First-of-its-kind move will adapt global bestsellers like The Clifton Chronicles and Fourth Estate into premium Indian-produced series and films for global audiences
Mumbai | August 4, 2025: In a significant leap into global storytelling, Applause Entertainment, India’s leading content studio, has secured exclusive screen rights to six of Jeffrey Archer’s most celebrated novels. The landmark deal marks Applause’s first international fiction acquisition and includes titles such as The Clifton Chronicles, Fourth Estate, First Among Equals, The Eleventh Commandment, Sons of Fortune, and Heads You Win.
Renowned for its acclaimed adaptations of Indian books, formats, and real-life stories, Applause will now reimagine Archer’s richly layered narratives into premium series and feature films. The adaptations will span genres—from political thrillers to media dramas and sweeping family sagas—and will be developed in multiple languages for platforms across India and international markets.
“This is a milestone moment for us,” said Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment. “Jeffrey Archer’s novels are compelling, character-rich, and cinematic. Our vision is to bring these stories to life with scale, style, and a voice that resonates globally. We’re thrilled to take this creative leap into adapting global fiction for a worldwide audience.”
Jeffrey Archer, one of the world’s most widely read authors with over 275 million books sold, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “It’s an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Sameer Nair and the Applause team. Their passion and global outlook make them the perfect partners to bring my books to screen. India has always embraced my stories with warmth, and I’m excited to see my characters come alive in this new, vibrant form.”
With this strategic acquisition, Applause expands its creative canvas, offering Indian creators, writers, and directors a chance to reinterpret global literary masterpieces with a contemporary cinematic lens. The collaboration reflects the studio’s commitment to bold, globally relevant storytelling made in India for the world.
About Applause Entertainment
Applause Entertainment, a venture of the Aditya Birla Group, is a leading Indian content studio known for producing high-quality scripted and unscripted content. The studio has delivered several acclaimed originals across drama, thriller, biopic, and comedy genres, and continues to push boundaries in storytelling for both Indian and global audiences.
