The realm of Indian crime dramas on streaming platforms is about to receive a new champion with the announcement that Emmy-award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta’s latest creation, “Poacher,” will be making its highly anticipated debut exclusively on Prime Video come February 23. Audiences may remember Mehta for his critically acclaimed work on “Delhi Crime,” the groundbreaking series which engrossed viewers with its intense storytelling.
Venturing into the untamed wilderness of crime drama, “Poacher” features a formidable ensemble cast, including the acclaimed talents of Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. Building expectations, the series has been teased on social media, generating excitement among viewers eager to delve into an enthralling new saga of tenacity and justice.
This milestone series represents the first television production endeavor for QC Entertainment, the champions behind such Oscar-winning hits like Jordan Peele’s horror sensation “Get Out” and the critically lauded “BlacKkKlansman” by Spike Lee. What sets “Poacher” apart is its foundation on real-world encounters and evidence, as it is a gripping fictionalisation of actual events that occurred within Kerala’s dense forests and the bustling cityscapes of Delhi.
The narrative is said to intricately weave the incredible efforts of Indian forest service officers, dedicated NGO workers from the Wildlife Trust of India, conscientious police constables, and altruistic civilians who took significant risks to dismantle the most extensive ivory poaching syndicate in Indian history. To capture the authenticity of this riveting tale, filming took place in the actual locales of Kerala and New Delhi, echoing the trilingual reality of the region by predominantly delivering its story in Malayalam, Hindi, and English.
Richie Mehta, the creative mastermind behind “Poacher,” has expressed his excitement about the project, a labor of love which has consumed four years of in-depth exploration into the intricate and high-stakes world of crime fighting. The collaboration with Prime Video is set to catapult this thrilling narrative to audiences worldwide, set to truly enhance its global impact.
The series has been afforded the creative talents of an experienced team, with QC Entertainment’s Edward H. Hamm Jr., Raymond Mansfield, and Sean McKittrick serving as executive producers. Alan McAlex of “Suitable Boy” fame brings his producing acumen to the table for Suitable Pictures. Additionally, “Poacher” reunites Mehta with key creative forces from “Delhi Crime,” including cinematographer Johan Aidt, composer Andrew Lockington, and editor Beverley Mills, promising a continuation of the artistic synergy that contributed to their previous successes.
The buzz around “Poacher” began to swell following the premiere of its first three episodes at the prestigious 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it secured glowing praise from attendees. This initial reception bodes well for the series, indicating that it is primed to become a significant addition to the world of streaming television.
As the release date of “Poacher” on Prime Video draws near, the anticipation grows not only for fans of Mehta’s work but also for viewers seeking a powerful and provocative narrative. With its chilling portrayal of true events and a salute to the brave individuals on the front lines of conservation and law enforcement, “Poacher” is on course to become an enthralling series that is both captivating and socially relevant. The countdown to February 23 begins as “Poacher” is set to inaugurate its quest to enthrall, engage, and enlighten a global audience.
