'The Empire': Complete round up of this upcoming magnum opus
Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani's next is The Empire, "India's first-ever digital magnum opus" and an upcoming Disney+ Hotstar series. The makers have unveiled the first-look of the lead actor, Kunal Kapoor. Produced by Emmay Entertainment, the show will be co-helmed by Mitakshara Kumar, who is making her debut as a web series' director with this historical fiction. This is Kapoor's digital debut as well.
Kapoor looks fierce and dashing as an emperor
While sharing his first-look video on social media, the Rang De Basanti actor wrote, "An emperor's quest for the throne is about to begin. Hotstar Specials #TheEmpire." In it, the first shot focuses on Kapoor's armor, then it shows him coming out of the smoke and lastly, it zooms into his face that's giving a fierce expression. He looks dashing in this look.
Check out his first-look here
Story is about a warrior, adventurer, survivor and a king
Based on Alex Rutherford's novel Empire of the Moghul (consists of six volumes), the series is going to follow the story of "Babur's journey and the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India" in its first season. As described by the makers, The Empire will show the life story of a warrior, adventurer, survivor and a king. It's going to be a "visual spectacle."
'It was an interesting experience, mounted on a huge scale'
"It's an epic period drama," Kapoor told PTI, adding, "I have never had a chance to do something like this. It was an interesting experience and mounted on a huge scale. It is a visual spectacle and I want to see how the audience reacts."
Announcement video gave a glimpse of this 'epic saga'
Earlier, Advani shared its teaser on social media. It didn't reveal any face, but had a voice, probably Kapoor's, which said, "Paygaam bhijwaa dijiye sabko" (Send a message to everyone). The clip showed that the series will be an "epic saga," with Advani promising it to be "a visually stunning world with a solid story narrative." It did remind us of Game of Thrones.
Watch the announcement video here
'Ambition was to create a larger than life show'
While talking about the series, Advani told PTI, "Right from the story, to the star-cast, and the high production value - our ambition was to create a show that is larger than life; one that leaves a lasting impression on viewers."
Shabana Azmi is also set to make her digital debut
Official synopsis on Hotstar Specials reads, "Get set for an experience like never before! Presenting India's first-ever digital magnum opus." Apart from the Aaja Nachle actor, the show also marks the digital debut of veteran actress, Shabana Azmi. Plus, it features Dino Morea and popular TV star Drashti Dhami. The Empire will be available soon for the streamer's VIP and Premium subscribers.
