Making of

Based on the semi-biographical novel written by convicted Australian bank robber, Gregory David Roberts about his adventures in the prisons, slums and wealthy districts of a Casablanca-style Mumbai, any screen adaptation of Shantaram was destined to be an exotic affair.

Apple TV+ commissioned 12 hours from Paramount Television Studios and Anonymous Content’s AC Studios for a reported USD100 million. It is co-created and executive produced by Steve Production designer Chris Kennedy (Lion) and Costume Designer Margot Wilson dressed sets, cast and extras to match the 1980s period. Australian cinematographers Stefan Duscio and Robert Humphreys shot on Arri Alexa Mini LF, serviced by Panavision Melbourne, with a look that emphasised warmer tones for Indian scenes and more neutral cooler tones for flashbacks shot in Victoria.

Lightfoot. Episodes were directed by Bharat Nalluri (Spooks: The Greater Good) and Justin Kurzel (True History of the Kelly Gang) and stars Charlie Hunnam.

Filming began in October 2019 in Australia with a significant portion of the series expected to be shot later in India. However, Covid-19 restrictions enforced a switch of location to Bangkok where the production were able to lock-off entire streets to recreate Mumbai shanty towns and vibrant Colaba

Shantaram © Apple TV+.