The OTT grapevine is buzzing again. According to Variety India, television and film powerhouse Ektaa Kapoor is bringing her banner Balaji Telefilms back together with streaming giant Netflix India for not one but two new web series.
The report signals that the deal signals a renewed creative push between the two, nearly ten months after they first announced a long-term partnership covering multiple films and shows.
This new phase follows their earlier successful collaborations on films such as ‘Kathal’, ‘Pagglait’, ‘Jaane Jaan’ and ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare’.
Period drama ‘Koke’ with ensemble cast
According to the report, the first series is titled ‘Koke’ and is described as an ensemble-cast, large-scale period drama. Shefali Shah will feature in one of the lead roles. The show will be directed by Nupur Asthana, who previously helmed Prime Video India’s ‘Four More Shots Please!’ and Netflix India’s ‘The Royals’ starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekkar.
The filming for ‘Koke’ is scheduled to begin on April 20 in Mumbai.
Second series in the works, casting underway
The report also revealed that details of the second web series are being kept tightly under wraps.
However, the yet-untitled project will be directed by Sahir Raza. Raza has previously directed shows such as ‘The Married Woman’, ‘Bade Acche Lagte Hain 2’, ‘Illegal – Justice, Out of Order’ and ‘Doctors’.
Raza was earlier attached to direct ‘Ragini 3’ for Ektaa Kapoor’s banner. But he exited that project due to production delays and chose to prioritise this new venture instead.
Ektaa Kapoor has created and produced more than 130 Indian soap operas. Some of her most popular television shows include ‘Pavitra Rishta’, ‘Bade Achhe Lagte Hain’, ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’, ‘Jodha Akbar’, ‘Naagin’, ‘Kumkum Bhagya’, ‘Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki’, ‘Kundali Bhagya’ and ‘Yeh Hai Chahatein’.