Netflix announces Indian Originals line-up – Bollywood News UK

Netflix has announced their Indian Originals line-up, featuring some highly-anticipated  films like The Archies and Chakda ‘Xpress. 

India continues to have the highest viewing of films on Netflix globally. Alia Bhatt starrer Darlings enjoyed the highest global  opening ever for an Indian original film and is the most watched Indian original film on Netflix.

The upcoming slate includes titles such as the inspirational journey of the incredible cricketer, Jhulan Goswami in Chakda ‘Xpress (directed by Prosit Roy), nail-biting heist thriller in Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (directed by Ajay Singh), pulse-pounding drama celebrating brotherhood and courage in Jogi (directed by Ali Abbas Zafar), clever satirical comedy in pursuit of thieves who steal jackfruits in Kathal (directed by Yashowardhan Mishra), spy thriller inspired by true events in Khufiya (directed by Vishal Bharadwaj), gripping whodunnit Monica O My Darling (directed by Vasan Bala), Tom & Jerry style rom-com coming to life in the hilarious Plan A Plan B (directed by Shashanka Ghosh), intense drama where a tragic past catches up with the present in Qala (directed by Anvita Dutt), first-ever feature film from the world-renowned Archie Comics in The Archies (directed by Zoya Akhtar) and a classic murder mystery in the Untitled f.k.a. Devotion of Suspect X (directed by Sujoy Ghosh). 

After the immense love for RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Bhool Bhulaiya 2, members will continue to be entertained with an expanding collection of licensed films from leading production houses including T-Series, Red Chillies Entertainment, Pooja Entertainment, Viacom 18 Studios, Luv Films, Reliance Entertainment, RSVP Movies, Benaras Media Works, Maddock Films, Junglee Pictures, Balaji Telefilms and Matchbox Shots. 

Chakda ‘Xpress
Producer: Karnesh Ssharma
Director: Prosit Roy
Writer: Abhishek Banerjee
Cast: Anushka Sharma, Renuka Shahane, Anshul Chauhan, Koushik Sen, Mahesh Thakur.

Sometimes the hardest thing a girl has to do is to allow herself to dream. But if she gives herself that permission then nothing and no one can stop her from becoming what she wants. Ask Jhulan Goswami. Who, against all odds, rose above misogyny, politics and a million discriminations, to become the highest wicket taker in the history of women’s cricket. And an inspiration to an entire generation of sportswomen.

Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga
Producer: Maddock Films, Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik
Director: Ajay Singh
Cast: Yami Gautam, Sunny Kaushal, Sharad Kelkar

An air hostess and her businessman beau are on a mission to steal diamonds to free themselves from the clutches of a loan shark. However, the heist goes horribly wrong, when the very plane carrying the diamonds is caught up in a hostage situation.

Jogi
Producer: Himanshu Kishan Mehra, Ali Abbas Zafar
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Story,  Screenplay &  Dialogue: Ali Abbas Zafar, Sukhmani Sadana
Cast: Diljit Dosanjh, Kumud Mishra, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Hiten Tejwani, Amyra Dastur, Paresh Pahuja
Music: Julius Packiam, Sameer Uddin

The film unravels the story of a resilient friendship and courage in the times of adversity, set in Delhi in 1984. Jogi is a thrilling, emotional journey of the fighting spirit of three unified friends.

Following the launch of the trailer, actor Diljit Dosanjh said, “As an actor you want to grow with the character you play. Each role I play, helps me grow within. Mera agar dil nahi maanta toh wo kirdaar main nibha nahi sakta. I have to be honestly connected to the character. Jogi holds a special place in my heart and I say it with pride that this has been told on a global platform like Netflix which has huge reach & impact. I am forever thankful and grateful for all my fans who make me who I am and I wish they like me in and as Jogi. Unfortunately I could not be there today but this is my first film on Netflix and the subject is very important to me as you will see in the trailer and I am eagerly waiting to hear all of your thoughts and reviews of the trailer!”

Jogi unravels the story of a resilient friendship and courage in the times of adversity, set in Delhi in 1984. The film is a thrilling, emotional journey of the fighting spirit of three unified friends. It is headlined by Diljit Dosanjh, Kumud Mishra, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Hiten Tejwani and Amyra Dastur, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Himanshu Kishan Mehra and Ali Abbas Zafar. Jogi will premiere exclusively on Netflix in over 190 countries on 16th September, 2022.

Kathal
Produced by: Sikhya Entertainment and Balaji Telefilms
Producer: Guneet Monga, Ekta Kapoor, Achin Jain, Shobha Kapoor
Director: Yashowardhan Mishra
Writer: Ashok Mishra, Yashowardhan Mishra
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Anant Joshi, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav and Neha Saraf

When a local politician’s prized jackfruits (Kathals) go missing, it turns into a bizarre case that falls into the lap of a young and earnest police officer, played by Sanya Malhotra. Based on true-ish events, Kathal is a small town dramedy with a lot of hearts.

