“Bridgerton” actress Charithra Chandran is heading from Regency London to contemporary Sri Lanka. She’ll be starring in Olivia Hetreed’s upcoming drama series “Song of the Sun God,” adapted from Shankari Chandran’s 2017 novel of the same name. Charithra Chandran will also associate produce the six-part program, according to Deadline.
Set amid the turbulent Sri Lankan presidential election of 2019, “Song of the Sun God” follows a young Australian woman’s journey of personal and familial discovery. Living in London, Leela (Charithra Chandran) is removed from her culture as well as the entrenched secrets of her own family. When her aunt suddenly vanishes after a trip to London, Leela is propelled into a dangerous journey in search of her and of answers surrounding her disappearance.
Hetreed penned the saga of a Sri Lankan household whose “love, lies, and misdemeanors” stretch across three generations and three countries, the source teases.
“It was vital to me to collaborate with a screenwriter who could stand where I stand, and tell of other worlds that are orientated around a different but equally important centre of gravity. Olivia Hetreed’s exceptional writing and her lived experience give her that deep empathy and insight,” said Shankari Chandran.
The novelist will serve as creative consultant on the series, which is being executive produced by Claire Mundell (“The Cry”) and Karen Radzyner (“Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo”).
Mundell stated, “Shankari Chandran’s novel is a poignant, and deeply moving story of the Sri Lankan conflict seen through the prism of one family. With its timely and universal themes, we feel the project will resonate with global audiences. We are excited that Charithra is both joining the cast and the producing team.”
Hetreed penned the screenplay for Andrea Arnold’s 2011 adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” Her other credits include “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.”
Aside from her role as Edwina Sharma on “Bridgerton’s” second season, Charithra Chandran is best known for Amazon spy thriller series “Alex Rider.”
