Exclusive Announcement
Prime Video UK’s action sensation of the year, This is Birmingham, is set to be adapted into a television series.
Originally produced on a shoestring budget, the film recently ranked fifth among Prime Video UK’s top ten films. Kay S. Ubhi, the film’s creator, revealed to Deadline that a TV series adaptation is currently in the works.
Ubhi, who not only wrote but also starred in the film, describes it as a “visceral crime drama” deeply rooted in the harsh criminal underbelly of the UK. The plot centers around AK (played by Ubhi), a naive yet driven character who is the son of a recently jailed Birmingham crime lord (Navdeep Monga). With his father incarcerated, AK is thrust into the leadership of their family enterprise, facing fierce opposition from competing gangs eager to dominate. The film features performances by Jerome Richards, Jag Patel, and Wayne Nelson.
Development of the TV Series
Michael L. Cowan, a seasoned figure in UK film sales and production, produced the independent film and is also involved in the upcoming TV adaptation. During an interview with Deadline, Ubhi shared insights about the project. “The TV series is currently in development,” he stated. “It aims to broaden the narrative of This is Birmingham into an expansive, character-focused crime drama. We are collaborating with Bafta-winning Michael L. Cowan, and our next move is to secure the appropriate production partners to commence production.”
Ubhi, who financed This is Birmingham on his own, mentioned that the film has been well-received, competing with major Hollywood productions on the Prime Video charts. This success, he believes, is due to a “genuine appetite for authentic British crime dramas.” The film is now also available in the U.S. through transactional on-demand services.
He also highlighted Birmingham’s increasing popularity, referencing successful shows such as Peaky Blinders and This Town that are set in what is often called England’s second city.
Ubhi expressed that the film provides a “fresh and unique perspective through its characters, emotional narrative, and the Birmingham setting.” He added, “Birmingham has gained considerable interest thanks to its portrayal in shows like Peaky Blinders.”
Regarding self-funding the film, Ubhi shared, “It was a significant personal investment over many years, but I truly believed in the story. I wanted to demonstrate that it could be achieved, even in unconventional ways.”
As of the latest update, This is Birmingham holds the tenth spot in the most-watched action movies on Prime Video UK.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
