Netflix India boards Bollywood adaptation of Showtime drama hit Ray Donovan

Showtime’s Ray Donovan starred Liev Schrieber

US cable drama Ray Donovan is being adapted for the Indian market in a scripted format deal involving Netflix, ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group and local prodco Locomotive Global.

The Indian version of the crime drama series, titled Rana Naidu, will star Bollywood actors Rana Daggubati and his uncle Venkatesh Daggubati. It will be screened on Netflix India, marking the first time the Daggubatis have starred in a show together.

The format rights were licensed to Locomotive by ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group, in a deal C21 reported two years ago, but the Netflix greenlight means production will start soon. Karan Anshuman is the showrunner and director, with Suparn Verma co-directing.

Ray Donovan follows a South Boston thug-turned-fixer for Hollywood’s elite. Starring Liev Schreiber, the US original premiered on Showtime in 2013 and wrapped production in 2019 after its seventh season. The Indian remake will swap Hollywood for Bollywood.

“The series will be a thrilling Indian adaptation of a record-breaking international show and will take the audience on a breathless ride with the dynamic duo,” said Monika Shergill, VP of content at Netflix India. “We are excited to bring the powerhouse performers and stars Rana Daggubatti and Venkatesh Daggubatti to Netflix for their first ever pairing together.”

Locomotive Global co-founder Sunder Aaron added: “Mounting a series of this magnitude for Netflix, and with our top-quality cast, showrunner, directors and production team, is both a real privilege and an enormous responsibility. We cannot wait for the world to meet a new kind of Indian hero.”