Mind Your Language

For International Mother Language Day, Netflix India’s director of international originals, Srishti Arya, gives us the inside scoop on the country’s love for non-English content

- Divya Kala Bhavani

In an exclusive interview with MetroPlus Srishti Arya, Netflix India’s director of international originals, recalls a group of women in South Delhi who got hooked on a wave of Korean content, that they started learning to speak Korean and even the cuisine. This kitsch little anecdote reminded the filmmaker of “the ultimate truth of how stories transcend language and borders,” especially in these polarising times. As of October 2019, Netflix globally released 100 seasons of local language, original scripted series from 17 countries and has plans for over 130 seasons more in 2020.

Netflix broke into the Indian market just three years ago and the ripple effect is remarkable. According to the streaming giant, Spanish, Korean and Japanese drove the highest viewing in India as they were released, after English and local Indian languages. Popular Spanish titles included La Casa de Papel and horror movie Veronica. Japanese titles included The Naked Director and Ultraman, while Korean titles included Boys Over Flowers and Something in the Rain.