Poorna to play Pakistani woman in Criminal Justice

Actress Poorna Jagannathan, who played a journalist in the hit adult comedy "Delhi Belly", has bagged a role in HBO's drama series "Criminal Justice". She will play the role of Safar Khan, a Pakistani woman, whose son is accused of committing a murder.

"This is one of the most incredible projects I've ever been part of: everyone involved is best in class," Poorna said in a statement.

Talking about her character, she said: "Safar Khan is the polar opposite of my character in 'Delhi Belly'. I've never played someone like her, but the writing is so strong that it makes playing her feel like second nature. Her journey is a roller coaster: she goes from knowing her son is innocent to eventually thinking he might be guilty."

This is not Poorna's first international project. She has featured in TV series like "Law & Order", "Rescue Me" and "Royal Pains".

Her movie "Peace Love and Misunderstanding", alongside Jane Fonda, released earlier this year and her new movie "Thanks For Sharing" will release end of this year.

"Criminal Justice" is a British TV drama series, which first went on air in 2008. The first series won two BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Awards) for Best Drama Serial and Best Writer, along with an International Emmy.

The drama series is back again, and its filming is expected to start mid-October.

"Schindler's List" writer Steven Zaillian has been approached to co-write the show along with Richard Price.

Zaillian will also direct the series, which will star James Gandolphini of "The Sopranos" fame, Riz Ahmed of "The Reluctant Fundamentalist", Bill Camp and Peyman Moadi.

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