Global independent content distributor GoQuest Media has inked an option agreement with Mumbai-based MadLab Films for the Lithuanian comedy-drama series “Troll Farm”. Abhijeet Khuman and Gaurav Shukla, the creative duo of MadLab Films, will develop the project and adapt the five-part drama for Indian audiences.
Khuman and Shukla are renowned for the highly successful series "Asur: Welcome To The Darkside", 2023's most popular Indian show on IMDb and the 50th most popular worldwide, generating 30 million viewers and 300 million watch minutes within three weeks of its release, and is associated with the Indian remake of “The Girl On The Train”. Abhijeet Khuman also co-wrote the screenplay for “Singham Again”, the most anticipated Indian movie of 2024 according to IMDb worldwide users, and for the satirical comedy-drama film "Serious Men" which was nominated for Best Actor at the 2021 International Emmys for Nawazuddin Siddiqui of "Sacred Games" fame.
MadLab Films’ Abhijeet Khuman said: “The plot of ‘Troll Farm’ and Anna's unique POV in handling her professional and personal crisis were instantly attractive to us. Trolling is a relevant concern for our times, and we could see the story translate really well in an Indian context. Avenging corrupt corporations, women leaders breaking gender stereotypes may be tried and tested themes, but we haven't seen the far reaches of trolling and what havoc it can cause even for the troll herself. The story is impactful, bold, and just what the audience wants to see on the screen.”
Commenting on the agreement, Vivek Lath, Managing Director at GoQuest Media said: “‘Troll Farm’ unfolds as a scorned female CEO turned troll. She plots, schemes and manipulates with a single-minded goal of ridding the world of corrupt corporations. Not unlike Shiv Roy from Succession she will use every trick in the trade to win but the story turns when the trolling goes too far. This is where ‘Troll Farm’ departs from other premium revenge dramas out there. The writing is deeply self-aware and empathetic and keeps you hooked till the bizarre ending. Abhijeet and Gaurav, the brains behind some of the biggest hits on Indian TV and big screen, are on board, and we can't wait to see what magic they'll whip up with this captivating story."
“Troll Farm” (5 x 50’) is a dramedy about a high-flying executive out for revenge. After being wrongly fired from Melta Cosmetics, corporate diva Ana is determined to clear her name and prove to the world that she is the scapegoat. With her reputation ruined and her family broken, Ana’s mind screams DESTROY. Destroy Melta Cosmetics. Destroy her pretentious boss, Adomas Gylys. Destroy his two-faced office minions. Armed with “Agriculture for Dummies” and an extensive corporate career, Ana ends up running two farms. Whilst growing apples and raising chickens work as an excellent cover, Ana’s passion lies with her underground business - "Troll Farm", designed to destroy shady corporations. To reclaim her freedom of speech, she creates a fake personality destined to become society’s voice of reason - Judith.
“Troll Farm”, originally produced by Dansu Films, marked a significant milestone as the first high-end project of its kind to be produced in Lithuania. The series directed by Ernestas Jankauskas and starring Gabija Siurbyte, also the co-creator and producer made its debut on LRT and on local streaming platform Telia Play, the first time a local show to be streamed and broadcast simultaneously on television. "Troll Farm" became the inaugural winner of Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s TV Beats Forum, premiered at Transylvania International Film Festival, showcased at Content London and Série Series (France), and was selected among others for Berlinale Series Market Selects 2023.