Alia Bhatt’s Transition to Executive Producer for “Poacher”: Infusing Heart into the Project

Actress-producer Alia Bhatt expressed her decision to back the upcoming web-series “Poacher” due to its poignant portrayal of an important true-life narrative delivered with authenticity. Serving as an executive producer on the Prime Video series, Bhatt highlighted director Richie Mehta’s return to the streaming space following the critically-acclaimed first season of Netflix’s “Delhi Crime.” The eight-part crime drama delves into true events, unraveling the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. Starring Nimisha Sajaya, Roshan Mathew, and Debyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles, “Poacher” is set to premiere on Prime Video on February 23.

At the series’ trailer launch, Bhatt emphasized the impact of the narrative, expressing gratitude to Richie for assembling a genuine and heartfelt portrayal. She recounted her introduction to the project, having met the Emmy-winning filmmaker in 2020 and engaging in discussions encompassing parenting, cinema, art, and “Poacher.” Mehta shared two episodes of the series during their interaction, leaving Bhatt captivated.

Mehta recounted the genesis of the story, which arose during his involvement in a 2015 documentary project with Google, “India in a Day.” A submitted video depicting ivory raiding in Delhi, sourced from the WildLife Trust of India, sparked his intrigue. This encounter led Mehta to embark on an exploration of wildlife crime fighters, culminating in the creation of “Poacher” as a fictionalized dramatization of true events.

Roshan Mathew, portraying a computer programmer in the series, expressed his enthusiasm in collaborating with Mehta, citing the project’s departure from conventional structures and his admiration for the director’s work. Additionally, he lauded his co-star Nimisha Sajaya, with whom he had previously worked on “Oru Thekkan Thallu Case” and “Chera.” Mathew expressed his honor in reuniting with Bhatt following their critically-acclaimed film “Darlings” in 2022, commending her dedication to cinema and her role as a producer.

The convergence of talent and passion evident in the “Poacher” project signifies a significant addition to the streaming landscape, offering a compelling narrative and a platform for impactful storytelling.