Dhurandhar with 37 million views becomes Netflix’s most-watched non-English film
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Aditya Dhar’s action thriller 'Dhurandhar,' starring Ranveer Singh, has become Netflix’s most-watched non-English film globally with 37 million views. This milestone highlights a record-breaking first half of 2026 for Indian content on the streaming platform.
A Global Milestone for Indian Cinema
Aditya Dhar’s high-octane action thriller Dhurandhar has officially cemented its status as a global phenomenon, securing the title of Netflix’s most-watched non-English film with 37 million views. This achievement, validated by Netflix’s biannual engagement report for the first half of 2026, marks a significant turning point for Indian storytelling on the international stage. Having already topped the Ormax Media mid-year streaming report, the film’s transition from a domestic hit to a global leader underscores the growing appetite for high-production-value Indian cinema on OTT platforms.
The Anatomy of a Blockbuster
At the core of Dhurandhar’s success is its potent combination of star power and genre appeal. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal. By focusing on the high-stakes narrative of an Indian spy infiltrating terrorist networks in Pakistan, the film taps into the globally popular espionage thriller genre, ensuring broad appeal that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. The casting of heavy-hitting performers has clearly served as a major catalyst for its record-shattering engagement numbers.
Netflix’s Strategic Focus on India
Netflix’s latest engagement report covering January to June 2026 reveals that India has recorded its strongest-ever first half in terms of total viewing time. This data is indicative of a broader trend where major streamers are increasingly prioritizing Indian content to drive subscriptions and watch time. The success of Dhurandhar validates the platform's strategy of acquiring and promoting high-budget Indian titles, suggesting that international audiences are becoming increasingly comfortable with and invested in Indian narratives.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The performance of Dhurandhar sets a new benchmark for what Indian films can achieve on global streaming services. It proves that local stories, when executed with premium production standards and compelling star-led narratives, can compete directly with international content. This success likely signals a shift in production priorities for domestic studios, who may now look to balance theatrical releases with the lucrative and expansive reach offered by global streaming giants.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian OTT Content
As we look toward the remainder of 2026 and beyond, the success of Dhurandhar is likely to influence future content acquisition strategies. With India emerging as a powerhouse for Netflix’s viewing metrics, we can expect increased investment in similar action-oriented, high-stakes dramas. The film’s ability to dominate the non-English category globally serves as a blueprint for Indian creators aiming to capture the international market, suggesting that the era of 'global Indian cinema' is no longer a goal, but a present reality.