Exclusive: Let’s begin with the story of the brave

The first look of the series

In November, mid-day had reported that Yash Raj Films, one of Bollywood's premier studios, was gearing up to set foot in the field of digital entertainment (YRF goes OTT, November 12). Through his web offerings, head honcho Aditya Chopra wanted to take stories rooted in India to the world, and he has remained true to his vision. For YRF Entertainment's debut OTT series, the makers have gone back to one of the bleakest nights in Indian history - The Railway Men offers a retelling of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy with the focus on the railway workers at Bhopal station who saved countless lives.

R Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon and Aditya Chopra

Revisiting the world's worst industrial disaster will be an uphill task. Chopra has placed his faith in debutant director Shiv Rawail, son of veteran filmmaker Rahul Rawail, for the job. The limited series will be headlined by R Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyenndu and Babil Khan. A source reveals, "While Yash Raj movies are known for their star-studded cast, Adi knew that the show, given its subject, hinges on rock-solid performances. After months of discussing names, the team zeroed in on Madhavan and Kay Kay, two of the finest actors we have today."

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Divyenndu and Babil Khan

The narrative will take viewers through the late hours of December 2, 1984, when methyl isocyanate gas leaked from the Union Carbide Corporation's pesticide plant, injuring more than half a million people and claiming over 5,000 lives. The series - mounted on a budget of R100 crore - went on floors yesterday in Kalina, Mumbai, where a large set has been erected. Yogendra Mogre, producer of House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths, will creatively supervise the project. Currently serving as executive producer at YRF Entertainment, Mogre says, "We won't leave any stone unturned to ensure that The Railway Men reaches out to worldwide audiences so that they can understand the devastation that this tragedy caused in India."

The series will mark the first of five OTT projects slated for 2022. Akshaye Widhani, senior vice president, Yash Raj Films, adds, "This is our tribute to the unsung heroes of the tragedy who, despite saving thousands of lives, are unknown to people across the world." The drama is slated for a December 2, 2022 release, with the makers currently locking the streaming platform.

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