Applause Entertainment acquires rights to 6 Jeffrey Archer novels for Indian adaptations 

Applause Entertainment (the studio behind recent OTT launches like The Hunt, The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, Criminal Justice franchise, The Scam franchise, etc.), has acquired the exclusive screen rights to six of Jeffrey Archer’s novels — The Clifton Chronicles, Fourth Estate, First Among Equals, The Eleventh Commandment, Sons of Fortune, and Heads You Win.

Applause has previously adapted books into hit series like Scam 1992 and Black Warrant, and this collaboration marks the studio's first global fiction book acquisition, which brings one of the world’s most widely read authors into its growing content slate.

The six titles span political drama, espionage, media power struggles, and multi-generational family sagas, which could be adapted into series or films, will be produced in India and will be distributed across global platforms. Timelines for production, a list of directors or details about casting were not revealed, though announcements about projects and progress would come within three to six months.

Talking about the collaboration, Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment, said that this IP acquisition was to legitimately enter the fiction space. "We have always done it the right way - from Kaun Banega Crorepati to Indian Idol. But fiction was blurry, and we’re a big company. We must do it right," said Nair at a media event.

Highlighting the importance of legitimacy in IP acquisition, Jeffrey Archer showcased his frustration about fans enjoying versions of his work with which he had no involvement. “It drove me mad. They just stole the story,” he said.

Talking about choosing Applause, Archer said that the studio was serious about a writer's work and honouring it. Speaking about the adaptation of his works that would primarily be based in the Indian context, Archer said, "There is Kane and Abel the musical in Japan, in Japanese. And it was sold out. And, of course, I didn't understand a word. But I was so proud to see it up there with 200 people on stage working their hearts out. I was delighted. So, the idea of joining with India and joining  with Applause to go in the direction they have in mind is very exciting."

While Nair bets on this collaboration with Archer as an opportunity for creators, directors and writers to come aboard, Archer wants to see results immediately. "I'm 85 years old. So please get on with it," he said.