From romantic dramas and gritty cop thrillers to quirky comedies, Netflix India showcases its most diverse lineup yet at Tokyo’s APAC 2025 event
Tokyo / Mumbai, April 22:
Netflix has raised the curtain on its highly anticipated Indian film slate for 2025, spotlighting new titles led by stars Rajkummar Rao, R. Madhavan, Saif Ali Khan, and Manoj Bajpayee. The announcement came at Netflix’s Asia-Pacific (APAC) showcase held in Tokyo, where the streamer reaffirmed its deepening investment in regional storytelling across genres and languages.
Netflix India’s Head of Original Films, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, introduced the lineup, emphasizing the streamer’s broadening creative horizon across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema.
“This year is going to be our most diverse yet,” said Sheikh. “We are bringing fresh, genre-defining stories with some of India’s finest talents.”
🎬 Upcoming Indian Originals Unveiled
1. Aap Jaisa Koi
Starring: R. Madhavan, Fatima Sana Shaikh
Directed by: Vivek Soni
A heartfelt romantic drama set in Kolkata, this film explores the evolving relationship between a reclusive 40-something teacher and a confident French instructor. With Madhavan returning to his romantic roots, the film promises emotional depth and refreshing maturity.
2. Inspector Zende
Starring: Manoj Bajpayee, Jim Sarbh
Directed by: Chinmay Mandlekar
Set in the 1980s, this true-crime inspired film follows Madhukar Bapurao Zende, an unassuming Mumbai cop known for his razor-sharp instincts, as he chases international fugitive Carl Bhojraj. Expect an intense crime thriller that pays tribute to unsung heroes of Indian law enforcement.
3. Toaster
Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Abhishek Banerjee, Seema Pahwa, Archana Puran Singh
Produced by: KAMPA Films (Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa)
Rao plays a penny-pinching man whose obsession with a wedding gift — a toaster — spirals into comedic chaos, crime, and absurdity. The film also marks the debut production from Rao’s own banner, KAMPA Films.
“I try not to be funny while doing comedy… You have to be very controlled,” Rao shared during the showcase.
📺 Also Highlighted
- “Test” – Netflix’s first Tamil-language original, starring R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth, is currently streaming and expanding Netflix’s regional footprint.
- “Jewel Thief” – A stylish, high-octane heist thriller starring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, is set to release within days of the event.
📈 Global Appeal, Local Power
Netflix India’s continued growth is underpinned by data:
“Nearly half of Netflix viewership in India comes from films,” Sheikh noted. “In the past year, an Indian film featured in Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English) list every single week.”
Previous hits like “Amar Singh Chamkila”, “Maharaja”, and “Laapata Ladies” have already made waves globally, signaling the rising power of Indian storytelling.
🎥 Industry Buzz: What’s Next?
With Pushpa 2, Dragon, and Chhaava generating massive anticipation, and this newly announced slate offering a rich blend of romance, crime, comedy, and drama, Netflix India is setting the tone for a landmark year in streaming.