Netflix Announces Limited Series ‘Trial By Fire’ to Release January 13

~ The series traces the story behind the Uphaar Cinema fire incident and the aftermath for the families and victims

~ Starring Rajshri Deshpande and Abhay Deol as Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy, the human drama inspired by their eponymous book

One fateful evening in June 1997 saw the loss of 59 victims and 100 injured filmgoers as a fire took over the Uphaar Cinema in South Delhi. The tragedy is one that has been etched in the minds of many for over two decades. Inspired by the bestseller book, Trial by Fire: The Tragic Tale of the Uphaar Fire Tragedy by Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy, Trial By Fire will release on Netflix on January 13, 2023. The series is produced by Endemol Shine India and House of Talkies. With his novelistic storytelling and non-linear approach to time in the series, director Prashant Nair beautifully captures the heartbreaking yet resilient journey of the parents, Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy, who lost their two children to the fire. The limited series will depict their endless trials and tribulations in the pursuit of justice over 24 years while also looking at the other lives touched and destroyed by the fire. Trial By Fire is helmed by a stellar ensemble including Rajshri Deshpande, Abhay Deol, Rajesh Tailang, Ashish Vidyarthi, Anupam Kher, Ratna Pathak, Shilpa Shukla and Shardul Bharadwaj. 

Director and Showrunner Prashant Nair said, “Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy are inspiring examples of the kind of resilience and fortitude it takes to move the needle even slightly in this country. What happened to them and the way they have been forced to fight for justice is truly horrific and, unfortunately, there are countless other people today in similar situations. We are grateful to Netflix for being such courageous partners in telling this story.”

Trial By Fire will premiere exclusively on Netflix on January 13, 2023

Producers: Endemol Shine & House of Talkies

Showrunner: Prashant Nair

Directors: Prashant Nair, Randeep Jha

Writers: Prashant Nair, Kevin Luperchio

Cast: Rajshri Deshpande, Abhay Deol, Rajesh Tailang, Ashish Vidyarthi, Anupam Kher, Ratna Pathak, Shilpa Shukla and Shardul Bharadwaj