In a first-of-its kind deal, Netflix is teaming with Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment to bring the Bollywood titan’s films to the streaming service. The deal gives Netflix subscribers worldwide access to dozens of Red Chillies movies as well as new films which will hit Indian theaters in the next three years.
Reliance Entertainment
The first title that will be available is the Karan Johar-produced Dear Zindagi which was released theatrically on November 25. Directed by Gauri Shinde, it stars Khan and Alia Bhatt and has grossed over $18M worldwide.
This is a coup for both parties. SRK is arguably the biggest global star coming out of Bollywood with a massive following around the world. Each one of his films is an event; two are among the Top 10 Hindi grossers ever worldwide. Some of his recent work has underperformed when compared to his huge roster of hits, although that hasn’t dimmed his popularity at home and across the diaspora. His impressive filmography includes Om Shanti Om, Ra.One, My Name Is Khan, Don 2, Chennai Express, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Happy New Year and Dilwale.
Red Chillies
His next picture, Raees, releases on January 25 for the Republic Day holiday in India.
“Shah Rukh Khan is the most sought-after actor in the Indian film industry, and has played a huge role in bringing Indian cinema to the world stage,” says Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “His moniker ‘King Khan’ speaks to his status as a cultural icon and to the incredible popularity of his films among audiences worldwide.”
Red Chillies was founded in 2002 and has grown to be a significant production, distribution and VFX company.
Here’s an SRK sizzle reel posted by Netflix India today:
