Shekhar Kapur is once again operating on a global stage. Sources say the celebrated filmmaker is developing, producing and set to direct a tent‑pole romance series for Amazon Studios (U.S.), adapted from the bestselling novel My Name Is Memory. The move underscores Kapur’s continued focus on international storytelling rather than a return to exclusively Indian narratives.
The project: a big romance for a global platform
The series is being developed for a major international OTT platform and is described as a tent‑pole romance — a high‑profile, large‑scale project aimed at wide audiences. With Kapur attached as developer, producer and director, the adaptation signals strong studio confidence in his ability to translate cross‑cultural stories for global viewers.
A natural fit in Kapur’s international slate
Kapur’s career has long straddled borders. From early Indian classics like Bandit Queen and Masoom to the Oscar‑nominated historical drama Elizabeth — which earned recognition across eight Academy Award categories — he has shown an ease with stories that travel across cultures. His recent international film What’s Love Got to Do with It? reinforced this trajectory, winning Best Film, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay at the UK National Film Awards and featuring a cast that includes Emma Thompson, Lily James and Shabana Azmi.
Not a return to Indian cinema — but still connected
Industry insiders emphasize that this Amazon project is not being positioned as Kapur’s “return” to Indian filmmaking. Instead, it fits within a broader, long‑standing international practice: big, ambitious narratives made for a global audience. That said, Kapur continues to maintain ties to Indian cinema — both through the themes he explores and through upcoming projects rooted in Indian storytelling.
Masoom: The Next Generation and recent honours
Alongside the Amazon adaptation, Kapur is preparing Masoom: The Next Generation, a sequel to the beloved classic that introduced a generation to his intimate, emotionally restrained style. In 2025, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to cinema, a recognition that industry observers say reflects his enduring influence across borders.
Why this matters
- Global reach: A Kapur‑directed series for Amazon studios will likely attract international attention and bring more visibility to literary adaptations from diverse sources.
- Cross‑cultural storytelling: Kapur’s career shows a knack for translating local emotions into universally accessible narratives — a key asset for OTT projects aiming for worldwide audiences.
- Industry impact: High‑profile directors moving between film and streaming signal continued convergence of traditional filmmaking craft with global streaming platforms.
For fans of Kapur’s work, the project promises the director’s trademark blend of scale, sensitivity and narrative ambition. As more details emerge about the cast and release timeline, viewers can expect a romance series that aims to speak to audiences across continents while keeping Kapur’s distinct storytelling voice intact.
