Netflix India’s 2025 lineup bets big on star kids, South hits, and sports entertainment

Netflix India has announced its 2025 lineup of films, series and unscripted shows. Here’s a lowdown on what the slate announcement reveals about Netflix’s larger strategy for the India market.

The streaming service’s 2025 lineup features 26 titles, expanding its slate of Hindi and South Indian originals, romantic comedies, crime, action, and returning franchises. Alongside original content, the platform will also stream theatrical blockbusters like Pushpa 2.

Major releases include Aryan Khan’s Bollywood-themed series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, Siddharth Anand’s directorial debut Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, and YRF’s Akka. Strengthening its South Indian slate, Netflix adds Test, a Tamil cricket drama, and Super Subbu, its first Telugu comedy-drama.

“With over 700 million viewers, we refuse to be just one thing—we strive to be the best at everything,” said Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India.

Over the years, Netflix has shifted its focus from films to series, with original films dropping from 8 in 2024 to just 6 in 2025. Its series count has increased to 13 from 9 last year, pushing total releases—films, series, short films, and unscripted content—to 26, up from 22 in the past two years. The platform reportedly boasts 15 million paid subscribers.

A notable trend is Netflix’s role as a launchpad for Bollywood’s next generation, with a series of star kids making their OTT debuts. After The Archies in 2023, Netflix is set to feature more Bollywood progeny with Maharaj and Heeramandi in 2024, followed by Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Nadaaniya and Ba**ds of Bollywood in 2025.

In addition to star kids, Netflix is also offering a platform to Bollywood wives and relatives eager to make their mark. Notable examples include Kareena Kapoor’s OTT debut in Jaane Jaan (2023) and the rebooted Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives in 2024, which expanded its focus to include a wider circle of the Bollywood elite.

Throughout this journey, YRF, Dharmatic Entertainment, and Excel Media have been consistent collaborators, with Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment and YRF Entertainment producing two, and Excel Entertainment producing one films and series this year on Netflix.

Meanwhile, four series from Netflix’s 2024 lineup—Dabba Cartel, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, Mandala Murders, and The Greatest Rivalry—will finally be released in 2025, having been delayed from last year. This is a notable increase compared to 2023, when only one series was pushed to the following year in 2024.

Additionally, Netflix continues its sequel strategy, with over five sequels set to premiere in 2025, though this is one less than the previous year.

“Netflix India will bring major theatrical films to its platform from industry giants like Ajay Devgn Films, Dharma Productions, Maddock Films, T-Series, and Salman Khan’s SKF. Additionally, a robust South slate will feature nine Tamil and nine Telugu films, with superstars such as Kamal Haasan, Ajith Kumar, Suriya, Vijay Deverakonda, and Pawan Kalyan,” the streaming service said in a statement.

A significant shift in Netflix India’s 2025 lineup is its increased focus on sports entertainment. The platform will now feature WWE content with Hindi commentary, including weekly episodes of RAW, NXT, SmackDown, and premium live events. This move aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy to cater to the growing demand from sports viewers. Last year, the streaming service drew impressive viewership with events like the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, which garnered 108 million views. In December, Netflix also livestreamed two NFL games, further expanding its sports offerings.

This reveals that Netflix is investing heavily in the India market with strategies that are in line with Netflix global.