Prime Video has acquired and set a stream date for “Delhi Crime” creator Richie Mehta‘s investigative drama series “Poacher.”
Based on court documents and testimonials, “Poacher” is a fictional dramatization of events that unfolded in the dense forests of Kerala and the urban jungle that is India’s capital Delhi. The series highlights the contributions made by Indian forest service officers, NGO workers from the Wildlife Trust of India, police personnel and good samaritans who risked their lives to investigate the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. It was filmed in real-life settings across Kerala and New Delhi and is primarily in the Malayalam, Hindi and English languages.
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Created, written and directed by Mehta, whose Netflix show “Delhi Crime” won the International Emmy for drama series, the “Poacher” cast includes Nimisha Sajayan (Tallinn title “Adrishya Jalakangal”), Roshan Mathew (Busan winner “Paradise”) and Dibyendu Bhattacharya (Emmy nominated series “Rocket Boys”).
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“Poacher” is the first television series produced by QC Entertainment, the production and finance company behind Oscar winners, Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman.” It is executive produced by QC Entertainment’s Edward H. Hamm Jr., Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick. Alan McAlex (“A Suitable Boy”) serves as producer for Suitable Pictures. “Delhi Crime” alumni serving on ‘Poacher’ include director of photography Johan Aidt, composer Andrew Lockington and editor Beverley Mills.
The first three episodes of the eight-episode “Poacher” premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The series will stream worldwide on Prime Video from Feb. 23.
“After putting the last four years into exploring the themes and characters in this complex world of crime fighting, and the extraordinarily high stakes involved, I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Prime Video to take ‘Poacher’ to a worldwide audience,” said Mehta. “Working with the team at QC Entertainment has been a dream come true, from a creative, logistical and emotional standpoint, as was collaborating with our actors, crew, and the real subjects on which this series is inspired by. The team at Prime Video demonstrated from the moment they saw our blood, sweat, and tears on screen not only that they understand what we’ve put into this, but that they have the excitement and commitment to take this to the world.”
Manish Menghani, director, content licensing, Prime Video India, added: “We are thrilled to present this investigative crime series — which has been deeply researched, powerfully conceptualized and masterfully directed by Richie Mehta — on our service. ‘Poacher’ promises to engage the audiences within India as well as across the world with its fascinating, edge-of-the-seat narrative, and compel us as human beings to introspect how our actions can have an irrevocable impact on the environment. This narrative based on true events, has the power to make viewers aware, and inspire communities to take action.”
Hamm Jr., Mansfield and McKittrick said: “When we saw ‘Delhi Crime,’ we knew immediately Richie was a filmmaker we wanted to work with. We saw in that show his ability as a storyteller to keep us on the edge of our seats while also dealing intelligently and empathetically with sensitive issues, particularly in light of adapting true stories. When he pitched us his idea for ‘Poacher’ we immediately connected with the story, its intentions and the visceral ambition. It’s everything we look for: A filmmaker with a vision, a story with something to say, and a collaborator who embraces the audience as the reason to make entertainment. To now have Prime Video on board to showcase the series is a perfect scenario. We could instantly feel the Prime Video team’s passion for the show and believe that through its reach, we will be able to take this important story to audiences all around the world.”
Mehta is represented by The Gersh Agency.
