Jaideep Ahlawat, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub to star in Indian adaptation of British series Guilt

Applause Entertainment and BBC Studios India have teamed up yet again for an Indian adaptation of a popular British series, Guilt. The series is the fourth collaboration between the two production houses after the Indian adaptation of The Office, Criminal Justice and the upcoming Ajay Devgn series Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, which is based on the psychological crime drama show Luther. 

Variety.com quoted Matt Forde, MD, International production and formats, BBC Studios, as saying, "Fundamentally we know that crime dramas have a strong resonance in India. So what we are looking for in our catalogue or in our new shows are those sorts of themes. And of course, they're equally popular in the United Kingdom. They have global appeal."

The international studio has also confirmed that several other adaptations are being considered. 

The series will be headlined by an ensemble cast led by Zeeshan Ayyub and Jaideep Ahlawat, with Tina Desai, Mugdha Godse, Shruti Seth and Satish Kaushik playing key roles. 

The British series is set in Edinburgh and revolves around two estranged brothers who are forced to join hands after an accident causes chaos. 

The Indian adaptation will be centred on two brothers, Jaggi and Daljit. While Jaggi is influential and wealthy, Daljit struggles to get by running a vintage bookshop-cum-cafe.

Speaking to BBC Online, Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair said, "Guilt is a wonderful addition to the prolific partnership we have with BBC Studios. Backed by our common intent to deliver the most clutter-breaking and sought-after stories to Indian audiences, we have successfully experimented with global formats, interpreting them to suit the Indian cultural context. As an account of altering moralities in the face of adversity, Guilt cements itself as yet another splendid thriller that is sure to find resonance amongst viewers. The show is being directed by Shaad Ali and stars a fantastic ensemble of actors who will raise the stakes of an already delightfully twisted tale.”

Ali said it was a pleasure to partner with Applause Entertainment again for Guilt, a "series that promises a perfect mix of a well-crafted story and stupendous actors". "The concept is highly engaging, and we have strongly endeavoured with Applause to bring home yet another global format that oscillates between the nuances of brotherhood, suspicion and consequences of choice. I am sure the show will manage to strike a chord with the audience,” the director said.