Shantaram (2022)

The show adapts characters from the novel. Qasim Ali, a male slum leader in the source material, is portrayed as female. Ulla, a female prostitute in the book, is portrayed as male. These instances constitute gender swaps.

Madame Zhou, a character explicitly described as Chinese in the source novel, is portrayed by a German actress in the series, constituting a race swap from East Asian to White.

The film portrays Hinduism as a vibrant and integral part of Indian life, showcasing its cultural richness, spiritual practices, and the solace it provides to many characters. While societal issues are present, the narrative does not attribute them to the faith itself, instead depicting the religion with respect and nuance.

Islam is depicted as a foundational aspect of identity and community for many characters, including the complex figure of Kader Khan. While Kader's actions are morally ambiguous, the narrative presents his interpretation of faith as personal, rather than condemning Islam itself, and also showcases the strong communal bonds and resilience within Muslim communities.