Idris Elba, Little Simz, Maya Jama Join ‘Shifters’ Producing Team

CENTER STAGE CELEB CLOUT

Idris Elba, Maya Jama and Little Simz have signed on as producers for the London West End transfer of Bush Theatre’s production “Shifters.” The trio joins Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Chuchu Nwagu Productions, and Sonia Friedman Productions to bring Benedict Lombe‘s romance to London’s Duke of York’s Theatre from West London’s Bush Theatre.

Written by Lombe (“Lava,” Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner) and directed by Evening Standard Theatre Award-winner Lynette Linton (“Blues for an Alabama Sky,” “August in England”), the play will run for a limited nine-week engagement, Aug. 12 – Oct. 12.

“Shifters” stars Heather Agyepong (“School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play”) and Tosin Cole (“Supacell,” “Doctor Who”), who are reprising their roles from the original Bush Theatre production.

The story follows Dre and Des, two young, gifted Black individuals whose lives intersect years after taking different paths. As they navigate new secrets and old scars, they question if fate has brought them back together.

The production team also announced the launch of the Shifting The Narrative Bookshop, a pop-up initiative showcasing Black British playwriting, literature and poetry. The bookshop will operate from Aug. 12-20 in the theater’s outer foyer, offering titles that focus on Black joy, love and celebration.

COURT’S COMPELLING CASTING

Meanwhile, London’s Royal Court Theatre has announced the cast for Oli Forsyth‘s “Brace Brace,” directed by Daniel Raggett. The production will feature Phil Dunster (“Ted Lasso”), Craige Els (“Just For One Day”) and Anjana Vasan (“We Are Lady Parts”).

“Brace Brace” explores the aftermath of a plane hijacking, focusing on survivors Ray and Sylvia as they grapple with the event’s impact on their relationship. A post-show talk with Forsyth is scheduled for October 15. The playwright is the recipient of this year’s Jerwood New Playwright accolade and the inaugural Davidson PlayGC Bursary.

The production is presented in partnership with Mark Gordon Pictures. The play is set to run in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs from Oct. 3 to Nov. 2.

BENGALURU BLOCKBUSTER

Production has kicked off for Yash‘s latest action drama “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups” in Bengaluru, India. Directed by Geethu Mohandas, “Toxic” is a joint production between KVN Productions and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The actor-producer was on set with producer Venkat K. Narayana of KVN Productions, participating in a traditional prayer ceremony to mark the project’s commencement.

Mohandas’ directorial debut “Liar’s Dice” played at Sundance, while her sophomore feature “Moothon” (“The Elder One”) premiered at Toronto. Yash’s stardom skyrocketed with the “K.G.F.” franchise, with “KGF: Chapter 2” becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

As revealed by Variety, Yash‘s Monster Mind Creations and producer Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios have partnered on an adaptation of Indian epic “Ramayana” for global audiences. The film will be directed by Nitesh Tiwari, whose “Dangal” is the highest Indian grosser of all time.

MOGULS MAKE MOVES

Media group Creativeland Asia has tapped industry veteran Poran Malani as its new group CEO. Malani brings over 30 years of experience across global markets, having built and scaled two major agency networks. Founder and chair C. Sajan Raj Kurup cited Malani’s experience as key to scaling the group’s network of businesses. Malani will oversee operations across Creativeland’s offices in India, London and Hollywood affiliates.

The new group CEO aims to expand Creativeland’s entertainment ecosystem, which includes publishing, feature films, talent management and AI-driven marketing technology solutions. Malani underlined the opportunity to build India’s own network, focusing on unique brand-consumer connections.

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Mumbai-based Locomotive Global Media (Netflix’s “Rana Naidu”) has appointed Vikas Sharma as head of film projects. Sharma, formerly with Bandra West Pictures (“Airlift,” “Chef”), will oversee development, acquisitions and business for the company’s new film division. The UCLA alum brings over a decade of industry experience to the role.

Sunder Aaron, co-founder and managing partner, praised Sharma’s storytelling vision and market understanding. Sharma expressed excitement about crafting globally appealing content, with a focus on horror and thriller genres. He aims to establish Locomotive as a boutique studio, citing recent Indian films gaining international attention. Sharma reports directly to Aaron and is based in Mumbai. The appointment is effective immediately.