Lionsgate Play Premiering Its First Original Indian Production

Starz, which launched its Lionsgate Play direct-to-consumer OTT app in India last year, is partnering with Lionsgate Television (LGTV) on its first Indian original series, Casual.

A remake of LGTV’s critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-nominated series of the same name, Casual will kick off Lionsgate Play’s first original slate of dramas, comedies, crime and action series for the Indian and South Asian market. The series will be directed by Kunal Kohli and star Lara Dutta and Prateik Babbar.

Starz President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch said: “Lionsgate Play continues to gain momentum in India, proving to be a strong driver of Starz’s international growth. Partnering with Lionsgate Television to kick off our first original series tailored for the Indian and South Asian market is the next step in curating our offering for our subscriber base that resonates with our bold, unique and defining series that make up our ‘Best of Global SVOD’ content strategy.”

Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs said: “The launch of Lionsgate Play’s first slate of original series in India is the next logical step in the continued rapid growth of the platform. Our ability to kick off the Lionsgate Play original slate with the remake of a great intellectual property like Casual, with a renowned director and world-class stars, shows what we can achieve through the continued collaboration of our Starz, Lionsgate Television and Lionsgate India businesses.”

Rohit Jain, Lionsgate’s managing director for South Asia and networks, emerging markets Asia, said: “Lionsgate is committed to bring the best and most exciting premium content to India and other South Asian countries. We’re excited to launch our first line-up of original series with a great slate of accomplished writers, directors and actors as we continue to broaden and diversify our strong and exceptionally well-curated content offering.”