Shantaram
Release Date:
TBA
2008
Based on the true-life story and novel by author Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram centers on an Australian character named Lindsay, aka Lin. After his personal life spirals out of control, Lin is sentenced to a long, tough prison term. He manages to escape, however, and makes his way up to Mumbai, India. He is befriended by a strange character named Prabaker, who takes Lin to his native village slum. The locals take Lin in and rename him Shantaram.
Soon, "Shantaram" has immersed himself in the colorful life of Mumbai. In an effort to atone for his past sins, he battles fires, tries to aid victims of monsoons, and even sets up a free medical clinic. Soon, a mafia chief known as Khader Khan takes Shantaram under his wing. Lin sees Khan as a sort of surrogate father, and becomes involved in gun running as he helps to fight insurgents in Afghanistan.
Johnny Depp, who is always an actor who chooses interesting and daring roles, takes on the title role in the film. The author will adapt his own novel for the big sceen. (Kim Hollis/BOP)