Suniel Shetty in discussions to secure ‘Black Scorpion’ rights; actor likely to essay Shyam Kishore Garikapati - Reports

Suniel Shetty, best known for his tough on-screen persona in films like ‘Border’ and ‘Mohra’, is now exploring the digital space with a gritty real-life story. The actor, who currently fronts the business reality show ‘Bharat Ke Super Founders’, is keen on adapting the book 'Black Scorpion': To Hell and Back into a web series. The book chronicles the life of former Mumbai underworld operative Shyam Kishore Garikapati. The narrative traces his journey through crime, conflict, and eventual transformation. Here’s a closer look at the development so far.Suniel Shetty has reportedly taken a strong interest in acquiring the adaptation rights for 'Black Scorpion'. Co-author Calvin Joshua confirmed the update while speaking to Mid-Day, saying, “When Suniel Anna read the synopsis, he was fascinated by the arc. He decided to not only unveil the book, but also pursue the rights to adapt it into a series.” The story’s layered narrative and real-life backdrop seem to have struck a chord with the actor. Discussions around the web series are said to be in active stages. According to sources, what drew Suniel Shetty to the project is the dramatic turnaround in Garikapati’s life. A source shared, “He likes such subjects. What makes the story more interesting is how Garikapati, known in the police circles as Black Scorpion, turned his life around after meeting top cop Kiran Bedi in Tihar Jail and eventually became a businessman.” The arc moves beyond gang wars and violence to focus on reform and reinvention. This emotional depth could form the backbone of the proposed series.'Black Scorpion' delves into Mumbai’s crime landscape of the 1980s and 1990s. It details Garikapati’s involvement in gang rivalries and his proximity to notorious underworld figures like Dawood Ibrahim and Arun Gawli. The book paints a raw picture of the era, blending investigative detail with personal accounts. Its true-crime tone makes it well-suited for a long-format web adaptation. The makers are expected to retain the realism that defines the book.The book is authored by respected crime reporters Vijay Shekhar, Raju Santhanam, and Calvin Joshua. Their years of on-ground reporting add credibility and depth to the narrative. Interestingly, Suniel Shetty also shares a long-standing connection with co-author Vijay Shekhar. The two first crossed paths on the sets of the 1993 film ‘Waqt Hamara Hai’, where their professional association began.While there is no official confirmation yet, industry buzz suggests Suniel Shetty may feature in the series himself. Whether he steps into the role of Garikapati, a law enforcer, or a pivotal supporting character remains to be seen. Given his history with intense, authoritative roles, expectations are already high. More details about casting and timelines are awaited as the project develops further.