Heeramandi becomes Netflix India’s most watched drama series

During Netflix’s Q2 2024 earnings call, the spotlight was on ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ the latest grand creation from acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Launching on May 1, 2024, the series has quickly captured the imagination of audiences worldwide and cemented its place as a cultural benchmark.

During the quarterly earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted the immense success of Bhansali’s ambitious project. “Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of India’s most respected filmmakers,” noted Sarandos. “With Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, he has not only directed every episode, but also pushed the boundaries of what a drama series can be. With an impressive 15 million views, it is our biggest drama series in India to date.”

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Set in the backdrop of pre-independence India, the series explores the lives of courtesans in the historic district of Heeramandi. The compelling narrative, lush visuals and memorable music resonated with audiences and brought notable success to Netflix. Heeramandi dominated the global top 10 TV shows (non-English) list for four weeks in a row, appearing in the top 10 in 43 countries. In India, it stayed in the top 10 TV shows for an astonishing 11 weeks.

Heeramandi stands out not only for its popularity but also for its artistic merit. Known for his great storytelling style, Bhansali has once again demonstrated his mastery in every element of filmmaking. From the stunning sets and lavish costumes to the atmospheric music and profound performances, Bhansali has created a series that is both a visual feast and a deeply engaging story.

To add to the excitement surrounding Heeramandi, Bhansali also launched his own music label, Bhansali Music, featuring the series’ debut song, ‘Sakal Ban’. This move marks a new chapter for Bhansali, who continues to innovate and push the boundaries of Indian cinema and entertainment.

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The production company behind the series, Bhansali Productions, has a long tradition in Indian cinema. Founded by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the studio is known for its visually spectacular and emotionally rich films. Bhansali Productions’ previous hits include classics such as Devdas, Padmaavat and Bajirao Mastani. The success of Heeramandi underlines the studio’s reputation for delivering high-quality and impressive cinematic experiences.

Netflix, the platform that brought Heeramandi to a global audience, remains a leading force in the entertainment industry. With over 260 million paid memberships in 190 countries, Netflix offers a diverse range of TV series, movies and games, allowing users to enjoy their favourite content anytime, anywhere.

The success of Heeramandi is a testament to Netflix’s commitment to providing rich and varied content to viewers around the world. The series continues to captivate audiences and underscores both the global appeal of Indian cinema and the innovative spirit of Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

For those who haven’t yet experienced the splendor of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, the series is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. Immerse yourself in the wealth of pre-independent India and discover why this series became a global sensation.