Israeli film and television director Gideon Raff, whose drama series "Hatufim" (Prisoners of War) and its acclaimed US adaptation "Homeland" is being remade for the Indian audience by filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, says he is always worried whenever his show is recreated in another language.
"I worry how they (team) would make it, will they do justice to what been already made. But I do think that for the show to succeed it has to be local. It has to be true to the place. I was on Skype with Nikkhil as I was curious to know what they would do, would they pick my brain. I watched it as a fan," Raff told PTI.
"Hatufim" is the original from which both the versions have been lifted. The official Indian adaptation called "P.O.W. - Bandi Yuddh Ke" is ready to hit the small screens from November 7 on Star Plus and the two-time Emmy award winning director is glad that he did not dabble with the idea of making it here as he is unaware of about the local culture.
"I don't know anthing about the culture of China, Russia, India... So it's better those who know make it. After watching the Indian version I got drowned completely in the world of the story and I was moved, I forgot it had anything to do with me," he said.
Raff did not anticipate that his show "Prisoners of War" would become such a big hit.
"I thought I was making a local show for the Israeli market that is very small. It managed to make its way in 40 territories in original language. Then we did 'Homeland' and I got global success. Then we sold the rights of the format in other territories like Russia, South Korea, India and others," he said.
The Indian version of this emotionally gripping drama brings untold stories of war and the 43-year-old filmmaker feels at home after watching it.
"'Hatufim' is closer to the Indian version and 'Homeland' is a different piece. With 'Homeland' we took investigation part of 'Hatufim' and turned into the main part of the show. The reason being that the investigation story can continue," Raff said.
"I saw the pilot version of Indian format and it is very close to Israeli version. And Nikkhil has managed to capture the heart of the show and the journey.
"I was moved watching the pilot version of the Indian adaptation. I cried and I sent an e-mail to Nikhil that I was moved. The Indian version is simply amazing," Raff added.
He is in India to meet Advani and the ensemble cast comprising distinguished actors like Sandhya Mridul, Purab Kohli, Amrita Puri, Satyadeep Misra and Manish Chaudhari.
"Meeting the cast here was amazing. It was like I am with Israeli actors. They have same sensibilities. They all are good, all are equally impressive," the "Prisoners of War" helmer said.
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