Netflix''s ''Operation Safed Sagar'' Generates $24M Economic Impact

New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos on Thursday said the streamer's upcoming series "Operation Safed Sagar" contributed USD 24 million to the Indian economy during its production, calling the show a celebration of Netflix's 10 years in India.

Speaking at the premiere of the series at Bharat Mandapam here, Sarandos said the show underscores India's filmmaking talent, technical expertise and ability to produce world-class entertainment.

"It is an honour to spotlight the extraordinary courage, the service of the men and the women who served in the Kargil War. For us at Netflix, 'Operation Safed Sagar' is also a celebration of 10 years of Netflix in India. In the cinematic scale, this series is a first for Netflix India.

"It demonstrates the fact that India has the talent, the technical expertise, the production capability to create entertainment that stands confidently alongside of the best entertainment in the world," Sarandos said.

Inspired by the Indian Air Force's role during the 1999 Kargil War, "Operation Safed Sagar" follows the Golden Arrows Squadron as a group of young fighter pilots undertake high-altitude combat missions while navigating the emotional and personal costs of war.

It features an ensemble cast of Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Dia Mirza, Abhay Verma, Prajakta Koli, Adil Hussain, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin and Amrita Bagchi.

Sarandos said the show's production generated widespread economic activity during its 115-day shoot across 11 cities.

"Our investment in this show has made a substantial USD 24 million contribution to the Indian economy. Now, that's the result of 850 local businesses, over 200 cast and crew, and 4,000 daily hires that were employed and benefited from filming from 115 days of production in 11 cities," he said.


Sarandos said visual effects accounted for a significant portion of the investment.

"In fact, USD 5 million of that USD 24 million was contributed alone from Visual Effects, a creative tech partnership. We worked with nearly 1,200 visual effects artists across 15 different studios to bring to life almost 50 minutes of breathtaking aerial sequences featured in this series," he said.

Sarandos said Netflix entered India a decade ago with the belief that some of the "world's greatest stories were waiting to be told here".

"Stories rooted in India's history, culture, and lived experience. Stories that would resonate not because they were made for everyone, but because they were made authentically for India. 'Operation Safed Sagar' is one such story," he said.

He said Netflix would continue investing in Indian stories and talent.

"After 10 years in India, we've seen it come to life through every story we've had the privilege of making here. We look forward to investing in India's creative future for decades to come."

Sarandos also thanked the show's creators, producers, cast and the Indian Air Force for supporting the project.

Created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava and directed by Oni Sen, "Operation Safed Sagar" will premiere on Netflix on Friday.