'Operation Safed Sagar contributed over Rs 215 crores to Indian economy,' says Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos

As Netflix celebrates a decade of operations in India, the streaming giant has revealed the economic impact of its biggest Indian production to date, Operation Safed Sagar. Speaking at the premiere of the series, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced that the ambitious project contributed more than US$24 million (over Rs 215 crore) to the Indian economy through production, employment, local business partnerships and creative technology.

The announcement highlights what Netflix describes as "The Netflix Effect," referring to the wider economic and industry impact generated by its original productions beyond entertainment. Ted Sarandos highlights India's production capabilities Speaking at the premiere, Sarandos praised India's growing filmmaking ecosystem and the scale at which the series was mounted. "Every Netflix production is also a local production. Behind every episode are thousands of people whose creativity, skill and dedication make that story possible. The scale of this series and the production demonstrates that India today has the talent, the technical expertise and the production capabilities to create entertainment that stands confidently alongside the very best in the world," he said.

He added, "After ten years in India, we've seen The Netflix Effect come to life through every story we've had the privilege of making here. Tonight, Operation Safed Sagar is one of the most powerful expressions of that journey." Production generated employment across multiple sectors Filmed over 115 days across 11 Indian cities, including Patiala, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Bikaner, Mumbai, Noida, Gurugram, New Delhi, Manali, Keylang and Pataudi, the production also shot at operational Indian Air Force bases in Nal, Chandigarh and Gwalior, as well as high-altitude locations in Himachal Pradesh reaching nearly 16,000 feet.

According to Netflix, the series directly hired more than 200 cast and crew members from eight states while creating opportunities for over 4,000 daily hires during production.

The project also partnered with over 850 local businesses across construction, set design, hospitality, transport, logistics, catering, equipment rental, technical services and post-production, contributing to local economies in every filming location. VFX work contributed nearly Rs 49 crore A significant portion of the project's investment went into visual effects and creative technology. Netflix collaborated with 15 India-based VFX studios across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, engaging nearly 1,200 artists to create approximately 50 minutes of aerial sequences for the series.

These VFX partnerships alone contributed around US$5 million (over Rs 49 crore) to India's economy, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the production's total economic contribution.

The announcement comes as Netflix marks its 10th anniversary in India. Over the past decade, the platform has launched more than 200 Indian Originals, with Indian films and series reaching audiences worldwide while supporting the country's expanding creative economy.

Also Read: Abhay Verma opens up about his connection with Operation Safed Sagar; says, “I wanted to become a pilot”

Netflix launches ‘India Storytelling Initiative’ to strengthen creative talent pipeline

Netflix has announced a major step towards strengthening India's creative landscape with the launch of the ‘Netflix India Storytelling Initiative’, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the country's growing entertainment industry. The announcement comes after Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to discuss the increasing global appeal of Indian stories and the company's continued investment in India's creative economy.

Having worked with India's creative community for over a decade, Netflix has produced more than 200 Originals and filmed across over 100 locations in the country. Building on this foundation, the newly launched initiative aims to support the next generation of storytellers through a multi-phase investment focused on talent development. The programme will establish strategic collaborations with leading Indian institutions to equip aspiring creators with industry-relevant skills across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem, an important contributor to India's growing Orange Economy.

The initiative is also aligned with the Government of India's vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 by promoting stronger ties between education and industry while nurturing creative talent capable of competing on a global stage. Through these efforts, Netflix hopes to further position India as an international hub for storytelling and entertainment production.

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix, said, "India has always been one of the world's greatest storytelling nations. Over the past decade, we've had the privilege of seeing Indian stories connect with audiences not just across India, but around the world. As we begin our next decade here, we believe our greatest investment is in the people who will tell India's next generation of stories. The Netflix India Storytelling Initiative reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening India's creative ecosystem by creating more opportunities for emerging creators, because investing in creators is investing in India's creative future."

The first phase of the initiative will focus on youth skilling through two key partnerships. Netflix has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to develop an industry-focused curriculum in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also provide 100 scholarships for students enrolling in in-person courses covering Interactive Comics and Sequential Art, Virtual Art Department Content Creation, Art of Character Animation, E-Sports and Gaming Management, along with other emerging creative fields.

Additionally, Netflix has partnered with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to develop a skilled workforce for new roles created under the Prime Minister's accessibility agenda. The collaboration will train audio description writers and voice professionals to make films and series more accessible for audiences with visual and hearing impairments. The programme will follow international standards while incorporating local storytelling traditions, supporting the shared vision of Netflix and the Government of India to promote inclusive storytelling.

Through these initiatives, Netflix aims to create more opportunities for emerging creators, strengthen India's entertainment production capabilities, and further expand the global reach of Indian stories. The company stated that as it enters its second decade in India, it remains committed to investing in creative talent, enhancing industry partnerships, and supporting Indian storytellers in reaching audiences across the world.

Also Read: Netflix drops announcement video of Musafir Cafe for Season 2: Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana to return

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC passes Awarapan 2 with U/A 16+ certificate and minimal cuts (COMPLETE list inside)

Almost a week is left for the release of Awarapan 2 and the excitement is tremendous due to the popularity and strong recall value of the first part, the intense romantic genre, casting and the album, which could have potential chartbusters. The film's censor process was completed in advance. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on its cut list.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the film with a U/A 16+ certificate. However, the Examining Committee of the CBFC asked for certain cuts.

To begin with, the makers were asked to add disclaimers for the depiction of drug use and child trafficking in the film. A similar ticker was added in the smoking scene. As per the rules in effect since 2021, the film title was asked to be mentioned in Hindi.

The anti-drug static ticker was asked to be mentioned on the bottom right corner in scenes of drug consumption. The 'obscene' words were asked to be replaced in the audio as well as subtitle. In the second half of the film, a violent scene was asked to be reduced by 50%.

Moreover, in three places, scenes of extreme violence were asked to be deleted. At midpoint, a scene of snorting drug was asked to be deleted.

Once these changes were made, Awarapan 2 was handed the censor certificate on August 5. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 140.20 minutes. In other words, Awarapan 2 is 2 hours, 20 minutes and 20 seconds long.

Awarapan 2 stars Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi and others and releases in cinemas on August 14.

Only non adult film of the season Interestingly, Awarapan 2 is the only Hindi film for a month that has not been passed with an 'A' certificate. Awarapan 2 clashes with Batwara 1947, which has received an 'A' rating. The next big film to release is Toxic, which releases on August 26 followed by Mirzapur The Movie on September 4. Both films are also expected to be passed with an 'A' rating.

Also Read: Awarapan 2 trailer to release on 6th August, Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Bhatt

Awarapan 2 trailer to release on 6th August, Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Bhatt

The wait just got shorter, and the excitement just doubled up as Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Bhatt announced that the trailer of Awarapan 2 to arrive on August 6, 2026. During a live interaction, Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Bhatt answered some of the most anticipated questions about Awarapan 2 and made the date announcement.

Awarapan 2 brings back Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit alongside Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kohli, Aniruddh Rawal and Atul Kumar. The soulful music of Awarapan 2 is composed by multiple artists, including Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli, Amaal Mallik, and Akhil Sachdeva.

Mukesh Bhatt and Vishesh Films present Awarapan 2, a Vishesh Bhatt Production. Produced by Vishesh Bhatt, directed by Nitin Kakkar and written by Bilal Siddiqui. Awarapan 2 releases in cinemas worldwide on 14th August 2026.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi’s new look revealed as Awarapan 2 makers bring back ‘Tera Mera Rishta’

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos meets Indian writers to discuss the future of storytelling

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos spent the evening with a group of writers shaping Netflix India's stories, reaffirming the company's long-standing belief that every great story begins with a unique creative voice. Joined by Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India, Sarandos engaged in an open conversation with writers about the evolving craft of storytelling, the creative opportunities ahead, and the future of Indian entertainment. The gathering reflected Netflix's belief that its strongest creative partnerships begin by listening to writers and investing in their ideas.

The evening also builds on Netflix's continued commitment to nurturing India's creative ecosystem, following the recent launch of the NextGen India Writers' Program, which brings Netflix's global talent development initiative to India for the first time. As Indian stories continue to find audiences around the world, Netflix remains committed to supporting the writers whose voices will shape the next chapter of Indian storytelling.

