Netflix bags Indian comedy feature

A new coming-of-age comedy from India is headed for Netflix after the streaming giant secured exclusive debut rights.

Set in 1980s Bangalore, Brahman Naman follows a quick-witted high school quiz champion who leads a trio of nerdy friends to win a major college prize, while trying to lose their virginity at the same time.

The film, influenced by American teen comedies and British word play sketches, comes from lauded Indian indie filmmaker Q (Gandu, Tasher Desh). It premiered in the World Drama Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival last week.

“Brahman Naman is Indian cinema at its boldest: fast, furious and raucously funny,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix. “It’s a movie that will delight adolescents of all ages, and we’re excited to bring this hilarious tale to our members around the world.”

Naman Ramachandran wrote the film, with Steve Barron and Celine Loop producing.

The exclusive rights acquisition is the latest Netflix has grabbed at Sundance, coming after teen assault documentary Audrie & Daisy, Ellen Page-starring Tallulah, Paul Rudd drama The Fundamentals of Caring, horror Under the Shadows and Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You.

Netflix has also confirmed it is remaking Gilmore Girls, with Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson and Kelly Bishop starring and Sean Gunn and Keiko Agena from the original show returning.

Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions is producing in association with Warner Bros. Television, with Amy Sherman-Palladino the creator and executive producer and Daniel Palladino also an EP, writer and director.