Saif Ali Khan to Star in Indian Adaptation Of “Chef”

Mumbai, Nov 25 (IANS) Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has landed the lead role in the Hindi remake of Hollywood film “Chef”, it was announced on Wednesday.

“Chef”, a 2014 film, was written, produced and directed by Jon Favreau, who also featured as the protagonist in it.

“I’m delighted to see ‘Chef’ get an Indian remake. I'm excited to see how this personal film translates to the Indian culture. The themes of food, music and family should resonate well,” Favreau said in a statement.

The original “Chef” boasts of a supporting cast of actors Robert Downey Jr, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson and Dustin Hoffman.

In India, the remake will be produced by Abundantia Entertainment, Eros International and Alumbra Entertainment.

Production house Abundantia Entertainment, founded by Vikram Malhotra (former chief operating officer of Viacom18 Motion Pictures), acquired the remake rights from Favreau’s company Fairview Entertainment and went on to partner with Eros International.

"Ever since I first saw 'Chef', I knew that this film had to be made in India. Charming relationships, a feel-good story and a unique journey of self-discovery make 'Chef' the ideal film to bring alive in an Indian context," Malhotra said.

"I'm also delighted that one of the finest actors in our country, Saif Ali Khan, will helm the title role in the Hindi version," he added.

Eros International will distribute the desi version worldwide. The work on the Hindi remake has begun and a script that will adapt the story to the Indian palate, keeping the flavour of the film intact, is already underway.

"Chef" is based on a professional chef, who quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity to its controlling owner, and launches a food truck with his friend and son.