Mumbai 7th March 2024: A ship, precious cargo, the looming threat of Somali pirates, and ONE demand! Disney+ Hotstar just dropped the trailer of their upcoming thriller Lootere, featuring a talented ensemble including Rajat Kapoor, Vivek Gomber, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Aamir Ali among others. Directed by Jai Mehta, produced by Shailesh R Singh, and guided by showrunner Hansal Mehta, this gripping series follows Rajat Kapoor as the ship captain and his struggle with a criminal legacy. Entering the twisted world of crime to fulfill a treacherous demand of safeguarding and smuggling dangerous goods, the trailer offers a thrilling peek into a world where survival means navigating a deadly web of crimes. Unravel the secrets with Lootere exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, starting March 22nd, 2024.
Gaurav Banerjee, Head – Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star said, “With Lootere we bring for our audience a spectacular show set in the high seas of Somalia! Collaborating with the storytelling dream team of Hansal Mehta, Jai Mehta, and Shailesh R Singh has been incredible as they have brought together a survival drama that’s rich and powerful.”
Producer Shailesh R Singh said, “Lootere aimed to narrate a story with a backdrop that hasn’t been explored in this manner before. Set in a foreign land, we’ve meticulously maintained authenticity, ensuring nothing dilutes the essence of the location. Jai and Hansal Mehta’s vision for Lootere was extraordinary, and my goal was to bring that vision to life ever since I first read the script. This project is a special journey in storytelling, and I’m excited for audiences to experience it on Disney+ Hotstar.”
Showrunner Hansal Mehta said, “We’ve seen several airborne hijack stories but Lootere stands out for its setting in the sea and its expansive canvas – a vast ocean, an alien country, an intimidating vessel, and a band of menacing pirates. With this show, our attempt is to bring a story of power and greed spiraling into an international hijacking crisis and the attempts of the crew to escape it. The story is bound to take the audience on an emotional as well as a thrilling adventure. Working with Jai in his capacity as an independent director and collaborating with Disney+ Hotstar for the first time has been nothing but a terrific experience
Director Jai Mehta said, “In developing ‘Lootere,’ our ambition was to redefine the traditional hijacking genre by infusing it with a unique perspective. As a filmmaker, I am aware of our role in molding perceptions through our creations. It was imperative for us to present a nuanced depiction that encompasses not only the experiences of the victims but also the human aspects of the pirates and the people of Somalia. Collaborating once again with Hansal Sir, I am convinced that ‘Lootere,’ just like ‘Scam 1992,’ will deliver an unforgettable viewing experience to audiences everywhere. I am thrilled to invite viewers to embark on this riveting journey which will be available exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.”
Actor Rajat Kapoor said, “Lootere has been quite a journey, both outwards and inwards. For someone like me, who has never been on a ship, to play the captain of the ship was an adventure and a delight. We were trapped in our own ship by the pirates and the ship crew, which is already like a family- got even closer. Moreover, the crew making the series became a family in South Africa for a few months. Long and hard days of being in the sea- in a ship that is huge but at the same time, cramped. Lootere was this coming together of the opposites and everything came together thanks to the real captain- Jai Mehta.
Actor Vivek Gomber said, “Stepping into my role in Lootere was entirely new for me. It’s a character unlike any I’ve played before – someone doing their best despite knowing they’ve chosen the wrong path. I connect with many of his qualities; he’s loyal, and determined, yet vulnerable when his loved ones are at risk. A big shout out to Jai and Hansal for crafting such an emotional arc, taking me through experiences I haven’t lived personally. Lootere became a deeply personal journey for me, and I hope my efforts shine through when audiences watch it on Disney+ Hotstar, receiving it well.”