Birmingham-set crime film This is Birmingham, which became a surprise hit on Prime Video, is now being adapted into a television series. Creator K S Ubhi confirmed to Deadline that the project is in active development, expanding the film's world into a larger, character-driven crime drama.
From Self-Funded Film to Streaming Success
Ubhi self-funded the original film, a "visceral crime drama" that peaked at number five on Prime Video UK's top ten films list despite its minimal budget. The film held its place against major Hollywood productions, resonating with viewers and earning strong reviews on IMDb.
“The film offers a fresh unique perspective through its characters, emotional story and, of course, the Birmingham theme,” Ubhi told Deadline. “Birmingham already has a lot of intrigue because of its reputation and shows like Peaky Blinders.”
TV Series Development Details
Ubhi confirmed: "The TV series is currently in development. It expands the world of This is Birmingham into a bigger, character-driven crime drama. We're developing it with Bafta winner Michael L. Cowan, and the next step is bringing together the right production partners to take it into production."
The film follows AK (played by Ubhi), the naive but ambitious son of a recently imprisoned Birmingham crime boss (Navdeep Monga). As AK steps up to lead the family business, he faces challenges from rival gangs vying for control.
Birmingham as a Crime Drama Hotspot
Birmingham has become a key location for major TV productions, including Peaky Blinders and This Town. Ubhi's film taps into this legacy, offering a contemporary take on the city's criminal underworld.
Ubhi described self-funding the film as a "huge personal commitment over several years," but said he "really believed in the story." The investment paid off, as the film gained traction on Prime Video and caught the attention of industry professionals.
Audience Reception and Critical Praise
Viewers on IMDb praised the film's authenticity. One review stated: "I went into This Is Birmingham with a casual watch and honestly didn't expect much... What I liked straight away was that it didn't feel fake." Another added: "What I appreciated most was that the film didn't seem to worship gang culture. It shows why that world attracts people, but it also shows the emotional damage underneath it."
What's Next for the Series?
As of now, no specific network or streaming platform has been announced for the TV series, nor is there a release date. Given the film's success on Prime Video, a return to that platform is possible but unconfirmed. Ubhi and Cowan are currently seeking production partners to move the project forward.
Fans of gritty crime dramas and Peaky Blinders will have to wait for further updates, but the development signals a promising expansion of Birmingham's storytelling landscape.
