It’s Bollywood’s Jack Bauer: India launches its own Hindi version of terrorism drama 24 - complete with split screens and a bleeping clock just like the original
Bollywood screen legend Anil Kapoor has launched an Indian version of 24 where he plays the Indian version of Jack Bauer.
The drama features all the same techniques and drama of the original series, but all of the characters and storylines have been changed to work with a local audience.
Instead of Jack Bauer, Kapoor plays the heroic head of the Indian Anti Terrorist Unit, Jai Singh Rathod.
In the final season of the US version of 24 Kapoor plays President Omar Hassan of the fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan.
He is in the US to sign a peace treaty which is opposed by terrorists. The terrorists want to attack the United States and kill Hassan.
Unusually, Jack Bauer is unable to save the person who he is tasked with protecting but manages to avert nuclear Armageddon.
Speaking to CNN, Kapoor said that 24 was only previously known in India by those who could speak English. He said his version was filmed in Hindi so every small town and village across the country could tune in.
Unlike earlier Indian productions, there are now sequences of singing and dancing. 'That is not a requirement anymore,' he added.
Kapoor's 24 is one of the most expensive TV shows ever filmed for the Indian market.
Director Abhinay Deo said: 'We are giving them their star that they love and we are giving them subject matter which is close to them, which is India, patriotism, terrorism, crime, thriller and family emotions. Where can this go wrong?'
Kapoor actually played a Middle Eastern leader in the eighth season of the US version in 2010.
The popular actor said he had to bring 'discipline and professionalism' from US television to India to get the programmed filmed in time.
The producers created an exact replica of the CTU (counter terrorism unit) from the original US version to bring added authenticity.
In the Indian version, Kapoor's character has just 24 hours to save the country from an impending terrorist attack and save the life of leading politician.
In India, much of the daily television output is dedicated to soap operas which go out daily.
It is understood that a second season of 24 in India is already in production.
Raj Nayak, chief executive of Colors TV channel which is broadcasting the show said more adaptations of US shows will make their way to Indian screens.
He said: 'When '24' becomes a hit, be assured that every CEO of every broadcasting company will be on a flight to L.A. to pick up formats. My audience is the masses - the Hindi heartland. They haven't seen this, for them it'll be a novelty and something new.'
