Netflix Adds Three New Originals to India Slate

Netflix has announced three new original series from India: Ghoul, a horror series based on Arabic folklore starring Radhika Apte; Leila, based on Prayaag Akbar's book of the same name; and Crocodile, a young adult murder mystery thriller from Binky Mendez. This brings the total number of Indian originals in production up to seven, which include Sacred Games, Selection Day, Again, and Bard of Blood.

“We are proud to continue to invest in original content in India. These three series, from the scary to the supernatural, represent the tremendous diversity that Indian storytelling holds for a global audience," Erik Barmack, vice president of international original series at Netflix, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to work with some of the world's most talented writers and producers to bring these stories to life for India and the world.”

Apte will co-star with Manav Kaul (Tumhari Sulu), and Ratnabali Bhattacharjee (Sold) in Ghoul. Set in a covert detention centre, Apte plays a newly-minted interrogator named Nida, "who turned in her own father as an anti-government activist. She arrives at the centre to discover that some of the terrorists held there are not of this world." Ghoul is written and directed by Patrick Graham, and in post-production since July 2017, according to IMDb.

Writer and executive produer Urmi Juvekar – best known for penning Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! – will adapt journalist and author Akbar's book for Leila, set in the near future, which tells the story of Shalini, a free-thinking woman in search of the daughter she lost upon her arrest 16 years earlier. No actors have been announced.

That leaves Crocodile from Mendez, set in Goa, where Mira sets out to find her missing best friend, and uncovers "secrets among her friends, romantic relationships and community" in the process. Crocodile too hasn't cast any actors yet.