Netflix to Adapt Graphic Novel Pashmina into Animated Musical

Netflix will adapt Nidhi Chanani’s critically acclaimed graphic novel Pashmina into a CG-animated musical with writer-director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) at the helm.

Pashmina is a fantasy-adventure story that follows first-generation Indian-American Priyanka, as she explores her family’s history with the help of a magical pashmina. The graphic novel is noted for its portrayal of Indian culture and themes of feminism.

Chadha will work alongside her long-time writing partner, Paul Mayeda Berges, and producer Ashok Amritraj. Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment and Chadha’s Bend It Films will co-produce. Jon Levin of Fourward will serve as executive producer, along with Hyde Park’s Priya Amritraj and Addison Mehr, as well as Berges and Chanani.

“Gurinder, Paul and Ashok together to form a cinematic dream team, and we’re beyond thrilled to work with them to bring to life the beautiful story of Pashmina—with its universal themes of family, female empowerment and identity,” said Melissa Cobb, VP of kids and family at Netflix. “Pashmina connects three generations of women across two continents in a timely story that we hope will resonate with family audiences around the world on Netflix.”

Amritraj added, “Pashmina is a wonderful coming-of-age story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, and one that I believe Netflix families around the world will enjoy experiencing together.”

“When our hero, Priyanka, puts on the magical pashmina for the first time and is transported to the India of her dreams, that’s when the fun, the magic, the song and the dancing really come to life!” commented Chadha.