New Delhi: The much lauded DC dark fantasy graphic novel 'The Sandman' is now finally gearing up for the Hindi version of its audio adaptation with Tabu and Manoj Bajpayee taking in the reins.
The audio adaptation will be presented by Audible, an American company that allows users to purchase and stream audiobook and other forms of spoken word content such as podcasts.
The comic book labelled as both dark and modern day fantasy with a mix of horror has been written by Neil Gaiman.
It is an investigation into the metaphysical examination of certain concepts of fiction written with poetic usage of mythology, anthropomorphic personifications, legends, historical figures, incidents etc.
The main character of the graphic novel is Morpheus the lord of dreams and the king of the land of Dreaming, one of the seven Endless, omnipotent beings that harbour or rather embody an aspect of a primordial force.
The Endless constitutes a family of seven siblings who harbour the forces of Destiny, Destruction, Death, Delirium, Desire, Despair and Dream (the last of which Morpheus embodies).
Released in 1989, 'The Sandman' was one the few graphic novels to be featured on New York Times bestseller alongside 'Maus', 'Watchmen' and 'The Dark Knight Returns'.
It was also one of five graphic novels to make Entertainment Weekly's "100 best reads from 1983 to 2008," ranking at No. 46. The comic book is also gearing up for a live action adaptation which will be serialized on Netflix.
In promotion of the Hindi version, the Audible said, “The powerhouse cast for the Hindi adaptation is led by the iconic Tabu, as the narrator, Vijay Varma in the role of Morpheus/Dream, Manoj Bajpayee as Doctor Destiny, Neeraj Kabi as Lucifer, Adarsh Gourav as John Constantine, Kubbra Sait as Death, Sushant Divgikar as Desire and Tillotama Shome as Calliope; each and every one of them helps translate this masterwork into a sonic experience worthy of its legacy. Setting the stage for their performance is an unprecedented cinematic soundscape featuring an original musical score by British Academy Award winner James Hannigan.”
Writer of 'The Sandman', Gaiman said, “I've been amazed over the last few years to discover, through social media, how many people in India love The Sandman, from Bollywood stars to students, from Professors to taxi drivers. (There's a Bollywood star, who is a fan, in Act III of Audible's English Language Sandman, but that's a story for another time.) It thrills me so much that now these stories will be able to be heard in Hindi, and that we've got the cast that we've got. Sweet dreams to you all.”
Narrator, Tabu said: “Playing this role for The Sandman has been incredibly rewarding, creatively. As the narrator, I lead listeners into, and guide them through the terrifying, fantastic world of The Sandman. A global phenomenon, I have no doubt the Hindi adaptation of this incredible series written by the master storyteller Neil Gaiman himself, is going to capture the imagination of Indians like nothing else has. Trust me when I say that even in your wildest dreams, you've never heard anything like this”.
Playing the role of Morpheus himself, Vijay Varma said, “Morpheus aka Dream aka The Sandman aka the hero of this story, is the lord and personification of all dreams and stories, and all that is not in reality – if that description itself doesn't intrigue you and make you want to listen to The Sandman, then maybe the fact that The Sandman (English) is the best-selling Audible Original in the company's history and occupied the #1 spot on The New York Times Best Seller Audio Fiction list in 2020, will. The incredible ensemble cast has done a phenomenal job on this Hindi adaptation of this audio epic – I can't wait to see what audiences think!”
Portraying the role of 'Doctor Destiny', Actor Manoj Bajpayee said: “A criminal genius, a megalomaniac obsessed with world domination – bringing alive Doctor Destiny, one of DC's s biggest Super-Villains with just the power of my voice is an experience I don't think I am going to forget any time soon! What an incredibly imaginative, sometimes horrifying world Neil Gaiman has created in The Sandman – I urge fans to listen to this first instalment of the multi-part original audio series – I guarantee it will transport listeners to a whole new, chilling and completely unexpected world”.
Kubbra Sait says, “I play the role of Death – what more is there to say? Death is direct, straightforward, she cuts hard… but she is real. This character is cool, oh so cool, but she will give you nightmares. This Hindi adaptation has really come to life (or in my case, Death!) because of both its epic sound production and atmospheric sound track, and this just incredible ensemble cast who has recreated this audio blockbuster in the most epic way!”
Playing the role of John Constantine, Adarsh Gourav said, “An occult detective and a formidable anti-hero, known for doing whatever it takes to get the job done – playing this character in The Sandman (what a story!) was an immensely enjoyable albeit terrifying experience! The Sandman changed the game globally with its dark, literary world of fantasy and horror – I'm incredibly excited to see how Indian fans react to this Hindi adaptation”.
Playing the role of Lucifer, Neeraj Kabi said, “In this Hindi adaptation, I play Lucifer Morningstar - a fallen angel and the former ruler of Hell – I mean, could I have asked for a better audio debut? Equal parts moving,suspenseful and bloody, The Sandman universe is delightfully gory, vividly painted and incredibly exciting. I am confident listeners who enter it, will never want to leave.”
Playing the role of Calliope, Tillotama Shome said, “Calliope is the mother of Orpheus by Dream, and the youngest of the nine Muses of Greek mythology. Her storyline, horrific at times was challenging to portray. The Sandman leads listeners along a winding path of myths, imagination and, often, terror. A story like this has never been told before in Hindi – it's going to mine new depths in the imagination of our listeners!”
Playing the role of Desire, Sushant Digvikar said, “Easily one of the cruelest of Dream's siblings, I really enjoyed bringing the viciousness of Desire, and their animosity towards Dream to life in this Hindi adaptation of The Sandman.”
Director Dirk Maggs said, “It is a dream come true for The Sandman to be available in Hindi - and with such a wonderful cast. India has always understood and loved the power of great storytelling. I can't wait for listeners to experience Neil's worlds in our unique audio style.” (UNI)