MUMBAI : Freedom at Midnight promises an immersive dive into one of India's most pivotal eras—the struggle for independence and the subsequent partition. From the early calls for self-rule to the triumphant moment of Independence in 1947, the series delves into the motivations, conflicts, and sacrifices of key figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.
Alongside historical figures, the platform introduces global talent: Luke McGibney, Andrew Cullum, Richard Teverson, Alistair Finlay, and Cordelia Bugeja. McGibney and Bugeja embody the last Viceroy and Vicereine of India Lord Louis Mountbatten and Lady Edwina Mountbatten, respectively. Finlay essays Archibald Wavell, the Commander-in-Chief and Viceroy of India preceding Mountbatten. Cullum brings live the character of Clement Attlee, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1945 to 1951, while Teverson portrays Cyril Radcliffe, the chairman of the Boundary Commission for the Partition of India. With meticulous research and a stellar cast, Sony LIV aims to deliver a cinematic homage to India's iconic history and the quest for freedom.
Adapted from the renowned book by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, Freedom at Midnight is Produced by Emmay Entertainment (Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani) in association with StudioNext and Sony LIV, Nikkhil Advani serves as the Showrunner and Director. The story is penned by Abhinandan Gupta, Adwitiya Kareng Das, Gundeep Kaur, Divya Nidhi Sharma, Revanta Sarabhai, and Ethan Taylor.
Danish Khan, Business Head of Sony LIV and StudioNext, emphasized, “We at SonyLIV are delighted to present Freedom at Midnight based on the literary masterpiece of the same name. This series will tell the electrifying story of Indian Independence history with depth and authenticity. Under the leadership of Nikkhil Advani and his remarkably skilled team, the transition from page to screen will be nothing short of extraordinary. We at Sony LIV, StudioNext and Emmay believe this story has huge relevance and will offer great understanding and insights to our audiences across the world about ‘what, why and how’ of the events that led to Partition and finally Indian Independence.
Talking about this casting, Director Nikkhil Advani, said, "One of the biggest regrets that we had during the making of Rocket Boys was not being able to cast the international actors from UK/USA. Covid and lockdown prevented us from doing that. When we started the casting of Freedom At Midnight both Sony LIV and us were determined to correct that. Lord Louis Mountbatten, his wife Lady Edwina Mountbatten play integral roles that determined the outcome of the partition of the sub-continent. Then of course there is Atlee, Wavel and Radcliffe. Men that changed the course of modern day India. We were determined to use iconic footage and pictures of some seminal moments. And so, we had to get the actors who not only physically resembled these historical figures but those who would challenge the super Indian actors we had cast”.
Sharing his thoughts on playing Lord Louis Mountbatten, Luke McGibney expresses, “As Mountbatten, I step into the shoes of a pivotal figure in India’s history. Mountbatten’s role during the transfer of power and partition was both profound and controversial. It’s a fascinating challenge to tap into the complexities of a character who wielded immense influence during a critical period. From his tenure as the last Viceroy of India to the tumultuous aftermath of partition, Freedom at Midnight allows us to explore his relationships and decisions that altered the course of nations.”
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