Despite being nominated in the drama series category at the 2024 International Emmy Awards, the Indian adaptation of The Night Manager failed to win. Les Gouttes de Dieu (Drops of God) was declared the category winner.
The Night Manager, an Indian adaptation of John le Carré's novel of the same name, has been lauded for its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and high production values. Directed by Sandeep Modi and Priyanka Ghosh, the show follows Shaan Sengupta (Aditya Roy Kapur), an ex-soldier turned hotel manager, as he infiltrates the world of arms dealer Shelly Rungta (played by Anil Kapoor) to dismantle his empire. The show’s intense drama, breathtaking locales, and edge-of-the-seat suspense captivated audiences and critics alike, making it a strong contender on the international stage.
Despite the loss, the nomination itself is a significant achievement for Indian content on a global platform. Anil Kapoor, known for his previous success with international projects like Slumdog Millionaire and 24, expressed his gratitude and optimism on social media. “Being recognized at the International Emmys is an honor in itself. The journey of The Night Manager has been incredible, and this moment belongs to the entire team. Congratulations to Drops of God for their well-deserved win,” he posted.
In addition to Drops of God and The Night Manager, Iosi, El Espía Arrepentido – Season 2 [Yosi, the Regretful Spy] (Argentina) and The Newsreader – Season 2 (Australia) were nominated in the same category.
The winning series, Drops of God, is an exceptional drama based on the manga series of the same name by Tadashi Agi and Shu Okimoto. The show delves into the world of wine, intertwining familial drama and the art of wine tasting. Its unique narrative, which explores the legacy of a famous wine critic and the competition between his daughter and a protégé to claim his inheritance, resonated deeply with audiences and the Emmy jury.
For Indian cinema and television, The Night Manager’s nomination underscores the evolving stature of Indian content in the international arena. While the award eluded the Indian contingent this time, the spotlight on The Night Manager has undoubtedly paved the way for future successes, encouraging creators to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling.