Indian OTT content has officially crossed a historic global milestone. Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web has become the first-ever Indian series to top Netflix’s Global Non-English TV chart, putting Indian storytelling firmly on the world map.
According to industry data released by Netflix’s official analytics platform Tudum, Taskaree claimed the No. 1 position worldwide for the week of January 12–18, registering a massive 5.4 million views globally. In doing so, the series outperformed several popular international titles and achieved something even landmark Indian shows like Sacred Games and Heeramandi could not.
A Historic Moment for Indian Streaming Content
For years, Indian series have enjoyed strong domestic success, but breaking into Netflix’s Global Top Non-English TV chart—and topping it—has remained elusive. Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web has now shattered that ceiling.
The Neeraj Pandey–created series didn’t just enter the global rankings; it dominated them. With 5.4 million views across the week, Taskaree comfortably secured the top spot, beating the Korean romantic comedy Can This Love Be Translated?, which finished second with 4 million views.
What makes the achievement even more impressive is the competitive context. While the Korean series generated its numbers in just three days after a January 16 release, Taskaree maintained consistent global traction across the entire week.
Outperforming Major Global Titles
The scale of Taskaree’s success becomes clearer when compared with other international heavyweights. The Indian series outperformed globally popular titles such as:
- Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
- Alpha Males
- The Queen of Flow
Even more notably, Taskaree was the only Indian show to feature in Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV list, making its achievement both rare and symbolic.
For Indian creators, this moment signals a shift—from regional popularity to genuine global resonance.
What Makes Taskaree Click With Global Audiences?
Created by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web taps into a gritty world of crime, morality, and power. Known for grounded, intelligent thrillers like A Wednesday and Special Ops, Pandey brings the same realism and narrative control to this series.
At the centre of it all is Emraan Hashmi, whose performance anchors the show’s global appeal. Long celebrated for playing morally complex characters, Hashmi delivers a protagonist that feels layered, unpredictable, and deeply human—qualities that translate across cultures.
The series avoids melodrama, relying instead on atmosphere, character psychology, and tightly written conflict—elements that resonate strongly with international audiences accustomed to prestige crime dramas.
Emraan Hashmi on Choosing Unconventional Characters
In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Emraan Hashmi reflected on his career trajectory and the kind of roles he gravitates towards.
“I don’t think I ever fit the bill of a conventional hero. The characters have always been a little off the beaten path—gray shades, very unconventional arcs,” Hashmi said.
That philosophy is evident in Taskaree. His character is neither hero nor villain in the traditional sense, allowing viewers to engage with moral ambiguity—one of the defining traits of globally successful dramas.
A Big Win for Indian OTT Storytelling
Taskaree’s success isn’t just about one actor or one series—it represents a broader evolution in Indian streaming content. Over the last few years, Indian creators have increasingly embraced nuanced writing, cinematic production values, and universal themes rooted in local realities.
Netflix’s global audience response suggests that language is no longer a barrier when storytelling is authentic and compelling.
Industry insiders believe this milestone could encourage platforms to invest further in Indian originals with global ambition rather than purely local appeal.
How This Changes the Game for Indian Content
For Indian OTT creators, Taskaree topping Netflix’s global chart sets a new benchmark. It proves that Indian series can compete—and win—on the same global stage as Korean, Spanish, and Latin American hits.
It also reinforces Netflix India’s growing influence in shaping globally consumable narratives, especially when backed by strong creators and star power used strategically rather than superficially.
What Lies Ahead
With Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web making history, expectations are now sky-high—for potential future seasons, spin-offs, and more Indian series aiming for global dominance.
For Emraan Hashmi, this success marks another defining chapter in a career built on unconventional choices and evolving formats. And for Indian audiences, it’s a moment of pride—proof that homegrown stories can lead global conversations.
As streaming wars intensify worldwide, one thing is clear: Indian content is no longer just participating—it’s leading.
