Saif Ali Khan & Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Discuss Long-Form Streaming at WAVES 2025

India's Storytelling Inflection Point

• 🚀 India is on the cusp of a major storytelling inflection point, comparable to Korea's global success with "Squid Game" and K-content.
• 💡 Streaming platforms like Netflix provide crucial global distribution channels, making this expansion possible for Indian narratives.

The Power of Long-Form Streaming

• 📚 Long-form streaming is perfectly suited for bringing historical epics, such as the Mahabharata, to life on screen.
• 🧠 This format allows for deeper character development and exploration of complex narratives, as highlighted by shows like "Adolescence" and "Cobra Kai."

Saif Ali Khan's Vision for Indian Content

• ✨ Saif Ali Khan expresses excitement about seeing Indian culture and rich literary traditions, including ancient folktales and epics, adapted for the screen.
• 🎬 He believes these stories, often confined to books, can resonate powerfully when brought alive through cinematic and long-form productions.

Netflix's Role and Upcoming Content

• ✅ Netflix actively takes chances on new stories and storytellers, fostering diverse content creation.
• 📺 Ted Sarandos mentioned upcoming titles including "The Bads of Bollywood," "The Royals," the finales for "Squid Game" and "Stranger Things," a new season of "Wednesday," and movies like "Happy Gilmore 2" and Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein."

Broader Impact of Streaming Content

• 📈 Successful streaming shows generate significant ripple effects beyond mere entertainment.
• 🌍 Examples include a 500% surge in Bridgerton book sales and "Emily in Paris" influencing 39% of tourists to France, demonstrating the profound cultural and economic impact.