Fremantle India is making significant progress in the local market with its recent venture into fiction series, highlighted the managing director Aradhana Bhola as reported by Variety Exclusive.
Their debut fiction series, “Bad Cop,” is a reinterpretation of 2017 RTL’s German series “Bad Cop: Kriminell Gut”. Anurag Kashyap starer “Bad Cop” was premiered on Disney+ Hotstar late June. Adapted by Rensil D’Silva, known for “Bambai Meri Jaan,” and directed by Aditya Datt of “Crakk” fame, the show features Gulshan Devaiah as the determined cop Karan, alongside Kashyap, who is portraying the villain Kazbe. The cast also includes Harleen Sethi, Saurabh Sachdeva, and Aishwarya Sushmita.
Since its release, “Bad Cop” has achieved a remarkable success, securing the #1 spot on Disney+ Hotstar’s Top 10 Hindi-language shows in India and consistently ranking high. It has also been featured in Ormax Media’s list of the five most-watched streaming shows and movies.
Bhola while talking to Variety, shared that “The premise of the original German series, twin brothers with one being a cop and the other a con artist is what attracted us prima facie. Indian audiences have enjoyed many a hit film around twin themes and we were excited by the prospect of re-imaging the series from a hyper local and cultural context.”
While Bhola did not reveal details about upcoming fiction projects, she emphasized Fremantle’s openness to various genres, stating, “We are not limiting ourselves by any genre; the germ starts with an idea that excites us or we feel passionately about.” The development slate includes both adaptations from Fremantle’s global drama catalogue and original ideas rooted in Indian culture, unified by a focus on human interest and emotions.
In the non-fiction and reality show sector, Fremantle continues to expand its successful formats. Bhola noted the launch of the third season of “Telugu Indian Idol,” which saw a 26% increase in viewership compared to the previous season. “We are continuing to create more seasons of our successful formats like ‘Idols’ and ‘Got Talent’ that have been entertaining audiences for many years now, including their regional versions,” she explained.
Bhola also expressed Fremantle India’s interest in true crime and documentary content but did not provide specific details. A key aspect of Fremantle India’s strategy is leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage. Bhola emphasized, “Whether we are re-imagining a format or developing a 100% local idea, we invariably find ourselves dipping into the pot of India’s rich cultural heritage and stories galore. That’s where the nuances, relatability, inspiration, and distinction come from for any of our shows.”
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