Netflix marks a decade in India with the economic impact of its largest local production.
The streaming giant revealed that Operation Safed Sagar contributed more than $24 million (over Rs 215 crore) to the Indian economy. This figure stems from production spending, employment, and partnerships with local businesses.
At the series premiere, co‑CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted the talent and technical expertise that India now offers, noting that every Netflix production is also a local production and that the scale of this series shows India can create entertainment that stands confidently alongside the world’s best.
Local Production Scale
Filming took place over 115 days across 11 Indian cities – Patiala, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Bikaner, Mumbai, Noida, Gurugram, New Delhi, Manali, Keylang and Pataudi – and also used operational Indian Air Force bases in Nal, Chandigarh and Gwalior, as well as high‑altitude locations in Himachal Pradesh reaching nearly 16,000 feet. The production directly hired more than 200 cast and crew members from eight states and created opportunities for over 4,000 daily hires during the shoot.
In addition to the crew, the series partnered with more than 850 local businesses covering construction, set design, hospitality, transport, logistics, catering, equipment rental, technical services and post‑production, injecting cash into each filming location’s economy.
A significant portion of the investment went into visual effects. Netflix worked with 15 India‑based VFX studios in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, engaging nearly 1,200 artists to produce about 50 minutes of aerial sequences. Those VFX collaborations alone contributed around $5 million (over Rs 49 crore), roughly 20 percent of the total economic contribution.
The announcement comes as Netflix celebrates its 10th anniversary in India, having launched more than 200 Indian Originals that reach audiences worldwide while supporting the country’s expanding creative economy. The company describes this impact as “The Netflix Effect,” referring to the broader industry and economic benefits generated by its original productions.
By quantifying the contribution of Operation Safed Sagar, Netflix underscores how large‑scale storytelling can drive jobs, nurture local suppliers, and showcase India’s growing capacity to deliver high‑quality content on a global stage.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Operation Safed Sagar contribute to the Indian economy?
Operation Safed Sagar contributed over $24 million to the Indian economy during its production.
What is the Netflix Effect?
The Netflix Effect refers to the broader industry and economic benefits generated by Netflix's original productions.
How many Indian cities were used for filming Operation Safed Sagar?
Filming took place across 11 Indian cities, including Patiala, Chandigarh, and Mumbai.
How many local businesses were partnered with for Operation Safed Sagar?
The series partnered with over 850 local businesses, covering construction, set design, and other services.
What was the duration of filming for Operation Safed Sagar?
Filming took place over 115 days.
