Netflix plans aggressive push into India

Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos has confirmed that the streamer is planning an aggressive push into India. 

“We have ten original shows in production right now and six original films coming up for 2019, and more to come,” said Sarandos, speaking as part of a panel discussion at the Mumbai Film Festival, which runs from October 25-November 1. 

“Sometimes we would wait several years before doing original productions in any given country — but we came into India right away.”

The content chief also addressed the price point of its service – which is markedly higher than competitor services in the region at US$6.83 per month – highlighting that the platform will consider adjusting the price to suit the market.

Sarandos said India’s improved internet infrastructure makes it one of the “most exciting places in the world”.

For its third quarter, Netflix added seven million new members, largely due to its strong growth across markets in Asia.

During its earnings call, Sarandos said that early Indian originals such as Sacred Games have taken Netflix from a product that was “maybe less known in India” to a service that is far more local and relevant.

Upcoming Indian titles on the service include Selection Day, Leila and Baahubali: Before the Beginnning.