It is not uncommon for Indian (and other) filmmakers and show makers to often find inspiration in popular content being aired in different countries. Many times, a show’s popularity prompts productions and adaptations in different languages. The biggest example of this is the US adaptation of the popular mock-umentary The Office, which rose to cult classic status despite not being an original. Similarly, Indian shows are also often adapted from international TV shows or are heavily based on their story line.
Here are 5 Indian web series which were originally international shows and later adapted for the Indian audience.
The Night Manager
Anil Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur’s The Night Manager is actually the Indian adaptation of a British series of the same name. The British counterpart features Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston. The Indian version of The Night Manager has aired one very successful season. It follows the story of a hotel’s night manager who gets into the inner circle of a dangerous arms dealer to outsmart him to the authorities.
The Office
Yes, there is also an Indian adaptation of The Office. After finding immense success in both its UK and US versions, The Office was also reimagined for the Indian audience. It is set in Faridabad and the company is named Wilkins Chawla. However, this rendition did not reach the same heights as its counterparts and was canceled after 2 seasons.
Rudra: The Edge of Darkness
Love Lucifer? Then, you may find it worth your while to check out its Indian adaptation Rudra: The Edge of Darkness. Starring Ajay Devgn, Esha Deol, and Raashii Khanna, the crime thriller was released in 2022. While Rudra may be your cup of tea if you enjoy crime thrillers, it does not meet the hype or charm of the original series. Watch it if you want for the formidable cast.
Aarya
Sushmita Sen’s much-loved comeback series Aarya is also a remake. The show is the Indian adaptation of the Dutch series Penoza. Aarya is a crime thriller where a wife gets entangled in her husband’s drug empire after he gets murdered. The show features Sushmita Sen as a formidable mother and wife, whose life turns upside down after the mysterious death of her husband, and how she uses that circumstance to become a mafia queen.
Criminal Justice
Another excellent Indian adaptation of a British crime thriller is “Criminal Justice, based on the 2008 show of the same name. Criminal Justice shows the holes in the justice system from the accused’s perspective. Featuring an uber-talented cast of Vikrant Massey, Pankaj Tripathi, and Jackie Shroff, this show is an excellent watch. Criminal Justice follows the story of a taxi driver who gets accused of murder after he wakes up in a pool of her blood after a one-night stand.
How many of these Indian adaptations have you watched?
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