After being successfully adapted in the United States as Homeland, Gideon Raff’s acclaimed Israeli television series Hatufim (Prisoners of War) is being remade in India as P.O.W Bandi Yuddh ke. The creator of the original series flew down to India to meet the cast and the crew in action on the sets. We caught up with Gideon for a freewheeling conversation about the show and more. Edited excerpts:
After Homeland, the series is being adapted in India. The entire world seems to have warmed up to the concept in a big way; did you imagine it would have such mass appeal?
I had no idea this was going to happen. I created a very local show for the Israeli market, which is very small. And it somehow managed to break the glass ceiling and found its way to more than 40 territories in the original language and then we did Homeland, which was a global success as well. We sold the rights to the format in different territories including India. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of conflict in the world and the show for that reason lends itself to different markets. But then it’s fascinating to see how every market adapts it.
How creatively satisfied are you with Nikhil Advani’s adaptation and presentation of your story?
Hatufim is without a doubt closer to the Indian version. Homeland is a different beast. With Homeland we took the investigation part of Hatufim and turned it into the very heart of the show. Nikhil Advani has managed to really capture the heart of the show. I was very moved by it. When I saw the pilot, I cried and I called them immediately and told them how much I was moved by it.
You saw the cast and the director of the show in action on the sets. How was the entire experience?
Meeting the cast was amazing; it was like hanging out with the Israeli actors. They have the same sensibilities and many other similarities. Being on the set with Nikhil was a great experience too. I told him I want to be a witness to the creation again.
Would you be interested in making a film in India?
Well, I don’t know much about Bollywood or the television industry here. But I am keen on doing a certain kind of co-production in India. I know only one star who lives next to my hotel and that is Shah Rukh Khan. I would certainly love to make a film with him.
