The OTT space has undoubtedly become the place where all cool kids hang out these days. Yes, thanks to the amazing web content, we choose binge-watching over partying on weekends, and I feel it’s justified, especially because such amazing stories are being told. Speaking of amazing stories, one that releases tomorrow and has my attention already is Tanaav which will stream on Sony LIV. The show is an Indian adaptation of the Israeli TV series Fauda, but let me tell you, it’s completely desi-fied for us all and is set in the backdrop of Kashmir. And I must say, the man who has put all his heart and soul into bringing this story to us is Mr. Sameer Nair of Applause Entertainment.
Ever since 2014, when Sameer saw and loved Fauda, he has been working towards acquiring the rights, well, he succeeded and has now brought us its Indian version with Tanaav. I recently spoke to Sameer about this journey with the show and there were some amazing insights he had to share. But before I tell you that…
Watch the trailer of Tanaav here…
Talking about the show and bringing a global adaptation to Indian markets, Sameer shared…
It’s a socio political drama with strong family elements, we have tried to stay as true to the original plot. We have been doing these global adaptations for a long time. We have an outstanding cast in Tanaav, you get the correct under current to it. I did KBC which was an adaptation of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, when we got those rights we made Kaun Banega Crorepati with our own flavor. I believe stories must be retold, Mahabharat, Shakespeare, have been retold for thousands of years.
Shedding some light on the inception of Tanaav, Sameer says,
I had seen Fauda in 2014, and we got rights for other shows from YES Studios, so I was pursuing Fauda, but the original creators were skeptical. We met them in Tel Aviv and explained our vision, after 3-4 months of discussion they said okay. That’s how it started, but then Covid happened. I am hoping the audience likes the show, I also urge them to not get caught up in unnecessary comparisons.
We also spoke about the amazing shows Applause entertaining has been bringing to us and about the same, Sameer explained…
Whenever an idea is pitched to us, first we have to be drawn to it, after that it’s a process. The adaptation needs to be reimagined. It takes us months for an idea to go to screen. At Applause, we put a very big premium at execution, and not just the idea. We work very hard, it’s been two years that we got the rights for Tanaav, it’s a journey.
Well, I am excited for Tanaav to release tomorrow. The show stars, Manav Vij, Arbaaz Khan, Zarina Wahab, Waluscha De Sousa, Rajat Kapoor, Ekta Kaul, and many more in leading roles. The action drama has been directed by Sudhir Mishra and Sachin Krishn.