Banijay Attach Indian Adaptation Rights for Five Sony Pictures Shows

Banijay Asia, an allocation of the content giant Banijay Entertainment, has struck a deal with Sony Pictures Television to obtain the configuration rights for making Indian remakes of five of its popular international scripted series.

The five shows include Drop Dead Diva, La Prepago, Men At Work, Mob Doctor, and Rosario Tijeras.

Drop Dead Diva is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a fashion model who dies in a car accident and is reborn in the body of a highly skilled, plus-sized lawyer.

La Prepago, a Colombian telenovela, follows a woman leading a double life: one as a stunning university student from a traditional family with a standard love life, and the other as a high-class escort who earns money for companionship to support her family.

Men at Work is a comedy series that explores the lives of four friends as they navigate the challenges of work, relationships, and friendship in the vibrant city of New York.

Mob Doctor blends medical drama with planned crime, following the story of a skilled surgeon at a reputable Chicago hospital who becomes intertwined with the mafia when she is forced to treat their injured.

Rosario Tijeras tracks the story of a young woman from the slums of Colombia driven by a hunt for revenge, and her tempestuous love affair with two best friends from wealthy families.

Expressing her eagerness about the partnership, Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, said: “This collaboration allows us to bring some of the world's most iconic and celebrated series to India by reimagining them through an Indian lens and adding a cultural twist. Each of these shows has a rich history and a massive following, and we are committed to maintaining their essence while making them relatable to our Indian viewers. Our journey with Sony Pictures Television is driven by a divided passion for storytelling and commitment to deliver captivating content, and we look forward to bringing the best of global entertainment to the Indian market while making sure each adaptation creates an unforgettable experience for our audiences.”

Sonika Bhasin, VP, Distribution, India, Sony Pictures Television, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Banijay Asia to bring international favorites to Indian audiences in new and exciting ways. These shows have garnered immense popularity worldwide, and we are excited to see them adapted for Indian audiences. We believe Banijay Asia has the expertise to deliver high-quality adaptations that capture the essence of the original series while offering a fresh perspective that appeals to the local audience. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the universal appeal of Sony’s rich content library while embracing the vibrant culture and storytelling techniques of India, which has emerged as a key market for the global entertainment sector. With our combined expertise and creative vision, these adaptations will achieve the same level of success and appreciation across South Asia.”

Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India have produced several successful scripted adaptations, such as The Night Manager and The Trial, as well as notable original series like Aarya, Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Bombay Begums, and Trial By Fire. Their impressive portfolio also includes popular non-scripted productions like MasterChef, Big Boss, Temptation Island, and Into the Wild with Bear Grylls.