Bets on originals, unfazed by the return of films to cinemas
To expand its reach into India, Netflix is looking to expand local content by 2022, focusing on Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.
Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content at Netflix India, told BusinessLine in an exclusive interview: “In terms of content we are considering mixed genres, quickly-moving genres. We’re considering Hindi and regional content from Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. There will be a major emphasis on the region.”
Shergill stated that many compelling and compelling stories will be shared through the platform.
While films are being reintroduced in theaters, in the midst of a decrease in the pandemic Shergill isn’t worried that the direct-to-stream period is over for major-ticket productions. Same way as online betting sites like NetBet Sport haven’t seen a decrease in visits. “There will be plenty to watch for everyone. Direct-to-digital is not being overlooked in any way since we have plenty of content scheduled. It is actually beneficial for films to be shown in theaters, and then be transferred to the online service to ensure that people who would like to watch it in theatres are able to watch the film there, and those who prefer streaming it can stream it,” she said.
Content strategy
According to Shergill the Netflix’s strategy for content will continue to be focused on original content. “The core of our content strategy is the originals that we make, we are programming bigger, we are programming much more diverse.” License cinema is an excellent addition to the strategy, and “we are very excited to have a lot of films signed up for post-theatrical releases onto the platform,” said Shergill. In response to a question about the top appeal for the Indian viewers within Netflix’s extensive selection of content, Shergill said, “If you look at Netflix’s top 10, you will see local content featuring in it consistently.” This is another reason local content is an important area of focus for Netflix.
Netflix will launch Aranyak the film, the crime thriller with Raveena Tandon on the 10th of December 10. “Our viewers are awestruck by the thriller genre… this is our standard. The main reason for this show was how uniquely Indian the story is. We, as a community, determine our own stories, and, consequently define us to the world.” explained Tanya Bami, Director, Local Language Originals.