Ashutosh Gowariker’s Docu Drama Explores Global Network Behind India’s Idol Smuggling

MUMBAI- Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker is set to direct a drama-led documentary series titled ‘Temple Raiders’, centered on the global networks involved in the theft and trafficking of sacred temple artefacts from India.

Backed by Tudip Entertainment and Riverland Entertainment in association with Ashutosh Gowariker Productions, the series is being produced by Dipti Agrawal, Tushar Apshankar, Jaishree Khanna, and Riverland Entertainment founder Raghav Khanna.

Created and written by Khanna, ‘Temple Raiders’ will explore the larger ecosystem behind the smuggling of temple idols and artefacts, blending fact-based storytelling with cinematic elements.

The four-episode series marks Gowariker’s entry into the docu-drama format. Mounted on a large scale, the project is expected to incorporate multiple cinematic styles and art forms.

Speaking about the project, Gowariker said, “I have been watching documentaries across different genres for several years now, and the documentary form has always intrigued me deeply. I have often thought about making one, but never quite found a subject that truly engaged me -something I felt a strong connection to and could do justice to.”

“When Raghav Khanna approached me with the concept of ‘Temple Raiders’, my response was immediate. It is a subject that has been quietly simmering for years-the theft of our idols from countless temples across the country, and the larger story behind it. I would like to present this as a 4-episode docu-series, positioned in the space of an expository and participatory docu-drama, bringing together facts, personal engagement, and storytelling in a compelling way,” he added. (IANS)