Colors kickstarts October with 24

The Indian adaptation of the International Emmy Award-winning television series 24 is set to hit the small screens on October 4, 2013.

Published: Friday,Sep 20, 2013 12:06 PM GMT-06:00

Seema Matoo

COLORS has announced the much awaited broadcast timeslot for Anil Kapoor starrer - 24, a show that has created new industry benchmarks for Indian television with its unique real-time narration format with a powerful ensemble cast. With 24, COLORS redefines the drama genre making way for action icons on India television. The Indian adaptation of this high-octane saga that created history in the United States will go on air Friday, October 4th 2013, and telecast every weekend (Friday - Saturday, 10 pm). The announcement was made this evening by Raj Nayak, Chief Executive - COLORS, the flagship channel of Viacom18 Media Networks.

The launch of 24 in India makes COLORS the first-ever network to produce and air the local adaptation of the international series outside the United States. The Indian adaptation of '24', retains all the elements of the international series , the real-time, pulse-pounding, fast-paced format with split screens and complex interweaving storylines, with 24 episodes capturing 24 hours. The premiere episode will follow the exploits of heroic Anti Terrorist Unit agent Jai Singh Rathod played by Anil Kapoor.

Racing against time with the clock ticking, Jai Singh Rathod, is suddenly thrust into a chaotic and exhausting 24 hour marathon, of death, deceit, terror as he struggles to prevent the assassination of prime ministerial candidate Aditya Singhania. To support Jai Singh Rathod in this mammoth task is a spectacular cast comprising of industry veterans and actors like Anupam Kher, Shabana Azmi, Mandira Bedi, Tisca Chopra, Anita Raaj, Neil Bhoopalam, Ajinkya Deo, Richa Chadda and Rahul Khanna who deliver spell-binding performances to make 24 play out like clockwork.

Speaking about 24, Manisha Sharma, Weekend Programming Head - COLORS, said, "With 24, we introduce the Indian audiences to a new hybrid genre of entertainment that sees an interesting amalgamation of fiction and reality. Well on its way to become a cultural lexicon, 24 will offer the audiences never-seen-before action, thrill, suspense, drama and the exhilaration of solving complex cases real-time within a span of 24 hours."

"I couldn't have asked for a better team of actors than the ones on 24." Says Anil Kapoor, actor and co-producer, "Everybody is a hero on the show and the precision and technique that each one of them use to portray their individual characters is unique. Their never-say-die attitude and the passion and enthusiasm put in by each one of them makes me want to strive harder and perform better and better."

"Creating a body of work such as 24, is a lifetime opportunity where I could use my craft to the fullest. I have attempted to create a visual medley of powerful characters led by Jai Singh Rathod. I am confident audiences will love each and every character and see how all of them in their own way contribute to the twists and turns of 24," said Abhinay Deo, Chief Director of the show.

"We partnered with 24, because we firmly believe the show shares the same values of speed, strength and absolute power. As Anil Kapoor runs against time, the Tata Storm Safari is the perfect vehicle that supports his agility and total control. It made sense to tie up with a show which has all the characteristics of our SUV," said Ranjit Yadav, President PVBU Tata Motors.

24 is co-produced by Anil Kapoor Film Co, and Ramesh Deo Productions, directed by Abhinay Deo and adapted by Rensil D'Silva.