Netflix’s India Impact: Over $2 Billion in Economic Growth, Says Co-CEO Ted Sarandos at WAVES 2025
Netflix’s Post-COVID Investment in India Surpasses $2 Billion
Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, revealed during the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 that the streaming giant's investments in India have resulted in over $2 billion in economic impact since the COVID-19 pandemic. This impact includes jobs created, skills developed, and production infrastructure supported by Netflix across the country.
He made the announcement during a conversation with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan on Day 3 of the summit, held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.
Netflix’s Reach Across India: 100+ Cities, 25,000+ Creatives
Sarandos shared that Netflix has filmed across over 100 towns and cities in 23 Indian states, collaborating with over 25,000 local artists, technicians, and crew members. This extensive outreach not only fuels regional storytelling but also empowers local economies and creative ecosystems.
The Future of Storytelling: “Connection Over Prediction”
Speaking on the evolving landscape of digital storytelling, Sarandos admitted, “It’s very difficult to predict where storytelling is headed. But what remains constant is the intent to connect with audiences.” The conversation, titled "Streaming the New India: Culture, Connectivity, and Creative Capital", addressed creative freedom, evolving content formats, and India's rising global cultural footprint.
Saif Ali Khan on Streaming’s Impact: “A Game-Changer for Creators”
Actor Saif Ali Khan, who starred in the critically acclaimed Netflix original Sacred Games, described streaming platforms as liberating for actors and filmmakers. "Earlier, we had to conform to rigid formats. Streaming has freed us from those constraints. Our stories now reach global audiences who might’ve missed them in traditional cinema,” he said.
He emphasized how democratization of content has empowered both creators and audiences, enabling a more inclusive and diverse storytelling landscape.
.jpg)
OTT vs Cinema: Not a Competition, But Coexistence
Addressing the popular “theatres vs OTT” debate, Sarandos stated, “Cinemas are not outdated. Streaming and theatres are not competitors. They can move ahead coexisting, as the market is massive.”
Saif Ali Khan agreed, adding that stories deeply rooted in Indian culture—like Omkaara and Parineeta—continue to resonate globally and remain timeless.
Indian Audience “Phenomenal,” Says Sarandos
Sarandos was full of praise for Indian viewers, describing them as “phenomenal” and acknowledging the strong growth of Netflix in India since its entry nine years ago.
He lauded Saif Ali Khan’s pioneering role in Netflix India’s journey, calling him “fantastic” and noting that Saif was the first major Indian star to collaborate with Netflix, starting with Sacred Games.
WAVES 2025: A Powerhouse of Creative Collaboration
The four-day World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has attracted 10,000+ delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups from over 90 countries.
During the summit, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with FICCI and CII, launched the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT). The institute aims to provide world-class training and infrastructure to support India’s growing need for talent in digital content and immersive tech sectors.
Conclusion: A New Era for India’s Entertainment Industry
Netflix’s $2 billion impact reflects a broader trend of digital-first storytelling and global collaborations. With platforms like WAVES and institutions like IICT, India is clearly gearing up to be a global creative powerhouse.
From Saif Ali Khan’s bold roles to Ted Sarandos’ strategic vision, the fusion of local talent and global platforms is reshaping the Indian entertainment narrative for the digital age.
Comments
Post a Comment