Alia Bhatt Boards Richie Mehta's Poacher Series As Executive Producer; Release Date Out

Streaming platform Prime Video on Tuesday announced that actor Alia Bhatt is turning executive producer for its upcoming Amazon original series "Poacher". Emmy Award winner Richie Mehta of "Delhi Crime" fame has directed the crime drama, which is set to premiere on Prime Video from February 23. It is produced by QC Entertainment. An investigative crime series based on true events, "Poacher" unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history, the makers said.

Bhatt joins the project as an executive producer via her banner Eternal Sunshine Productions. Being part of "Poacher" is an honour for both her and her team at the production house, the actor said. "The impact of 'Poacher' was deeply personal, and Richie's portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with me and the team. The storytelling genuinely moved me, especially knowing it's based on true events, that sheds light on brutal crimes occurring in our forests. "I am confident that 'Poacher' will serve as an eye-opener, delivering a powerful message to be more compassionate and considerate towards all living beings.

It's a call to embrace coexistence and I am genuinely thrilled to be collaborating with Richie, QC and Prime Video and to contribute to this narrative," Bhatt said in a statement. "Alia coming on board 'Poacher' is truly a dream come true. In addition to being a world class actress she has proven to be a selfless philanthropist channeling her well respected and earned celebrity status for championing positive causes," added QC principals Edward H Hamm, Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick.

Mehta has created, written and directed the series that boasts of a diverse and talented cast comprising Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles. The story of "Poacher" will unfold primarily in Malayalam, Hindi and English.