Business APAC
May 5, 2025
There’s been a real buzz around the boom in Indian content, and much of that energy is thanks to platforms like Netflix investing deeply in local productions. This isn’t just about streaming more shows; it’s about fueling a creative ecosystem, injecting an estimated $2 billion into the economy and opening doors to livelihoods for 20,000 individuals working across the industry.
But the story isn’t just about the money. This investment translates into real jobs and chances for people on the ground. We’re talking about roughly 20,000 jobs popping up for cast and crew members directly because of these local Netflix productions–a tangible piece of the Netflix India Economic Impact, according to Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, speaking at the WAVES 2025 summit here in Mumbai.
What This Means for India:
- Real Jobs, Real Skills: That translates to paychecks for everyone from camera crews and set builders to writers, makeup artists, drivers, caterers… you name it–the whole ecosystem that brings stories to life. It’s also a fantastic way for people to build solid skills in the entertainment world.
- Local Goes Global: And these Indian stories? They’re hitting big internationally. Get this: last year, audiences around the world spent almost 3 billion hours watching Indian content on Netflix! Mr. Sarandos pointed out that every single week of 2024 saw an Indian title land in Netflix’s global Top 10.
- Fueling the Creative Engine: This kind of spending reaches far beyond the film set. It props up local businesses, helps build needed infrastructure, and really cements India’s reputation as a go-to place for creative talent, all feeding into the positive Netflix India Economic Impact.
A Partnership Taking Root:
Netflix threw its weight behind original Indian content around seven years back with “Sacred Games,” which starred Saif Ali Khan (who joined Sarandos for the announcement). Sarandos himself sees India standing at a crucial “inflection point” – think South Korea just before its shows exploded onto the global scene. He made it clear Netflix is committed to getting Indian storytellers seen and heard worldwide.
He also touched on how streaming and cinemas aren’t enemies, especially in India, where folks love movies. They can exist side-by-side, getting great stories out to more people. It’s a commitment that highlights the expanding Netflix India Economic Impact.
This news is a powerful reminder of how global players investing locally can spark real value, not just cash, but opportunities, skill-building, and a platform for unique culture to shine globally, a clear win demonstrating the positive Netflix India Economic Impact.
What’s Down the Road?
So, what’s next? All signs point to Netflix doubling down on its India connection. Given the success they’ve seen, look for even more money flowing into uniquely Indian stories–everything from splashy Bollywood epics to regional films and series in languages like Tamil and Telugu, a move poised to boost the future Netflix India Economic Impact.
The big idea isn’t just entertaining folks in India, but finding those authentic local gems that, like Sacred Games, can grab the world’s attention. For Indian writers, directors, actors, and crews, this likely means the door to the global stage is opening even wider.
Also Read: Google Sharpens Search with “AI Mode”: A Deeper Dive into the Future of Finding Information