Also Read: Operation Safed Sagar: Vishal Dadlani’s ‘Aazma Le’ pays tribute to Indian Air Force ahead of Netflix premiere

Yash Raj Films launches Raah Records; first artist Aman to debut with 'Jaadugari'

Yash Raj Films (YRF), one of India's leading entertainment studios, today announced the launch of Raah Records, a new music company and incubator created to discover, develop and support original artists while helping them build long-term creative careers beyond film music.

For over five decades, YRF has helped shape Indian music through some of cinema's most enduring soundtracks. Raah Records extends that legacy into India's rapidly evolving music ecosystem by bringing together artist development, original music creation and long-term career building under one dedicated platform.

Speaking about the launch, Akshaye Widhani, CEO, Yash Raj Films, said: "Raah Records represents an important strategic expansion of Yash Raj Films' music business. For over five decades, we have believed in identifying exceptional talent and creating platforms where creativity can thrive. As India's independent music ecosystem enters a defining phase of growth, we believe great artists need more than distribution; they need belief, time and long-term creative partnership. Raah Records is built around careers, not campaigns, bringing together world-class A&R, artist development, marketing and distribution to help original artists build lasting careers."

Rather than operating as a traditional release-driven label, Raah Records has been conceived as a long-term creative partner for artists. Through its incubator model, the company has already been working closely with emerging musicians behind the scenes, with its first artist now beginning the next chapter of that journey under the Raah Records banner. The launch reflects YRF's continued investment in nurturing creative talent while expanding its music business beyond cinema into original independent music.

Raah Records will be led by Nakul Sharma, Senior General Manager - Music Management, Yash Raj Films, who has played a central role in shaping the label's artist development philosophy, A&R strategy and long-term incubator model. Under his leadership, Raah Records will work closely with artists from the earliest stages of their careers, supporting songwriting, production, creative direction, audience growth and strategic partnerships.

Speaking about the launch of Raah Records and its first release, Nakul Sharma, Senior General Manager – Music Management, Yash Raj Films, said: "Raah Records was built on a belief that artists need time, they need trust, and they need the space to grow into who they already are. Our role is to stand beside them throughout that journey, helping them build lasting careers without losing what makes them unique. Aman is exactly the kind of artist we built 'Raah' for, and 'Jaadugari' felt like a fitting way to begin his journey and the label's."

The first glimpse of the track 'Jaadugari,' which was released today, will be available across all major audio streaming platforms from August 5 onwards. The song marks the beginning of Aman's journey with Raah Records, following a year of close creative collaboration that helped shape and refine his artistic voice.

 

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With Raah Records, YRF aims to build a long-term home for original artists, investing in creative development and creating a platform where independent voices can grow into defining musical careers. As the label expands its roster, additional artist signings and original releases will follow in the months ahead.

Also Read: Jyoti Mukerji calls Aditya Chopra “best brother-in-law”; reveals why she never worked with Yash Raj Films despite family ties

Amruta Fadnavis signs exclusive full-spectrum representation deal with Warner Music India

Warner Music India has announced the exclusive signing of singer Amruta Fadnavis for full spectrum representation. Under the partnership, the label will manage her profile, endorsements, live touring and brand collaborations, while overseeing the release and distribution of her upcoming independent music projects.

Fadnavis is a cultural personality, social activist and former corporate leader with a two decade banking career, and has been involved in initiatives around women’s empowerment, financial literacy and welfare of underprivileged children. She is also a classically trained vocalist known for a diverse repertoire of devotional recordings. Her signing is part of Warner Music India’s ongoing effort to offer full spectrum representation to leading domestic talent, spanning their commercial, creative and live touring pursuits.

Amruta Fadnavis said, “Music is food for my soul, and it is a privilege to collaborate with Warner Music India. This partnership gives me a great opportunity to grow, find new collaborations, and connect with audiences everywhere on a bigger scale.”

Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC, said, “We are very happy to welcome Amruta Fadnavis to the Warner Music India family. Amruta is a very talented and versatile personality. This partnership will see us supporting her in everything from brand partnerships and live shows all the way to her independent music releases.”

The signing follows Warner Music India’s release and distribution of Fadnavis’ single ‘Saawan’ in 2024, and marks an evolution of their existing creative relationship as the label expands its association with her across live performances, brand partnerships and future music releases.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Tanishk Bagchi gets engaged to Payal Dangodra in a close-knit ceremony at Mahaveer Jain’s home; Amruta Fadnavis attends