Talking about the film, producer Guneet Monga, CEO, Sikhya Entertainment shared, “We at Sikhya Entertainment are elated to embark on another journey with Sanya Malhotra and our partners, Ekta Kapoor, Balaji Telefilms Ltd. and Netflix. Collaborating with director Yashowardhan Mishra who has also written the film along with Ashok Mishra, was a fulfilling experience. At Sikhya, we strive to tell stories from heartlands of the county that are quirky and accessible to a pan India audience. Kathal is a quirky satire. It’s introspective and full of humor and reflective of our times. After the resounding success of Pagglait, we eagerly look forward to the film releasing on Netflix and being available to audiences far and wide.”

Yashowardhan Mishra, the debutant director and writer added, “As a creator I always endeavor to create entertaining and heart warming content that reflects the times we live in. Kathal is one such quirky tale set in heartland India starring Sanya Malhotra, Anant Joshi, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav and Neha Saraf. I’m very excited to collaborate with Sikhya, Balaji and Netflix and tell this unique, genre-blending story with an Indian heart to a global audience.”

The film marks the return of Sanya Malhotra to Netflix after her striking performances in  films such as Ludo, Pagglait and Meenakshi Sundareshwar. Kathal is produced by Sikhya Entertainment and Balaji Telefilms Ltd. 

Khufiya
Producer: Vishal Bhardwaj Films
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Writer:Vishal Bhardwaj, Rohan Narula
Cast: Ali Fazal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi

Based on the novel ‘Escape to Nowhere’ written by ex Chief of Counter Espionage Unit of R&AW, Amar Bhushan, Khufiya takes you on a journey of a R&AW operative-Krishna Mehra, who is assigned a very crucial mission which leaves her juggling between her dual identity as a spy and a lover.

Vishal Bhardwaj, the writer, director and producer of Khufiya shared, “Working on films that explore people, characters, conflicts and relationships is something I truly enjoy. Khufiya is a really special project for me. The entire team has worked very hard to create a suspenseful slow burning thriller and with Netflix we are thrilled to present the film to audiences globally.”

Expressing her thoughts on Khufiya, Tabu shared, “As an actor, I have always wanted to be a part of different stories and narratives. With the character that I play in Netflix’s Khufiya, I have been extremely fortunate to explore a very distinct story. Working with VB (Vishal Bhardwaj) is always a pleasure and a very rewarding experience. We’re excited to work with Netflix and bring the film to entertainment lovers across the world.”

Khufiya is written, directed and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and stars Tabu, Ali Fazal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Wamiqa Gabbi and Azmeri Haque Badhon in pivotal roles.

Monica O My Darling
Producer: Matchbox Shots, Sarita Patil, Sanjay Routray, Dikssha J Routray
Director: Vasan Bala
Writer: Yogesh Chandekar
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Huma S. Qureshi, Radhika Apte, Sikandar Kher, Bagavathi Perumal, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Sukant Goel, Zayn Marie Khan

Monica, O My Darling is a neo-noir that is an ode to movies about the perfect plan that led to the perfect mayhem of the lives of the people who laid it out. Lust, blackmail, betrayal, blood, whodunnit, and some robots crushing human skulls- Join your favourite actors on a roller coaster of dark and devilish twists and turns in this crime drama where survival is the key.

Director Vasan Bala shared, “Monica, O My Darling has been a dream project for me and we cannot wait to entertain everyone with this twisted crime comedy brimming with mystery and drama. Joining forces with Matchbox Shots and Netflix along with our brilliant ensemble cast to bring to life this unique story has been an absolute pleasure.”

Matchbox Shots producers Sarita Patil and Dikssha J. Routray said “We are super excited  to partner with Netflix on this superb neo-noir Monica, O My Darling, directed by Vasan Bala to audiences globally in over 190 countries. With an exciting story, an exceptional cast and the hardwork from the  entire team, we simply couldn’t ask for more on this project!”

Monica, O My Darling is a neo-noir that is an ode to movies about the perfect plan that led to mayhem in the lives of the people involved. Discover lust, blackmail, betrayal, blood, mystery, and some robots crushing human skulls as you join your favourite actors on a dark and devilish roller coaster in this whodunnit crime drama where survival is the key.

Directed by Vasan Bala, produced by Matchbox Shots, Monica, O My Darling will star an incredible ensemble cast including Rajkummar Rao, Huma S Qureshi, Radhika Apte, Sikandar Kher, Bagavathi Perumal, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Sukant Goel and Zayn Marie Khan.

