Hotstar orders BBCS mystery format

One of Us originally aired on BBC1 in the UK in 2016

Disney+ Hotstar in India has ordered a local adaptation of a BBC1 drama series written by Harry and Jack Williams, the writing duo behind The Missing.

BBC Studios (BBCS) will produce the Indian version of One of Us, which originally aired on BBC1 in the UK in 2016 and launched internationally on Netflix.

The drama centres on the mysterious murders of two childhood sweethearts, who are found dead in their home soon after their honeymoon. The two families are then forced to contend with their grief, as they search for answers and unearth consequences that hang over all of them.

It will be produced in the language of Telugu and marks the first regional scripted production from BBCS India, which has previously produced adaptations of UK formats such as Dancing with the Stars, Tonight’s The Night, The Office, Doctor Foster and Criminal Justice.

Sameer Gogate, business head of production, India at BBCS, said: “Hotstar is known for its focus on premium dramas and we are delighted to work with them again to deliver another high-end thriller.

“The great thing about adaptations are their worldwide appeal that transverse everything from cultures, to boundaries, and languages – and yet stay true to the essence of the story. We are very proud to be able to present One of Us to the Telugu audience.”

Disney+ Hotstar was created earlier this year after The Walt Disney Company’s fledgling direct-to-consumer service, Disney+, was merged with the Hotstar platform that the Mouse House acquired from 21st Century Fox.

The service has multiple different subscription options, including one that provides access to Indian Premier League Cricket, and claims to house 100,000 hours of drama and movies in 17 languages.