Vishal Bhardwaj to create Indian film franchise based on Agatha Christie's works

Bollywood filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj who is known for adapting Shakesperean tragedies in Indian context appears to have found new inspiration in Western literature. The Omkara director is in the process to develop a film franchise based on the works of British mystery novelist, Agatha Christie, reported Variety.

The first film is scheduled to be shot in 2021. It will introduce a young heroine who is pushed into solving a murder, and teams up with an unlikely companion to solve the case. Details of which Christie novel is being adapted for the film have not been revealed yet. The cast is currently being finalised.

Bhardwaj praised the stories essayed by Christie, calling it an honour to make an Indian franchise based on them. "Agatha Christie had a tremendous skill of defining emotional chaos, dysfunctional relationships and the turmoil in her characters while engaging us in a riveting mystery,” said Bhardwaj. “It is an honor to create an Indian franchise of a pair of young investigators looking to take over the world with their intelligence and charm. Agatha Christie Limited (ACL) have been such amazing partners and we are all excited to be on this journey.”

James Prichard, the great-grandson of Christie and chair and CEO of ACL, lauded Bhardwaj as a filmaker and expressed excitement over an Indian adaptation. “I’m truly excited at the prospect of developing a new Agatha Christie film franchise in India, and am delighted to be partnering with Vishal, who is a multitalented and visionary filmmaker with a terrific track record for adapting works to create memorable pieces of cinema,” said Prichard.

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