and compelling characters. The narrative follows two cash-strapped strangers who stumble upon a cocaine stash on a shipwrecked boat. Their seemingly simple plan to sell the drugs and split the profits spirals into a chaotic web of law enforcement, masked assassins, and a suave gangster known as ‘The Tailor.’
For those who haven’t yet experienced the original, you can catch a glimpse of the thrilling narrative by watching the Boat Story trailer.
The Indian adaptation: A new perspective
Mayank Sharma, renowned for his work on Prime Video India’s “Breathe,” will helm the Indian adaptation as both showrunner and director. Locomotive Global Media, known for their successful adaptation of “Ray Donovan” for Netflix India, will produce the series. While the platform for the Indian version of “Boat Story” has not yet been disclosed, the anticipation is palpable.
Voices from the industry
Roshni Ghosh, producer at Locomotive Global Media, expressed her enthusiasm: “We take satisfaction in our ability to adapt international formats for the Indian audience. We’re excited to bring ‘Boat Story’ to India, collaborating with creative minds and our partners at All3Media International to present stories that deliver an entertainment experience.”
Jaenani Netra, VP of sales finished and formats (Asia) at All3Media International, added: “This partnership marks our first scripted format deal together. ‘Boat Story’ serves as both a thriller and a darkly comic drama. With Mayank Sharma and Locomotive Global Media leading this adaptation, we look forward to seeing ‘Boat Story’ take shape.”
Mayank Sharma himself shared his excitement: “I am really happy to be working on the adaptation of ‘Boat Story.’ It is a fun, madly entertaining show with relatable yet quirky characters that keep you hooked until the end. While we aim to preserve the original’s essence, we are excited to infuse local flavor and fresh perspectives into our version that packs the show with action, humor, and thrills specifically tailored for the Indian viewer.”
The allure of international formats
The adaptation of “Boat Story” is a testament to the growing trend of bringing international formats to Indian screens. This trend not only broadens the horizons for Indian viewers but also enriches the storytelling landscape with diverse narratives and innovative formats. The success of previous adaptations, such as “Ray Donovan,” underscores the potential for “Boat Story” to resonate with Indian audiences.
A reflective closure
As we await the Indian adaptation of “Boat Story,” it’s worth reflecting on the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The collaboration between international and local creators promises a unique blend of global narratives and local flavors, offering viewers an enriching and entertaining experience. The journey of “Boat Story” from the UK to India is a reminder of the universal appeal of compelling stories and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of entertainment.
