There are two types of people in this world: those who’ve read “Shantaram” and those who need to.
Gregory David Roberts’ literary masterpiece is almost 1,000 pages in length, detailing the epic saga of bank robber and heroin addict Lin Ford (Charlie Hunnam), as he flees an Australian prison for a life on the lam in 1980s India. The voyage takes him through the slums, organized crime, love, gun-running, counterfeiting and even to the hills of Afghanistan.
It sounds like a lot for a premise, but those of us who’ve inhaled the semi-autobiographical story of “Shantaram” understand that Lin’s story, journey and human evolution is one of the most profound pieces of writing, possibly ever.
Now the focus is on Apple TV+’s interpretation of this saga, and lucky ole me got a screener! Thus far, I have no complaints about this series. Hunnam’s Aussie accent was a little wonky to begin with, but quickly finds its flow. Oh, and it’s nothing like “Sons of Anarchy” at all.
With a whole host of actors from all over the world and the skillset of director and executive producer Bharat Nalluri, I think “Shantaram” is going to take all viewers on a journey unlike anything they’ve seen before.
Here’s the only issue: I’m not sure people who’ve not read “Shantaram” will get this story. The sheer detail provided by Roberts does not lend itself to a dramatic recreation easily, but holy shit does the production team give it an amazing go. I almost felt like I was in Bombay with Lin throughout the first few episodes.
Perhaps the overwhelming nature of “Shantaram” is why it has taken so long for this book to make it onto our screens since it was first published in 2003. Apparently there have been multiple failed attempts to turn it into a film, but all fell short until now, according to Deadline.
My hope is that those who haven’t read the book will enjoy the story regardless, but I’m not going to hold my breath. I wouldn’t be surprised if people rate it really badly, given the lack of politicization and virtue signaling throughout the tale. (RELATED: ‘Vengeance’ Is The Most Haunting Portrayal Of Modern America You’ll See This Year)
The series will be released on Oct. 14, with new episodes dropping weekly through mid-December, Deadline noted. You can watch the trailer here: