Netflix has announced an ambitious lineup of original content for India in 2025, reinforcing its growing investment in the country’s entertainment market. The streaming giant revealed its upcoming schedule in Mumbai, featuring six feature films, 13 series, and five unscripted titles.
Bollywood-inspired dramas, gripping crime thrillers, and high-profile collaborations dominate the slate. But there’s more—Netflix is also bringing WWE with Hindi commentary, a significant move aimed at sports entertainment fans.
A Tight Lineup with Fewer but Stronger Titles
Netflix has taken a more strategic approach in 2025, moving away from the large-scale releases of past years. While 2021 saw nearly 40 Indian originals, this year’s selection is deliberately curated.
Monika Shergill, VP of Content at Netflix India, emphasized the platform’s focus on high-quality storytelling. “Our 2025 slate promises a rich and varied lineup, from gripping dramas and thrilling heists to heartwarming rom-coms and adrenaline-pumping action,” she said.
Among the most anticipated projects is The Bads of Bollywood, a series by Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. This behind-the-scenes drama promises to expose the dark and glittering sides of the Indian film industry.
Another headliner is Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, a high-stakes crime thriller directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Saif Ali Khan. Given Anand’s track record with action-packed hits (Pathaan, War), expectations are high for this intense heist story.
Blockbuster Bollywood Arrives on Streaming
Netflix is betting big on romance and thrillers, two genres that have consistently performed well in India.
- Aap Jaisa Koi – Produced by Karan Johar and starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, this contemporary love story promises emotional depth and classic Bollywood charm.
- Dhoom Dhaam – A rom-com adventure featuring Yami Gautam and Pratik Gandhi, following a soon-to-be-married couple caught up in a chaotic, action-filled night.
- Nadaaniyan – A thriller exploring a fake relationship that takes unexpected emotional turns, starring Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, and Dia Mirza.
- Toaster – A quirky murder mystery about a toaster obsession spiraling into crime, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra.
Crime Thrillers and Iconic Series Return
Netflix’s Indian crime dramas have a massive following, and the 2025 slate includes fresh seasons of its biggest hits.
- Delhi Crime (Season 3) – Shefali Shah returns to tackle a city-wide human trafficking network.
- Khakee: The Bengal Chapter – Set in early 2000s Kolkata, this series follows decorated officers battling political and gangster forces.
- Mandala Murders – A mystery surrounding prophetic killings linked to an ancient secret society.
Sports Meets Drama in “Glory”
One of the standout shows in the 2025 lineup is Glory, which blends sports and drama.
The story follows a struggling family’s desperate attempt to bring honor to their name by winning an Olympic medal. With boxing as the backdrop, tensions rise between estranged family members, old rivalries, and national pride.
Sports dramas have found a niche audience in India (Chak De! India, 83), and Glory seems positioned to continue that trend.
WWE with Hindi Commentary – Netflix’s Big Sports Bet
In a surprising expansion, Netflix will begin broadcasting WWE live with Hindi commentary in India.
This marks a major move into sports entertainment for the platform, especially considering WWE’s massive fan base in the country. WWE has traditionally been aired on cable networks, and bringing it to a major streaming platform could shake up viewership patterns.
Unscripted Offerings Include Bollywood’s Biggest Families
Netflix isn’t stopping at dramas and thrillers—it’s leaning into unscripted content featuring some of Bollywood’s most famous families.
- Dining with the Kapoors – An intimate look at one of Bollywood’s most iconic dynasties over family meals and discussions about their cinematic legacy.
- The Roshans – A documentary chronicling Hrithik Roshan’s family’s impact on the Indian film and music industry.
- The Greatest Rivalry – India vs Pakistan – A documentary exploring the legendary cricket rivalry, featuring veterans like Sourav Ganguly and Shoaib Akhtar.
Comedy Gets a Spotlight with Vir Das and Kapil Sharma
Netflix is capitalizing on the popularity of stand-up comedy in India, bringing back top-tier names.
- Fool Volume – Vir Das returns with a new special, capturing his best moments across Mumbai, New York, and London.
- The Great Indian Kapil Show – A comedy skit show featuring Kapil Sharma, celebrity guests, and his signature humor.
Final Thoughts: A More Focused, Bigger Year for Netflix India
Netflix’s 2025 India slate reflects a precise strategy – fewer titles, bigger impact.
From Bollywood mega-productions to gritty crime sagas and reality shows featuring famous families, this year’s selection is designed to appeal to a diverse Indian audience.
The addition of live WWE programming is a groundbreaking step that could bring even more sports fans to the platform, signaling Netflix India’s willingness to experiment and expand.
With direct competition from Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema, Netflix’s 2025 lineup is a strong play to retain its dominance in India’s fast-growing streaming market. The question now is—will this curated selection be enough to keep Indian audiences hooked?
Only time will tell.
Source: Hollywood Reporter