2026 marks 10 years since Netflix began operations in India. And over the past decade, the streaming giant has delivered some of the country’s most-loved shows and films. Since 2026 is a landmark year, I as a regular consumer of binge-worthy content, was genuinely excited about the titles that would be unveiled in the annual slate announcement. And boy, Netflix did not disappoint.
Alongside brand-new originals, Netflix also announced a slate packed with sequels, ambitious collaborations and actors stepping into refreshingly unfamiliar territory. Going by the directors and star casts attached to these projects, it’s safe to say that 2026 could be one of Netflix India’s strongest years yet.
Here’s a look at five films and five series from the slate that we are most excited about.
Films: Top picks
Accused
If Konkona Sen Sharma is leading a project, you already know you’re in for something special. What truly lands Accused on our watch-list, however, is its strikingly novel premise. Konkona plays a queer doctor who is often labelled rude and difficult, something many women will find painfully relatable. Her life spirals when she is accused of sexual harassment, setting the stage for a layered, morally complex drama.
The film also stars Pratibha Ranta and is directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, making it one of the most intriguing combinations on the slate.
Gandhari
Taapsee Pannu reunites with Haseen Dillruba writer Kanika Dhillon, and if that isn’t enough to pique interest, Devashish Makhija steps in as director. The plot promises a tense, emotionally charged thriller, and one can only hope that this formidable trio creates something truly unforgettable.
Maa Behen
Who would have imagined Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri sharing screen space again after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, this time with enough scope to fully flex their acting chops? Dixit plays Rekha, a carefree mother living with her daughters Jaya and Sushma (Oh, I remember the ad, would a Hema make an appearance?), whose lives take a dark turn when a dead body is discovered in their kitchen.
Add Ravi Kishan to the mix, and Maa Behen instantly becomes one of the most anticipated films from the slate.
Ghooskhor Pandat
Yes, the title itself stirred controversy and landed the film in legal trouble almost immediately, but setting that aside, this one seems packed with promise. The Manoj Bajpayee–Neeraj Pandey combination has proven lethal in the past, and here Bajpayee returns in uniform, albeit with morally grey shades. That alone is reason enough to watch.
Ikka
This one screams masala. Sunny Deol goes OTT in his OTT debut, seemingly ready to unleash his trademark baritone (or shouty voice) once again, while Akshaye Khanna looks coldly calculated and menacing. Their reunion after Border is already reason enough, but throw in a possible Tarikh pe Tarikh–style monologue (Deol plays a lawyer), and a stellar supporting cast featuring Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome and Sanjeeda Shaikh, and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-puller.
Special mention: Kartavya
While
_Hum Hindustani_ may attract attention for its portrayal of India’s first general election, Kartavya feels like the darker, more compelling choice. After Bhakshak, Pulkit returns to the director’s chair with Saif Ali Khan as a police officer, opposite Rasika Dugal. That pairing alone earns this one a spot on our radar.
Series: Top picks
Chumbak
Missing the golden days of comedies like Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai? Aatish Kapadia’s Chumbak promises exactly that comfort. What seals the deal is its stacked cast – Neena Gupta, Deven Bhojani, Amyra Dastur, Anant V Joshi, Sumeet Vyas, Manasi Parekh, Arjun Bijlani, Helly Shah, Sumeet Raghavan and Sandeepa Dhar.
Family Business
Easily one of the most anticipated series from the slate, Family Business brings together Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma in a corporate succession drama co-created and directed by Hansal Mehta. The ensemble cast is nothing short of massive, featuring Akash Khurana, Rhea Chakraborty, Neha Dhupia, Anant Nag, Kanwaljit Singh, Dhruv Sehgal, Raima Sen, Madhoo and many more. Enough said.
Operation Safed Sagar
War dramas are having a moment, but what makes Operation Safed Sagar stand out is its promise to retain humanity and avoid a simplistic ‘us versus them’ narrative. Featuring an ensemble cast including Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Dia Mirza, Adil Hussain and Prajakta Koli, the series explores a lesser-known episode from the Kargil War, the Indian Air Force mission that became the world’s highest air operation.
Legacy
R. Madhavan as an ageing gangster would have been reason enough, but Legacy sweetens the deal with Abhishek Banerjee and Nimisha Sajayan. The show promises an intense exploration of power, succession and the emotional weight of what one leaves behind. Consider us sold.
Talaash: A Mother’s Search
A child goes missing, and instead of waiting for answers, the mother decides to fight, distrusting everyone, including her own family. Talaash sets the stage for a taut emotional thriller, backed by a strong cast featuring Parineeti Chopra, Soni Razdan, Anup Soni, Jennifer Winget and Tahir Bhasin. The premise is gripping; now we wait to see if the execution lives up to it.
So, which title are you most excited about?
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