Industry News

Jeffrey Archer Novels Set for Indian Adaptations in Landmark Applause Entertainment Deal

Jeffrey Archer, the globally renowned bestselling author and former British politician, has signed a landmark adaptation deal with India’s Applause Entertainment, marking the first time his books will be officially adapted for Indian film and television across multiple formats.

The deal includes six of Archer’s most celebrated works: the seven-part Clifton Chronicles, The Fourth Estate, First Among Equals, The Eleventh Commandment, Sons of Fortune, and Heads You Win. This is Applause Entertainment’s first global book rights acquisition, and development on the adaptations will begin immediately.

At a press conference, Applause CEO Sameer Nair emphasized their commitment to faithful storytelling, noting that the projects could evolve into premium drama series, longform shows, or films, depending on creative vision. He also invited Indian writers, directors, and producers to collaborate and pitch ideas to bring Archer’s universe to Indian screens.

Appearing via video link from the UK, the 85-year-old author humorously urged the team to “get on with it,” highlighting the urgency to deliver high-quality adaptations. Archer expressed confidence in Applause due to their pledge to preserve the integrity of his original narratives — a key issue for him after earlier unauthorized adaptations in India misrepresented his work.

Get the right screenwriter, you’re on. Get the wrong one, you’re out,” said Archer. “I want Indian audiences to say the series is as good as the book — not a watered-down version.”

Sameer Nair, a self-professed lifelong Archer fan, added that this collaboration sets a precedent for respecting original intellectual property in Indian scripted television, which has previously faced criticism for unlicensed adaptations.

Archer’s career spans nearly five decades, with over 300 million books sold in 49 languages across 115 countries. He’s the only writer to have topped bestseller lists in fiction, short stories, and non-fiction. His next novel, End Game, will be released on September 23.

Applause Entertainment is known for producing critically acclaimed Indian series such as Criminal Justice, Scam 1992, Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, and Black Warrant, and has been rapidly expanding into premium content for global audiences.

Related Articles

Back to top button