Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Reveals ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ Boosted Indian Economy by Over Rs 215 Crores
As Netflix celebrates ten years of operations in India, the streaming service has unveiled the economic impact of its largest Indian production to date, “Operation Safed Sagar.” During the premiere of the series, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced that this ambitious project has contributed over US$24 million (more than Rs 215 crore) to the Indian economy. This impact stems from various factors, including production, employment, local business partnerships, and advancements in creative technology.
The Netflix Effect on India’s Economy
Sarandos emphasized what Netflix refers to as “The Netflix Effect,” which highlights the broader economic and industry influence generated by its original productions beyond mere entertainment. He praised India’s filmmaking ecosystem, noting the scale of the series. “Every Netflix production is also a local production. Behind every episode are thousands of people whose creativity, skill and dedication make that story possible,” he stated.
He further remarked, “The scale of this series and the production demonstrates that India today has the talent, the technical expertise and the production capabilities to create entertainment that stands confidently alongside the very best in the world.” Sarandos expressed pride in how “Operation Safed Sagar” exemplifies the journey Netflix has taken in India over the past decade.
Employment Opportunities and Local Partnerships
The production of “Operation Safed Sagar” spanned 115 days and took place across 11 Indian cities, including Patiala, Chandigarh, Gwalior, and Mumbai, among others. Notably, filming occurred at operational Indian Air Force bases and high-altitude locations in Himachal Pradesh, reaching nearly 16,000 feet.
According to Netflix, the series directly employed over 200 cast and crew members from eight states and created opportunities for more than 4,000 daily hires during its production. The project also collaborated with over 850 local businesses in various sectors, including construction, set design, hospitality, and logistics, thereby contributing to the local economies of each filming location.
Investment in Visual Effects and Creative Technology
A significant portion of the investment for “Operation Safed Sagar” was allocated to visual effects and creative technology. Netflix partnered with 15 VFX studios across major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, engaging nearly 1,200 artists to produce approximately 50 minutes of aerial sequences for the series.
These VFX collaborations alone contributed around US$5 million (over Rs 49 crore) to India’s economy, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the production’s total economic contribution. This announcement coincides with Netflix’s 10th anniversary in India, during which the platform has launched over 200 Indian Originals, reaching audiences worldwide and bolstering the country’s creative economy.
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