27 years after it was published, Rohinton Mistry’s critically acclaimed and popular book ‘A Fine Balance’ is being adapted into a TV show. As per an exclusive Variety report, HBO is developing the adaptation of the novel.
It is expected to be a seven-part series produced by Blueprint Pictures and Northwood Entertainment. Blueprint Pictures, in which Sony owns a small stake, is known for producing various Martin McDonagh films such as In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Ritesh Batra, of ‘The Lunchbox’ fame, is reported to write and direct the series. The show, like the book, is set in India and shooting is expected to begin from early June and last until November.
‘A Fine Balance’ is Rohinton Mistry’s second novel set in “an unidentified city” in India, initially in 1975 and later in 1984 during the turmoil of The Emergency. The book concerns four characters – a rich widow, two tailors and a young student – from varied backgrounds who come together and develop a bond. The cast of the show to play these characters is yet to be finalized.
Although it has been more than 2 decades since the book was first published, many readers find it relevant in the current age. The book explores various themes of the era then – the role of media in keeping the government in check, infraction of human rights and the rot in Indian politics.
It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1996. It was one of the only two Canadian books selected for Oprah’s Book Club. Later, it was adapted for the stage by the Tamasha Theatre Company in 2006.
It is a case of better late than never for this masterpiece to be adapted into a TV show. If done right, which HBO does more often than not, we have an award winning treat coming to our screens.