The upcoming streaming series 'Freedom at Midnight', adapted from Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins' renowned book of the same name, boasts an impressive ensemble of international talents.
Revealed by the show's creators on Tuesday, the international lineup includes Luke McGibney, Andrew Cullum, Richard Teverson, Alistair Finlay, and Cordelia Bugeja.
McGibney and Bugeja are set to portray the pivotal roles of the last Viceroy and Vicereine of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten and Lady Edwina Mountbatten, respectively.
Expressing his thoughts on tackling the character of Lord Louis Mountbatten, Luke McGibney remarked, "Stepping into the shoes of Mountbatten means embodying a figure deeply intertwined with India's history. His involvement in the transfer of power and partition was both significant and contentious. It's a compelling challenge to delve into the complexities of a character who held immense sway during a critical juncture. From his tenure as the final Viceroy of India to the turbulent aftermath of partition, 'Freedom at Midnight' offers us a chance to delve into his relationships and decisions that reshaped the destiny of nations."
The series delves into the motivations, conflicts, and sacrifices of key historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Director Nikkhil Advani commented on the casting, stating, "During the production of 'Rocket Boys,' one of our greatest regrets was not being able to cast international actors from the UK/US due to Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions. When we commenced casting for 'Freedom at Midnight,' we were determined to rectify that. The roles of Lord Louis Mountbatten and Lady Edwina Mountbatten were instrumental in shaping the outcome of the subcontinent's partition."
"Additionally, characters like Wavell and Radcliffe played pivotal roles in modern Indian history. We aimed to incorporate iconic footage and images of significant moments. Therefore, we sought out actors who not only bore physical resemblance to these historical figures but also possessed the talent to rival the exceptional Indian actors we had cast," he added.
Produced by Emmay Entertainment (Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani) in collaboration with StudioNext and Sony LIV, 'Freedom at Midnight' is set to premiere soon on Sony LIV.
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