First look of Netflix’s The White Tiger features Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao and Adarsh Gourav

The first look of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao and newcomer Adarsh Gourav shows the stars of the keenly awaited adaptation of Aravind Adiga's Booker Prize-winning debut novel in character. The upcoming Netflix feature has been produced, written and directed by Ramin Bahrani.

Lead actress Chopra Jonas, who is an executive producer on the film along with Hollywood filmmaker Ava DuVernay, shared the first photos from The White Tiger yesterday.

Gourav plays Balram Halwai, a man of humble origins who becomes a wealthy entrepreneur in new India. From selling tea to becoming a driver for Ashok (Rao) and Pinky (Chopra Jonas), Balram observes the ways of the corrupt world around him and decides what to do to rise above his station.

Bahrani, a good friend of Adiga since they were both in college, has always wanted to adapt the novel. “It's really about a man who just wants to be free, free to pursue the totality of his life," he told Entertainment Weekly magazine’s online edition. “I think that's something most of us understand now — a rigged system, chances that are denied, and the lengths we will go to make it in this world.”

Chopra Jonas also spoke about her character and why she felt compelled to be a part of the Netflix feature. "She comes in with this completely different perspective of life as it is in a developing country. That was really interesting for me to play, considering I'm an Indian. In my work in the US, I haven't done a dramatic part like that. So that was very exciting,” she said.

While a release date hasn’t been announced, the film is expected to be streaming in December for awards season.