Don Carmody Television has its first lead for an upcoming Second World War TV drama for NHK and the international market.

Life of Pi actor Irrfan Khan has boarded the six-part miniseries to be directed by Michael McGowan and Holland’s Pieter Verhoeff.

Khan will play a main character whose controversial actions create a post-Second World War legal and political stir in the TV drama coproduced with the Japanese pubcaster and The Netherland’s FATT Productions.

The miniseries, to start shooting in Japan in early 2015, is based on events in the Pacific during and after Second World War and will be shot mainly in English.

No word on additional cast for the international coproduction, which will be drawn from Japan, North America and Europe.

The project will be delivered in August 2015, timed for the 70th anniversary of the WWII’s end.

NHK’s Toru Takagi will produce alongside FATT’s Hans De Weers and Don Carmody TV’s David Cormican.

Takashi Enjo and Don Carmody will executive produce.

Photo: Anil Kapoor & Irrfan Khan & Freida Pinto & Madhur Mittal at the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood. February 22, 2009 Los Angeles, CA Picture: Paul Smith / Featureflash