Nikkhil Advani, the Hindi director-producer, announced on Friday that his web series The Empire, which has been in the works since 2018, will be launched on Disney+ Hotstar.
Touted to be the biggest and grandest show ever created in India, the period drama directed by Mitakshara Kumar will follow the life story of a warrior, adventurer, survivor, and a king, according to a press release.
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Kumar, who has earlier directed short films like Kaash, Katputliwala, and Me- By Myself, has been credited as an associate director on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat and Bajirao Mastani. Apart from these, she has also been an assistant director in films like Bluffmaster, Bas Ek Pal, and Youngistaan, among others.
Advani will serve as a showrunner on the project. His sister Monisha Advani will produce along with Madhu Bhojwani through their banner Emmay Entertainment.
Talking about the show, Advani said in the press release, “Putting together The Empire has been a huge challenge but also a massive honour for me. Bringing alive a visually stunning world with a solid story narrative was the main aim for me, our director Mitakshara Kumar, and everyone at Emmay Entertainment.”
The series is based on Alex Rutherford’s historical fiction novel Empire of the Moghul, which consists of six volumes. The first season will trace Babur’s journey and the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
The teaser of the series was also released on Friday, giving a glimpse into the Game of Thrones-like series.
The release date and cast are yet to be announced. But, an NDTV report from 2018 states that actors Dia Mirza, Shabana Azmi, and Ronit Roy will be a part of it.
Advani has helmed films like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Salaam-e-Ishq, D-Day and, Batla House. He has previously partnered with Disney+ Hotstar for the drama-mystery Grahan and the thriller series November Story.
The Empire will soon be available exclusively for subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar. According to our sources, the series will premiere in August. However, an official confirmation is awaited.