Applause Preps Guilt for India

Applause Entertainment and BBC Studios are working together again, this time to adapt the U.K. mystery drama series Guilt for Indian audiences.

The as-yet-untitled version from Aditya Birla Group’s Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India will star Jaideep Ahlawat and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and be directed by Shaad Ali.

This latest alliance between Applause Entertainment and BBC Studios follows adaptations of The Office and Criminal Justice. Applause is also adapting Luther as Rudra—The Edge of Darkness.

Guilt was created and produced by Happy Tramp North and Expectation for BBC Scotland and BBC Two. The Edinburgh-set tale focused on two estranged brothers thrown together by tragedy and united by guilt. Applause’s six-part version will focus on brothers Jaggi and Daljeet.

Sameer Nair, CEO of Applause Entertainment, noted, “Guilt is a wonderful addition to the prolific partnership we have with BBC Studios. Backed by our common intent to deliver the most clutter-breaking and sought-after stories to the Indian audiences, we have successfully experimented with global formats, interpreting them to suit the Indian cultural context. As an account of altering moralities in the face of adversity, Guilt cements itself as yet another splendid thriller that is sure to find resonance amongst viewers. The show is being directed by Shaad Ali and stars a fantastic ensemble of actors who will raise the stakes of an already delightfully twisted tale.”

Ali added, “It is a pleasure to partner with Applause Entertainment again for Guilt, a series that promises a perfect mix of a well-crafted story and stupendous actors. The concept is highly engaging, and we have strongly endeavored with Applause to bring home yet another global format, which oscillates between the nuances of brotherhood, suspicion and consequences of choice. I am sure the show will manage to strike a chord with the audience.”

Sameer Gogate, general manager of BBC Studios India, noted, “This series is a leap ahead in our steady and growing partnership with Applause and our shared vision of bringing genre-bending premium content to Indian audiences. We are looking forward to another exciting journey of mounting a show that brings in the essence of realism in fiction, coupled with a stellar star cast and director who will light up the screens with their performances.”