Meghna Gulzar, Phantom Films to develop original series on Rakesh Maria

Meghna Gulzar and Madhu Mantena

Bollywood director Meghna Gulzar and Reliance Entertainment's Phantom Films have signed up to produce a series on the life and case files of former Commissioner of Mumbai Police, Rakesh Maria. The series, based on his experiences and various case files of his career, will be directed by Meghna.

"Rakesh Maria's life-experiences and his prolific career in law-enforcement are a powerful lens to explore the chronology of crime and terror, in our society - as a city, as well as, as a country and a geographical region. The potential of this content is limitless, and that is supremely exciting for me," the director said in a statement. As Deputy Commissioner Police (Traffic) in 1993, Maria cracked the Bombay serial blasts case, and later moved to DCP (Crime) and then Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), of the Mumbai Police. He solved the 2003 Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar twin blasts case. He was also given the responsibility of investigating the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 and interrogated Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive, and successfully investigated the case.

"I am happy to re-live the journey, especially when piloted by a brilliant and sensitive director like Meghna Gulzar, and a production house of the caliber of Reliance Entertainment¿s Phantom Films. More than the nostalgia, it¿s also a valuable opportunity to place before the people the extraordinary work of the Mumbai Police when facing tough challenges and working against all odds." Maria said.

Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, Vice Chairman, Reliance Entertainment, said they are excited to bring Maria's life on-screen. "We are delighted to partner with one of the most distinguished law enforcement officers of our times, Rakesh Maria, to present the courageous accomplishments of his career, and the unacknowledged contributions of thousands of members of the Mumbai Police, safeguarding the security of our city," he said.

Talking about the announcement, Meghna Gulzar said that Maria's life is a powerful lens to explore the chronology of crime and terror in our society. "The potential of this content is limitless, and that is supremely exciting for me," she further added.

Commenting on the collaboration for the series, Madhu Mantena of Phantom Films said: "Phantom Films has always been a director's company."

No premiere date for the series has been fixed yet.

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Edited by mid-day online desk with inputs from PTI