Monika Shergill: Competing with Global Giants like Netflix, Not Just Local Players

Introduction: A Global Perspective for Indian Streaming

In a bold and revealing statement, Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, said that the real competition for Netflix isn’t limited to domestic players like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, or JioCinema — it’s global platforms operating in other countries. This remark underscores Netflix's ambition to position Indian content on a global pedestal and reaffirms its commitment to high-quality, world-class entertainment.

Netflix India’s Global Vision

Monika Shergill’s remark is a reflection of how Netflix sees India — not just as a local market, but as a content powerhouse with the potential to rival and resonate with audiences across the world. According to Shergill, Netflix isn’t just tailoring content for Indian viewers; it’s creating stories that can travel globally.

This global-first mindset is what differentiates Netflix from several other platforms that remain India-centric. From gripping thrillers to cultural dramas and documentaries, Indian originals on Netflix are being consumed in countries like the U.S., the UK, and even in Latin America and Korea.

Indian Content with Global Appeal

Netflix India has rolled out several high-quality original series and films that have not only won accolades within the country but have also garnered international recognition. Shows like Delhi Crime, Sacred Games, and films like The White Tiger and RRR (featured on Netflix post-theatrical run) have received acclaim from both critics and audiences worldwide.

Shergill emphasized that this isn’t a coincidence — it’s a strategic move. Netflix is investing in stories that are rooted in Indian culture but told in a way that they resonate universally.

Not Just About Quantity, It’s About Quality

Unlike many OTT platforms that focus on pumping out massive volumes of content to keep viewers engaged, Netflix continues to focus on quality storytelling. Shergill stated that every show or movie released on Netflix India goes through global benchmarking to ensure it matches international production and narrative standards.

This focus on quality rather than quantity has helped Netflix stand out in a highly competitive OTT space in India.

The International Rivalry

While Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and other local OTTs offer strong competition in India, Shergill pointed out that Netflix’s real rivals are global platforms that are producing compelling content from markets like Korea, Spain, and Latin America. The rise of K-dramas and Spanish shows like Money Heist has changed the way audiences consume content, and Netflix India is striving to be part of this global movement.

Shergill’s statement also reflects a sense of responsibility — to make Indian content globally competitive and to ensure Indian stories are part of the global streaming conversation.

The Road Ahead for Netflix India

Netflix India is expected to continue focusing on diverse storytelling, experimenting with genres, and nurturing regional creators who can deliver stories with international appeal. As Shergill suggested, the aim is to create a pipeline of shows and films that are not just meant for Indian screens but are intended to trend globally.

With its tech-forward platform, localized pricing strategy, and growing regional content library, Netflix India is setting itself up as a global contender rather than a local leader.

Conclusion: Competing Globally, Winning Locally

Monika Shergill’s powerful statement about competing with international platforms puts things into perspective. Netflix is not just in the race to be India's favorite streaming platform — it's playing to become a global leader by using India as a content hub. As viewers, that means we can expect stories that are both deeply Indian and widely global — a combination that just might define the future of entertainment.