Netflix announced today that it will be adding to its library of original series with an adaptation of the acclaimed British Indian novel Midnight’s Children, which Netflix also announced will be available to stream globally across 190 countries.
Written by Salman Rushdie, Midnight’s Children follows the life of Saleem Sinai, born on the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the time of India’s independence. His every act is mirrored and magnified in events that sway the course of India’s national affairs, with his health and well-being inextricably bound to those of his nation, his life is inseparable, at times indistinguishable, from the history of his country, as well as his telepathic powers linking him with India’s other 1,000 “midnight’s children,” all born at the same time as him and gifted powers.
The novel has been subject to widespread critical acclaim in the years since its debut, with Rushdie earning multiple awards including the 1981 Booker Prize and two The Best of the Booker prizes in 1993 and 2008 to celebrate the 25th and 40th anniversaries of the award. Rushdie also earned a knighthood in 2007 by Queen Elizabeth II for his work on the novel and is looking forward to working with Neflix on the series, which he believes will breathe “new life” into the story.
“’Midnight’s Children’ is one of the great novels of the world, and its themes are still relevant to the India of today, Erik Barmack, VP of International Originals for Netflix, said. “The narrative continues to fascinate audiences decades after it was first published. We are incredibly excited to translate this pioneering work of fiction that parallels the birth of modern India, for a global audience. The rich experience and talent of Indian creators combined with the global reach of Netflix, have the potential for millions of more people around the world to rediscover this story.”
This will only be the second adaptation of the novel following a cancelled BBC miniseries in the ’90s and a film adaptation in 2012 that earned mixed reviews from critics.
