Shekhar Kapoor to direct series on 'Rasputin'

Indian director Shekhar Kapur has reportedly signed on to helm a limited series for FX on 'Rasputin', a mystic who became an adviser to the Russian Imperial family at a time when the Bolshevik movement was rising.
'Prison Break' creator Paul Scheuring will write the script based on the upcoming book 'Rasputin: Dark Forces And The Fall of The Romanovs' by Douglas Smith, reported Deadline.
According to FX, the event series centers on "one of the most controversial characters in history who is held responsible for bringing down the Russian Empire and changing the course of the world as we know it."

The series attempts to go beyond the folklore to unravel whether Rasputin was "a true healer or the greatest charlatan the world has known?"
Rasputin played an influential role in Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra's household as a healer for their only son, Tsarevich Alexei, who suffered from hemophilia.
Rasputin's influence was growing at a time when the Bolshevik revolutionary movement was on the rise.

His enemies tried to kill him in 1914, finally succeeding in 1916.
Kapur, who has previously helmed 'Elizabeth' and 'Bandit Queen', will direct and executive produce with Scheuring. Smith serves as consultant.
FX decided to bring the director onboard after learning about his fascination for Rasputin's life.