Bollywood A-lister Alia Bhatt has boarded Richie Mehta‘s already-completed Amazon original investigative crime series “Poacher” as an executive producer.
Created, written, and directed by “Delhi Crime” filmmaker Mehta based on true events, “Poacher” unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. It premiered at Sundance in 2023. The cast features Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in the lead.
Bhatt is on board via her Eternal Sunshine Productions outfit. She debuted as a producer with 2022 Netflix film “Darlings,” alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. Bhatt helps raise awareness about relevant causes such as environmental sustainability, animal welfare and mitigating human-animal conflict through her platform, Coexist. She also promotes sustainable fashion through her initiative, Mi Wardrobe is Su Wardrobe.
“Poacher” is executive produced by “Get Out” producer QC Entertainment’s Edward H. Hamm Jr., Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick, in association with Suitable Pictures, Poor Man’s Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions. Alan McAlex (“A Suitable Boy”) serves as producer for Suitable Pictures.
Bhatt said: “Being part of this incredibly significant project is an honor, for both me and the entire team at Eternal Sunshine Productions. 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.”
QC principals Hamm, Mansfield and McKittrick, added: “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. Her involvement in this series helps raise awareness for the important issues addressed in the show. The most important of which is, we are all one interconnected humanity and planet. It’s crucial that we treat it with the respect and consideration it deserves.”
“Poacher” will bow worldwide on Prime Video on Feb. 23.
