Freida Pinto, best known for her breakout role in "Slumdog Millionaire," is set to star in Netflix's upcoming drama series, "Unaccustomed Earth". The eight-episode series is an adaptation of the acclaimed short story collection by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri. Pinto will play the character of Parul Chaudhury.

"Unaccustomed Earth" delves into the lives of a close-knit Indian-American community residing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Described as an "epic, soapy, and culturally vibrant" drama, the series explores themes of love, longing, identity, and belonging. At its heart is the story of a devoted wife who rekindles a relationship with a long-lost love, igniting secrets and shifting loyalties within the immigrant community. This forbidden romance threatens to upend generations of expectations and loyalties.

Madhuri Shekar, known for her work on "3 Body Problem" and "The Nevers," is the showrunner and writer for "Unaccustomed Earth". Ritesh Batra ("The Lunchbox") will direct the first two episodes and also serve as an executive producer. The series boasts a strong production team, with John Wells ("Shameless," "The Pitt") also serving as an executive producer. Lahiri herself is involved as an executive producer, alongside Nisha Ganatra, Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow, and Celia Costas. "Unaccustomed Earth" is being developed by Warner Bros. Television, adding to Netflix's expanding collection of international character-driven dramas.

Pinto's portrayal of Parul Chaudhury marks another significant role for the actress, who has appeared in films such as "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Mr. Malcolm's List," as well as series like "The Path," "Guerilla," and "Surface". The series aims to deliver an emotionally charged and dramatic look at the complexities of immigrant life and the intricacies of the human heart, through layered storytelling and a vibrant ensemble cast.

Currently, no release date has been announced for "Unaccustomed Earth".