Karan Anshuman, the writer-director known for his previous works like “Inside Edge,” is set to launch a new streaming series titled “Glory.” This show combines two of his favorite genres: sports and crime. Set against the backdrop of Haryana, “Glory” delves into the lives of two former boxers embroiled in a harrowing investigation tied to their family’s disturbing past and India’s aspirations in boxing.
Ahead of the show’s trailer release in Mumbai, Anshuman spoke with Hindustan Times about the unique world he has created in “Glory,” its genre blending, and his vision for the representation of boxing in Indian media.
Anshuman explained the origins of “Glory,” emphasizing his long-standing passion for sports. He shared that his aim was to return to this theme while avoiding a conventional underdog narrative, which has become overly familiar in sports biopics. Instead, he sought to create a ‘genre mashup,’ merging familiar elements with a mystery, presenting a new challenge that intrigued him.
The choice of boxing as the central theme was inspired by the vibrant sports culture in Haryana. Anshuman noted the region’s strong commitment to promoting sports, making it an ideal setting. His explorations of areas such as Rohtak and Bhiwani revealed a depth of intensity that informed the show’s backdrop, where what is depicted is a heightened version of real life.
Anshuman’s creative style often involves elevating reality to craft a distinct narrative world. He aims to create relatable content that still feels authentic, allowing audiences to connect with the characters and storylines on a deeper level.
The series is set in the fictional town of Shaktigarh, drawn partly from Bhiwani, known as India’s boxing capital. Anshuman described Shaktigarh as being reminiscent of “Chhota Cuba,” a playful nod that mixes various real-life elements, including the actual Indian boxing headquarters in Rohtak. This blend of fiction and reality serves to enrich the narrative and provide a familiar landscape for audiences.
While boxing serves as a central focus of the series, Anshuman’s goal is to showcase top-notch boxing sequences rarely seen in Indian entertainment. To achieve this, he collaborated with actual Indian boxers, who not only trained the actors but also made cameo appearances. The commitment to authenticity extended to actor Pulkit Samrat, who underwent extensive training to ensure realistic footwork and fight choreography.
“Glory” features a cast that includes Pulkit Samrat, Divyenndu, and Suvinder Vicky. The series is set to premiere on Netflix on May 1, promising an engaging blend of crime, mystery, and the exhilarating world of boxing.