Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos: 'Dhurandhar' is 2026's top non-English film

A global milestone for Indian cinema

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has confirmed that the Indian film Dhurandhar has become the world's most-watched non-English movie of 2026. The announcement came as part of a broader discussion on the streaming giant's global content strategy, with Sarandos singling out the film as a standout success.

The revelation marks a significant moment for Indian cinema, which has increasingly found audiences beyond domestic borders. While Netflix has not yet released official viewership numbers, the film's top spot signals a shift in global viewing habits, with subtitled and dubbed content gaining mainstream traction.

What makes 'Dhurandhar' a phenomenon?

Industry observers point to the film's universal themes and high production values as likely factors behind its appeal. Although specific plot details remain under wraps, the movie's title—which translates roughly to 'the brave one'—suggests a story of courage and resilience, themes that resonate across cultures.

The film's success also underscores the growing appetite for regional Indian stories on global platforms. In recent years, titles from Bollywood and regional language industries have consistently performed well on streaming, but Dhurandhar's top ranking puts it in a league of its own.

Netflix's bet on Indian content pays off

For Netflix, the film's performance validates its heavy investment in Indian originals. The company has poured significant resources into local productions, betting that authentic storytelling would win over viewers worldwide. That gamble appears to be yielding results, with Dhurandhar leading the charge.

Sarandos's comment came during a recent earnings call, where he highlighted the film as an example of how non-English content can achieve global success. He did not, however, specify whether the viewership numbers included partial viewing hours or complete watches, leaving room for further clarity.

What this means for the industry

The film's rise is expected to open more doors for Indian directors, writers, and actors seeking international exposure. Streaming platforms are likely to greenlight more ambitious projects from the region, banking on the crossover appeal demonstrated by Dhurandhar.

Trade analysts note that this could also spur a wave of remakes and adaptations, as global studios look to replicate the film's formula. However, they caution that replicating such success is never straightforward—what works for one film may not translate to another.

Looking ahead

As the year progresses, all eyes will be on whether Dhurandhar can hold its position against upcoming releases. Netflix is expected to release more detailed viewership data in the coming months, which will offer a clearer picture of the film's reach.

For now, the milestone stands as a proud moment for Indian cinema—and a clear signal that the world is watching, quite literally.