Richie Mehta, creator of Netflix’s “Delhi Crime” and Prime Video’s “Poacher,” is set to executive produce the upcoming film “Boy From Andaman.”
The project marks the directorial debut of Parinaz Jal and is produced by Janice Chua for Imagine Entertainment and Harman Baweja for India’s Baweja Studios along with Los Angeles-based Rick Ambros, Vancouver-based Bhhaskar De and Mumbai-based Sharmila Pinheiro.
Based on an original idea by Manu Chopra, the script is written by Jal and Chopra. The story follows Mohan, a Mumbai post office worker who discovers a letter addressed to “God” from a young tsunami survivor in the Andaman Islands. Their unlikely friendship, developed through letter exchanges, leads Mohan to journey to the Andamans to help the boy. The film “delves into the profound themes of faith as experienced by two characters navigating vastly different realities,” according to a description from the producers.
Jal previously assisted Mehta on “Poacher” and “Delhi Crime.”
Chua, spearheading the project for Imagine Entertainment, said: “I was deeply moved by Manu Chopra’s story when it was first introduced to me through Rick and Bhhaskar. I’m thrilled to collaborate with the talented Richie Mehta and first-time director Parinaz Jal to bring this powerful script to life.”
Mehta added: “When Janice Chua approached me about this story, I was instantly taken by the simplicity, potency, and beauty of it, and felt that as a collaboration between Imagine, Bhhaskar, Rick, Parinaz, Harman and myself, we could make something magical. I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure and bring this powerful tale to life.”
Ambros is a veteran Hollywood producer and executive, and De is a producer and marketing and communication leader at the Vancouver-based law firm Remedios & Company.
Baweja said: “I’m excited to be part of such an ambitious project, ‘Boy from Andaman’ — a story that is both heartwarming and inspiring. Working alongside such a talented team, including Richie Mehta, Janice Chua, Rick Ambros and Bhhaskar De, is a privilege.”
Ambrose and De added: “‘Boy’ is a story of hope and compassion that renews our faith in humanity, something often in short supply today.”
Imagine Entertainment, founded by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, has Luca Guadagnino’s thriller “After the Hunt,” starring Julia Roberts, in the works. Baweja Studios has several projects in the pipeline, including “Ikhwan: From Militant to Soldier” and “Captain India,” starring Kartik Aaryan.
