The adaptation of Gregory David Roberts’ bestseller lands on October 14th.
Apple TV+ have released the trailer for another high-profile book adaptation: Shantaram. Its author, Australian Gregory David Roberts, drew inspiration from his very colourful life.
Set in the 1980s, the story it follows the exploits of a convicted bank robber and heroin addict who escapes prison and goes on the run to India. The book garnered praise for its vivid portrayal of Mumbai (then called Bombay).
Here’s the synopsis:
Shantaram follows a fugitive named Lin Ford looking to get lost in vibrant and chaotic 1980s Bombay. Alone in an unfamiliar city, Lin struggles to avoid the trouble he’s running from in this new place. After falling for an enigmatic and intriguing woman named Karla, Lin must choose between freedom or love and the complications that come with it.
Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) plays the lead role of Lin Ford. The show also stars Shubham Saraf, Elektra Kilbey, Fayssal Bazzi, Antonia Desplat, Alyy Khan, Sujaya Dasgupta, Vincent Perez, David Field, Gabrielle Scharnitzky, Elham Ehsas, Rachel Kamath, Matthew Joseph and Shiv Palekar.
Among the international cast, we spotted a couple of familiar names; Luke Pasqualino (Skins, The Musketeers) and Alexander Siddig (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine).
Potential Film Versions
Interestingly, the story set to be a late 2000s Hollywood movie with Johnny Depp in the lead role. After that stumbled, a later version saw Joel Edgerton attached to star.
However, streaming television is where the story has finally landed. The 12-part series has been co-created, written and executive produced by Steve Lightfoot (Hannibal, The Punisher), who’s also the showrunner. The other co-creator is Eric Warren Singer (Top Gun: Maverick), who executive produces along with Andrea Barron, Nicole Clemens, Steve Golin and Justin Kurzel. As does the director Bharat Nalluri (Spooks, Life on Mars). Paramount Television Studios and Anonymous Content’s AC Studios produce the show for Apple.
Shantaram releases its first three episodes on October 14th. The remaining nine drop weekly on Fridays.