Meghna Gulzar to helm original series on former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria

After the success of Raazi (2018), director Meghna Gulzar is all set to make a biopic web-series on Mumbai’s former police commissioner Rakesh Maria. The series will be part of the joint venture between Phanton Films and Reliance Entertainment, that made an official announcement about the same.

As deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Maria cracked the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. As joint commissioner of police (crime), Maria solved the 2003 Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar blasts case and later took the responsibility of investigating the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and interrogated Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive. The series will feature the cases Maria solved.

Speaking about the web-series on the cases he solved, Maria said in an official statement, “It is exciting to relive the journey, especially when piloted by a brilliant and sensitive director like Meghna Gulzar, and a production house of the caliber of Reliance Entertainment and 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.”

Meghna's last two films — Talvar (2015) and Raazi (2018) — also dealt with real stories related to crime.

“Mr 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 collaboration with Reliance Entertainment, Phantom Films and Madhu Mantena, synonymous with cutting, edge narratives and vision, is a first I’m looking forward to greatly,” she said while speaking about the development.