BBC drama firsts for India

Indian digital services Hungama and Vuclip have bought drama packages from BBC Worldwide, which will pave the way for War and Peace and Doctor Foster in the country.

Digital channel Hungama has bought a selection of Worldwide’s scripted shows including thriller Prey and comedy drama Not Safe for Work. It has also snagged sci-fi comedy Save Our Skins.

Separately, Worldwide has sold Tolstoy adaptation War and Peace and cotemporary drama Doctor Foster to PCCW-owned streaming service Vuclip as part of a drama package.

All of the above mentioned titles for Hungama and Vuclip are all launching in India for the first time.

“Over the last few months, we have seen an upward trend where BBC’s dramas are being increasingly snapped up by Indian clients for their linear TV and digital TV platforms,” said Myleeta Aga, senior VP & GM of BBC Worldwide India.

“A study commissioned by BBC Worldwide last year showed that international audiences, including India, love original British drama,” Aga added. “With more and more Indians going online to watch their favourite dramas, we are excited to work with Hungama and Viu to satisfy viewers’ demands by bring critically acclaimed and highly rated BBC programmes to their subscribers.”