Priyanka Chopra to star in Netflix adaptation of 'The White Tiger'

The silver screen version of the Man Booker-winning novel is set to be filmed in India this autumn

'The story’s portrayal of raw ambition' attracted Priyanka Chopra to her role in the Netflix adaption of 'The White Tiger'. AP 

Aravind Adiga's Man Booker-winning novel, The White Tiger, is getting the Netflix treatment, and Priyanka Chopra is set to star in the movie adaption.

Netflix announced today that the popular book will be turned into a feature film, starring Rajkummar Rao (Stree, Bareily Ki Barfi, Newton, Shahid and Omerta), and Chopra (Isn't it Romantic, A Kid Like Jake, The Sky Is Pink) in "pivotal roles".

Filming will begin in India this autumn, with the film set to be directed by Ramin Bahrani (Fahrenheit 451 and 99 Homes).

The White Tiger was written as a narrative letter, which follows a Bangalore driver with a dark sense of humour as he explores poverty and corruption in modern India, with a particular focus on caste society.

Of being cast in the role, Chopra said: "I'm so excited to work with Ramin Bahrani and Netflix to bring Aravind Adiga’s poignant story to cinematic life. When I read the book, I was fascinated with the perspective of the narrative.

"The story’s portrayal of raw ambition and the extent one will go to achieve one’s goals is riveting," she continued. "I look forward to filming this in India this fall, and also working along with Rajkummar Rao for the first time and the wonderful cast Ramin is putting together."

Her sentiments were echoed by Rao, who told Netflix: "It's an exciting time for actors today and I'm thrilled to be a part of such a world-class project. I've been an admirer of Ramin's work and am excited to see The White Tiger come to life."

This is not the only Netflix movie Chopra is set to film this year. The Bollywood star is will also feature in We Can Be Heroes, a new project by director Robert Rodriguez, also starring Christian Slater, Boyd Holbrook, Sung Kang and Pedro Pascal.

The movie’s plot follows the story of alien invaders kidnapping Earth’s superheroes, leaving a group of children to team up with their parents to save the world. The Indian actress is expected to play the role of one of the parents.

The film will be written, produced and directed by Rodriguez. He also previously helmed the popular Spy Kids film franchise and likely drew inspiration from the series.