In an exciting milestone for Indian cinema, six Indian films have secured spots on Netflix’s global list of most-watched non-English movies for the week ending December 15. The list features a mix of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu productions, reflecting the diversity and richness of Indian storytelling. Among these, Jigra and Amaran have made repeat appearances, while others like Thangalaan and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video debuted on the chart this week.
Jigra
Directed by Vasan Bala (Monica O My Darling!) and starring Alia Bhatt, Jigra has claimed the third spot on Netflix’s global list this week. The film has remained on the list for the second consecutive week, drawing 3.8 million views and 9.7 million watch hours. Bhatt leads the cast, supported by Manoj Pahwa, Vedang Raina (Archies), and Vivek Gomber.
Released in theaters on October 11 and arriving on Netflix on December 6, Jigra initially debuted at the seventh position on the list in its first week and climbed to third by the week ending December 15. Co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Bala, the story revolves around a fiercely protective sister, Satya (Bhatt), who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her younger brother (Raina) from a dangerous situation abroad. Bhatt’s portrayal of Satya channels the quintessential “angry young man” archetype from 1970s Hindi cinema, showcasing a relentless and rule-breaking determination to safeguard her family.
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala
Raaj Shaandilyaa’s Hindi comedy-drama, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, made an impressive debut on the Netflix chart, securing the fourth position. Garnering 7.8 million watch hours, the film had a solid box office run following its October theatrical release before landing on the streaming platform.
Starring Rajkummar Rao, Tripti Dimri, Mallika Sherawat, and Vijay Raaz, the movie dives into the everyday struggles of lower-middle-class life in small-town India. Using humor and romance as its foundation, it also delivers a sharp social commentary on the realities of life in the Hindi heartland.
Thangalaan
Pa Ranjith’s Tamil action-drama Thangalaan premiered on Netflix this week, entering the global list at the eighth position. Despite a lukewarm box office performance following its August 15 release, the film has found a wider audience on the streaming platform, amassing 1.5 million views and 3.7 million watch hours.
Starring Vikram, Parvathy, and Malavika Mohanan, Thangalaan brings to life a gritty and intense narrative that resonated with its streaming audience, even as it struggled to capture the same momentum in theaters.
Sikandar Ka Muqqadar
Neeraj Pandey’s Netflix India original, Sikandar Ka Muqqadar, has proven its staying power by appearing on the global list for the third consecutive week. With 1.7 million views and 4.1 million watch hours, the movie secured the seventh position for the week ending December 15.
The film, starring Jimmy Shergill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Rajiv Mehta, and Divya Dutta, debuted on the platform on November 29. It initially ranked fourth on the list with 3.2 million views and climbed to third last week with 4.6 million views. The gripping storyline and stellar performances have contributed to its sustained popularity among global audiences.
Lucky Baskhar
The Telugu film Lucky Baskhar, directed by Venky Aturi and headlined by Dulquer Salmaan, continues to captivate viewers. After a successful theatrical run starting October 31, the film premiered on Netflix on November 28. This week, it claimed the fifth spot on the list with 3.2 million views and 7.9 million watch hours.
In its debut week on the platform, Lucky Baskhar recorded 12.5 million watch hours and 5.1 million views, showcasing its strong appeal. Featuring Meenakshi Chaudhary, Maganti Srinath, and Ramki alongside Salmaan, the film combines engaging storytelling with standout performances to deliver an entertaining cinematic experience.
Amaran
Sivakarthikeyan’s Tamil film Amaran has remained on Netflix’s global list for the second week in a row, securing the sixth spot this week. The film garnered 2.7 million views and 7.7 million watch hours for the week ending December 15.
Based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, an Indian soldier, Amaran premiered digitally on December 5 after a successful theatrical release that earned widespread acclaim. The movie features an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi, Rahul Bose, and Bhuvan Arora, bringing a heartfelt and inspiring story to audiences worldwide.
A Celebration of Indian Cinema
The inclusion of six Indian films on Netflix’s global chart highlights the growing international appreciation for Indian storytelling. Each film, with its unique narrative and cultural roots, contributes to the vibrant mosaic of global cinema. From Bhatt’s fierce portrayal in Jigra to the heartfelt drama of Amaran and the sharp social commentary of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, these films showcase the depth and versatility of Indian filmmakers and actors.
Netflix’s platform has enabled Indian films to transcend geographical boundaries, reaching viewers across the globe and affirming their universal appeal. The success of these six films marks yet another chapter in the evolving narrative of Indian cinema’s global impact.