[Press Release] CJ ENM Announces Indian Adaptation of Acclaimed K-Drama "Signal" by the Producers of KILL

Leading Korean entertainment company, CJ ENM announced the Indian adaptation of its critically acclaimed Korean drama, "Signal". The Indian adaptation, "Gyaarah Gyaarah", is produced by Sikhya Entertainment and Dharmatic Entertainment, two of India's leading production houses known for their compelling storytelling and high production value. The series titled after native Hindi terminology for 11:11, has premiered on August 9, 2024, on Zee5. It promises to bring the thrilling narrative of the original series to a new audience, blending Indian cultural elements with the timeless story of justice, mystery, and the supernatural.

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The Hindi Language series is brought to life by tenured Indian Director Umesh Bist, starring Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra, and Dhairya Karwa. The storyline navigates through significant years in India's history - 1990, 2001, and 2016, amidst the magic of the Himalayan ranges - an intertwining storyline that unravels layers of mysticism and science, much like the original, but with a distinctly Indian flavor.

The original Korean version, produced by the premium storyteller group Studio Dragon, explores the intriguing concept of communication across time to solve cold cases. The story revolves around a modern-day criminal profiler, who stumbles upon an old walkie-talkie that connects him to a police officer from the late 80s. Together, they unravel unsolved mysteries and fight against corruption, showcasing the enduring belief in justice even in a flawed world. The original series first aired in 2016 on the No.1 K-content channel tvN, achieved a high viewership rating, and received critical acclaim.

"Signal" has already proven its universal appeal, with successful adaptations in Japan and Thailand, and the anticipation for a second season in South Korea. The Indian adaptation is set to expand its global footprint further, bringing the series' unique blend of mystery and emotion to one of the world's largest entertainment markets.

Sebastian Kim, Director of Content Distribution, commented "CJ ENM is dedicated to producing and distributing high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe. The Indian adaptation of "Signal" is a part of this ongoing commitment, reflecting the company's strategy to adapt successful Korean dramas for international audiences while preserving the core elements that made them beloved in the first place".

This adaptation is a first of its kind for Indian audiences who will witness a police procedural, not quite like they have before. With "Gyaarah Gyaarah", the producers have taken a leap of faith in the compelling source material. Director Umesh Bist and writers Sunjoy Shekhar and Puja Banerji push boundaries, innovating the cinematic experience we expect to come from a binge-worthy show.

In an official statement, the producers said, "We are incredibly proud of this association. K-Dramas have been groundbreaking and globally popular, with deeply rooted storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. This partnership marks the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Korea, allowing us to bring one of their IPs to India. Dharmatic and Sikhya are thrilled to collaborate with CJ on "Gyaarah Gyaarah" and look forward to many more joint ventures. ZEE5, as a platform, is uniquely positioned to give these projects the biggest push in India, reaching a wide and diverse audience. Korea excels in storytelling, and this partnership is truly epic. Together, with ZEE5's extensive reach, we aim to bring these stories to an even larger audience in India. Here's to many more successful collaborations!"

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India said, "At ZEE5, we are relentlessly pursuing content that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. With 'Gyaarah Gyaarah', the Indian adaptation of the critically acclaimed K-drama "Signal", we are confident in setting a new benchmark for innovative and exceptional storytelling. We are excited to bring this gripping story of time, mystery, and justice to Indian audiences. This series marks a significant milestone for ZEE5, and we are thrilled for its release".