Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos hails Dhurandhar as top non-English movie of 2026

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos praises Dhurandhar's global success

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has declared that the Indian film Dhurandhar was the most-watched non-English movie in the world this year. The statement came during a recent interaction, where Sarandos highlighted the film's unprecedented reach across global audiences.

Sarandos, known for his data-driven approach to content strategy, did not provide exact viewership numbers. But he emphasised that the movie's performance reflects a broader trend: Indian stories are no longer just regional hits. They are becoming global phenomena.

A milestone for Indian cinema on streaming

The recognition marks a significant moment for the Indian film industry, which has long sought international acclaim. Dhurandhar, a Hindi-language production, has apparently cut through cultural and linguistic barriers to top charts worldwide.

Industry analysts point out that this achievement is not an isolated incident. Several Indian titles have performed strongly on the platform in recent years, but topping the global non-English list is a first. The film's success is being attributed to a gripping narrative and strong word-of-mouth across markets.

Sarandos's track record of touting Indian content

This is not the first time Sarandos has spoken highly of Indian content. He has repeatedly cited India as a key growth market for Netflix, which has invested heavily in local productions. The company has greenlit numerous films and series across multiple Indian languages, betting on the country's vast and diverse audience.

In the past, Sarandos has praised Indian storytelling for its emotional depth and universal themes. His latest comments reinforce Netflix's long-term commitment to the region, even as competition in the Indian streaming space intensifies.

What this means for Bollywood and OTT platforms

The success of Dhurandhar could encourage more Indian filmmakers to aim for global release strategies from the outset. It also underscores the growing importance of streaming platforms in shaping cinematic success, especially in a post-theatrical world.

For Netflix, the film's performance validates its strategy of backing bold, local narratives with global appeal. The company is expected to double down on similar projects in the coming months.

Officials from the film's production house have not yet commented on Sarandos's remarks. Meanwhile, fans of the movie have taken to social media to celebrate the recognition, with many calling it a 'proud moment for Indian cinema'.

As the year progresses, all eyes will be on whether Dhurandhar can maintain its lead and secure a spot in Netflix's year-end highlight reel. The streaming giant typically releases annual lists of its most popular titles, and this film is almost certain to feature prominently.

For now, the Indian film industry has a new benchmark to aspire to, and Netflix has a fresh proof point for its India bet.