iWorld
Netflix India reveals 2021 line-up consisting 40+ originals
KOLKATA: Netflix is upping the stakes when it comes to its streaming game in India, revealing its 2021 line-up comprising 40 plus originals. At a virtual event called ‘See What’s Next India 2021’, the streamer has given glimpses of its new content slate that cuts across genres.
“Everyone has different taste, different preferences, different moods and they watch Netflix on different devices. Whether you are watching alone or with your family, whether you have 20 minutes or two hours, we work hard to make sure Netflix always has something great for you. This is exactly why we create so many stories across genres, languages, formats for you to choose. This year we are ready to take our next big leap to entertain India,” Netflix India vice president content Monika Shergill said at the event.
Its newly announced 15 episodic series slate includes mystery thriller Aranyak, Bombay Begums, Decoupled, ray, Yeh Kalie Kalie Akhein. Along with the new releases, returning seasons of famous shows like Masaba Masaba, Jamtara, Little Things, Mismatched, and She will land on the platform soon.
The fresh line-up also includes more than Netflix original movies, like the moving family drama Sardar Ka Grandson with Arjun Kapoor and Neena Gupta. Taapsee Pannu starrer Haseen Dillruba, the relationship drama Ajeeb Daastaans, and Ekta Kapoor production Pagglait are set to release on the streaming service tum the coming months.
“In India, we love films, everything about films – stories, storytellers, starts, sometimes the songs, sometimes the action, thrill. But more than anything it’s the magic of cinema we love. Netflix has had the honour of bringing 30 Indian original films so far , including 17 films just last year,” Netflix India international original film director Srishti Behl Arya said.
“Our upcoming line-up features more variety and diversity than we have seen before. From the biggest films and series, to gripping documentaries and reality, and bold comedy formats,” Shergill said in a blogpost. Netflix has also expanded its comedy library onboarding TV star Kapil Sharma, along with other known comedians like Sumukhi Suresh. The international streaming giant has content lined up in non-fiction genres like reality TV ( and documentaries.
In India’s crowded streaming market, Netflix is still lagging behind Disney+Hotstar, the shining star with nearly 28 million subscribers in the country. According to a report from Media Partners Asia, YouTube (43 per cent), Disney+ Hotstar (16 per cent), Netflix (14 per cent), Amazon Prime Video (seven per cent) remained the top five platforms which accounted for a combined 80 per cent share of total revenues in 2020.
The country's overall online video market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 26 per cent over 2020-25 to reach $4.5 billion. Netflix which has been widely perceived as a “premium” service compared to its contenders, putting all efforts to reach the critical mass. It even unveiled a mobile only plan to woo the users.
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
