In a move that will further strengthen Netflix's base in India, the streaming platform has announced 10 new Indian original films.
According to an official release, by the end of 2020, Netflix will introduce a total of 15 original Indian films (including previously announced titles like Music Teacher, Cobalt Blue, Chopsticks, Upstarts and Bulbul), across a range of genres like drama, sci-fi, thriller, horror, comedy and romance.
“When Netflix launched in India, we changed the way Indian audiences enjoy their films," said Srishti Behl Arya, director - International Original Film, India, Netflix, in a statement. “Given our diversity, history and culture, India is home to powerful stories waiting to be told to audiences around the world. The depth of talent and vision of our creators is enabling us to create films our members will love. We want to be a home for India’s finest filmmakers where their stories travel to more people than ever before."
The new list also includes a project which will see teaming up of directors Karan Jaohar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee. The four of them had teamed up for Lust Stories, an anthology of four films, last year which was well-received by audience and critics. Other Netflix original films last year included Love Per Square Foot and Rajma Chawal.
Speaking to THE WEEK on the sidelines of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in October last year, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos revealed the platform's grand plans for India, which included originals and quite a few book adaptations. “We are growing very fast in India, not just because of Sacred Games. We have doubled the library since we have launched and we have continued [doing that]. And our films have been very successful. It’s been growing and being more connected to the audience,” he said.
