Victoria & Abdul kneeling at a large statue of the Queen close to the Taj Mahal, talking to it and kissing its feet in respect. On 17 June 2016, it was reported that Judi Dench would play Queen Victoria in "Victoria & Abdul", a film based on the book of the same name by Shrabani Basu. Stephen Frears was set to direct. Dench had also portrayed Victoria in the 1997 film "Mrs Brown". On 5 August 2016, it was announced that Ali Fazal would play Victoria's confidant Abdul Karim, while the film would be co-produced by Working Title Films and BBC Films, and
The Man Who Played God (1932 film) meet him immediately. "My excitement and joy were indescribable ... An Arliss film was a prestige film – a far cry from "The Menace", and yet Murray Kinnell of "The Menace" cast had suggested me for the part ... Out of all bad comes some good. I have always believed this." At age sixty-three, more than ten years older than the character, Arliss knew he was too old for the role and was concerned the age difference between him and the actress cast as Grace Blair would be ridiculous unless she were played by someone who could convey both love