Netflix India set the tone for the year ahead with a high-profile showcase in Mumbai on Tuesday, unveiling its content slate for 2026 at a grand event titled What’s Next On Netflix. Hosted by Aparshakti Khurana and Jamie Lever, the evening brought together some of the biggest names from across the film industry, signalling the streamer’s intent to double down on scale, storytelling and star power in the coming year.
The event highlighted Netflix India’s growing ambition as it announced an expansive lineup of films and series across languages and genres. From mainstream entertainers to grounded dramas and politically rooted stories, the platform revealed collaborations with some of the most influential production houses in Hindi cinema. These include Red Chillies Entertainment, T-Series, Bhansali Productions, Jio Studios, Yash Raj Films, Maddock, Dharma Productions, Junglee Pictures, Ajay Devgn Films, Luv Films, Balaji Telefilms and Colour Yellow Pictures. The focus, Netflix said, is on delivering stories that resonate widely while retaining creative depth.
The slate also reflected the streamer’s continued push in the southern markets. Netflix confirmed partnerships with major production banners such as Sithara Entertainments, Mythri Movie Makers, Vyjayanthi Movies, Wall Poster Cinema, Geetha Arts, AGS Entertainment, Raaj Kamal Films International, Hombale Films, 2D Entertainment and Stone Bench Pvt Ltd. With these collaborations, the platform aims to strengthen its regional storytelling while expanding pan-India reach.
One of the most talked-about announcements from the evening was Kartavya, a project that has already sparked excitement due to a notable creative reunion. The film marks a collaboration between two actors whose on-screen pairing in the early 2000s remains fondly remembered by audiences. Though they are not sharing screen space this time, the association has still stirred nostalgia among fans.
The project brings together Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan in different capacities, nearly two decades after their last on-screen appearance together in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), now considered a cult classic. While Saif headlines Kartavya as the lead, the film is backed by Shah Rukh Khan’s production banner, Red Chillies Entertainment. Directed by Pulkit, who previously earned acclaim for Bhakshak, the film will stream exclusively on Netflix.
In Kartavya, Saif Ali Khan essays the role of police officer Pawan Malik, a man caught between professional duty and personal responsibility. As threats mount around him, Malik is forced to confront the emotional and moral cost of his job. The narrative places him at a difficult crossroads, where justice, conscience and family collide. The film also features a strong ensemble cast including Rasika Duggal, Sanjay Mishra, Saurabh Dwivedi, Zakir Hussain and Manish Chaudhari, adding weight to its grounded storytelling.
Talking about the project during the event, Saif said, “Kartavya, which is really great, produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies Entertainment, is going to come out soon. It’s a lovely piece by director Pulkit, and I’m really happy that it’s coming out on Netflix.”
Beyond Kartavya, Saif Ali Khan is also set to appear in another Netflix project titled Hum Hindustani, where he stars alongside Pratik Gandhi. Inspired by true events, the film explores the story of India’s first general election, shedding light on the making of the world’s largest democracy.
Unveiling the first look of Hum Hindustani, Netflix described the project as “the untold story of India’s very first election.” The caption read, “The making of the world’s largest democracy. Watch Hum Hindustani, the untold story of India’s very first election, coming soon, only on Netflix.” The film is expected to blend historical detail with personal narratives, offering a fresh perspective on a defining moment in India’s political history.