Applause Entertainment adapts six Jeffrey Archer novels into Indian series and films
Applause Entertainment adapts six Jeffrey Archer novels into Indian series and films
Applause Entertainment has secured exclusive screen rights to six novels by bestselling British author Jeffrey Archer, marking its entry into adapting global fiction for Indian and international audiences. The six novels are The Clifton Chronicles, Fourth Estate, First Among Equals, The Eleventh Commandment, Sons of Fortune, and Heads You Win.
The stories, centred around politics, espionage, media dynasties and family sagas. will be developed into premium series and films in various Indian languages. The adaptations will be produced in India and distributed globally via streaming platforms.
As per Sameer Nair, MD Applause Entertainment, it’s a landmark moment for them.
They have told stories reimagined from Indian books, formats and real events. Now they set foot into the world of global fiction. Jeffrey Archer’s novels are compelling, character-rich and built for the screen.”
Earlier Applaus had adapted Indian books such as Scam 1992 and Avrodh, as well as international TV formats such as Criminal Justice and The Office. The Archer deal expands its global ambitions by leveraging known intellectual property (IP) for Indian storytelling with a worldwide reach.
Archer, who has sold over 300 million books in 115 countries, feels thrilled to join hands with Applause. He went on to add that India has embraced his stories like its own, and he is excited to see them take on a new life across India and far beyond,” further adding, that he will watch closely and wait for results.
While addressing the press in Mumbai on Monday, Nair asserted that the novels will be adapted into various formats. Some will be developed as series, others as films, and some may have simultaneous versions across languages and platforms.
“The Clifton Chronicles lends itself to a sweeping saga,” he said. “Some books might work better in Hindi, others in Tamil or Bengali. The idea is to reimagine these stories in Indian contexts while staying true to their emotional core.”
Although timelines haven’t been disclosed, Nair said announcements on formats, writers, and platforms would begin rolling out over the next few months. “This is global IP coming to India, being reimagined here, and then going back out to the world. It’s not about dubbing, it’s about retelling.
The partnership also underscores a growing emphasis on legitimate IP acquisition in Indian entertainment. Both Nair and Archer noted that unofficial adaptations have long been a grey area.
Says Sameer, Applause has always acquired formats the right way, from Kaun Banega Crorepati to Indian Idol,” said Nair. “But fiction was blurry. That’s no longer an option. They are a big company and need to do it right.
Atcher recalled that this Mumbai-based startup first launched in the US and now returns home.
Archer has also cautioned against rewriting for the sake of it. “Stick to the story. Don’t try to write your own half of Kane and Abel. That’s one of the reasons he chose Applause. They have committed to honour the original.
That said, both parties acknowledged the need for cultural adaptation.
“First Among Equals was written about four Englishmen vying to be Prime Minister,” Archer said. “If we adapt that now, at least one of them must be a woman. The world has moved on. And I accept that.”
News Edit KV Raman