Plan A Plan B
Producers: Rajat Arora (Funk Your Blues Entertainment Pvt Ltd), Trilok Malhotra and K R Harish  (India Stories Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd)
Director: Shashanka Ghosh
Writer: Rajat Arora
DoP: Jaya Krishna Gummadi
Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Poonam Dhillon, Kusha Kapila

She is a matchmaker who believes marriage is for everyone, except herself. He is a successful divorce lawyer with a secret. What happens when they cross paths? Can opposites coexist, let alone attract?

Sharing his thoughts on working on Plan A Plan B, Riteish Deshmukh shared, “It has been a wonderful experience working on this film- and I am truly excited for my film debut on Netflix across 190 countries. Opposites, coming together- always make for a fun watch and we hope the audience enjoys the movie as much as we enjoyed making it!”

Talking about the film, Tamannaah Bhatia said, “It has been an absolute blast working with Riteish and the entire team of Plan A Plan B. The film brings a completely fresh dynamic to the audience and we are so excited for them to see it!”

Starring Riteish Deshmukh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Poonam Dhillon and Kusha Kapila, Plan A Plan B is produced by Rajat Arora (Funk Your Blues Entertainment Pvt Ltd) and Trilok Malhotra and K R Harish  (India Stories Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd) and directed by Shashanka Ghosh.

Plan A Plan B begins streaming on 30th September only on Netflix!

Qala
Producer:  Karnesh Ssharma
Director: Anvitaa Dutt
Cast: Triptii Dimri, Swastika Mukherjee, Babil Khan, Amit Sial
Music: Amit Trivedi
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kausar Munir, Swanand Kirkire, Varun Grover, Anvitaa Dutt

Set in the 1930s and late 1940s, Qala is the story of the young, eponymous playback singer.  It is about her tragic past and the ways in which it catches up with her, causing her to unravel at the peak of her hard won success. But the beginning and end of her spiral is her relationship with her mother. The pathology of her upbringing and the neurosis it leads to.

The Archies
Producer: Tiger Baby/ Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, Graphic India/ Sharad Devarajan, Archie Comics 
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Writer: Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar & Ayesha Devitre
Cast: Mihir Ahuja, Dot, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Yuvraj Menda, Agastya Nanda and Vedang Raina 

The film has the iconic gang of The Archies’ at the center of it, and perfectly matches the youthful energy, hope and excitement of the sixties era. A musical experience bursting with youth, rebellion, friendships, first loves and everything young adult, it still promises to have something for every generation. We can’t wait to see the new kids on the block!

Director and producer at Tiger Baby, Zoya Akhtar shared, “It’s been an absolute honour to be asked to make an Indian adaptation and the first-ever film for this very iconic Archies franchise. This is a surreal experience since Archie Comics was a part of my childhood. It is super exciting to take these beloved characters and introduce them to a new generation but still keep the nostalgia of the original comic alive. We have set it in the Anglo-Indian community in India and can’t wait to transport you to the magical, fictional town of Riverdale.”

The film has the iconic gang of The Archies at the centre of it and perfectly matches the youthful energy, hope and excitement of the sixties. A musical experience bursting with youth, rebellion, friendships, first loves and everything young adult, it still promises to have something for every generation. Starring Mihir Ahuja, Dot, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Yuvraj Menda, Agastya Nanda and Vedang Raina in key roles, The Archies is produced by Tiger Baby, Graphic India and Archie Comics and is directed by Zoya Akhtar.

Untitled F.K.A. Devotion Of Suspect X
Director: Sujoy Ghosh 
Producers: Jay Shewakramani, Akshai Puri, Thomas Kim 
DoP: Avik Mukhopadhyay
Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma

The film is produced by 12th Street Entertainment, Northern Lights Films in association with Kross Pictures and marks Kareena Kapoor Khan’s streaming debut. It is a screen adaptation of one of Keigo Higashino’s most acclaimed works, The Devotion of Suspect X. The global bestseller has murder, mystery and much more and the adaptation is bound to leave audiences hooked at every turn.

Talking about the excitement surrounding the movie, Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “The journey of filming for my first-ever streaming project has just been such a great experience. I’ve had the best time shooting with Vijay, Jaideep, and Sujoy. I really look forward to the audience watching this global bestseller come to life.”

Speaking about the making of the film, Sujoy Ghosh shared, “Filming Devotion for Netflix has been an amazing experience. This was a book where all of us were on the same page! It was an honor to shoot with Kareena, Jaideep and Vijay because I learnt so much from them. Plus my amazing crew. We are all super excited to collaborate with Netflix to bring this film to all your home screens, and do read the book if you haven’t already!”

The film is produced by 12th Street Entertainment, Northern Lights Films in association with Kross Pictures. It is a screen adaptation of one of Keigo Higashino’s most acclaimed works, The Devotion of Suspect X. The global bestseller has murder, mystery and much more and the adaptation is bound to leave audiences hooked at every turn.