“Sharpe is a tough, decent, working class hero who looks
after himself when he’s in a tight corner."
Producer Malcolm Craddock says: “Sharpe is a tough, decent,
working class hero who looks after himself when he’s in
a tight corner. Sean Bean loves this role and the character fits
him like a glove. It’s unlike anything else on TV.
“This Sharpe film has a richer
texture than those we have made before. From the beginning we
wanted to make a show that wasn’t just all boys’ own
action adventure and derring-do. We wanted to show the civilisation
and culture of India, the spirituality and the domestic life;
the court of an Indian prince; the position of women at the time;
the importance of religion and sooth-sayers. We tried to capture
the experience that is India. The incredible light, the stunning
locations negotiated with Indian princes, palaces with jewelled
ceilings and grand fortresses.
“From the start we knew after such
a long break we must up the ante, and India has proved the perfect
location. In many ways India has been one of the easier locations
to film in, apart from lack of hotel rooms in such a popular
part of the world and the stomach problems! We have been thrilled
by the quality of workmanship, reliability of extras and kindness
of people in general. India was a lesson in life for us all.”
