KOLKATA: Premium global streaming platform Starz, which launched its Lionsgate Play direct-to-consumer OTT app to a strong response in India last year, is partnering with Lionsgate Television (LGTV) on its first Indian original series, a remake of LGTV’s critically-acclaimed, Golden Globe-nominated hit series Casual.

“Lionsgate Play continues to gain momentum in India, proving to be a strong driver of Starz’s international growth,” said Starz President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch. “Partnering with Lionsgate Television to kick off our first original series tailored for the Indian and South Asian market is the next step in curating our offering for our subscriber base who resonates with our bold, unique and defining series that make up our ‘Best of Global SVOD’ content strategy,” Hirsch added.

Casual is the first offering in Lionsgate Play’s original slate of dramas, comedies, crime and action series for the Indian and South Asian market, building on its success with acclaimed award-winning series such as Normal People (nominated for two Golden Globe), The Goes Wrong Show and the hit series Love Life. The remake of Casual will offer great drama with bold character explorations that have already become a trademark of Lionsgate Play’s content offering for Asian subscribers.

“The launch of Lionsgate Play’s first slate of original series in India is the next logical step in the continued rapid growth of the platform,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs.  “Our ability to kick off the Lionsgate Play original slate with the remake of a great intellectual property like Casual, with a renowned director and world-class stars, shows what we can achieve through the continued collaboration of our Starz, Lionsgate Television and Lionsgate India businesses.”

The series will be directed by award winning Bollywood film director Kunal Kohli, known for Hum Tum and Fanaa, and will star Lara Dutta and Prateik Babbar. A talent powerhouse and former Miss Universe, Lara has won several film accolades and starred in hit films including Housefull and Don 2, among others.  The role of her brother will be played by Prateik Babbar, known for his versatile acting talent in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Mumbai Diaries and numerous other films and premium series.

Building on its reputation for being a disruptive force in the market, Lionsgate Play is committed to innovation in its content, technology, pricing, and accessibility by making premium Hollywood content available in multiple Indian languages. In India, the app is available to download across a broad array of platforms and devices including Google Play store, Apple app store and Amazon firestick.