‘Black Widow’ Meets ‘Ballerina’ in New Action Epic Officially Taking Over Netflix Globally
An Indian action film from the sprawling "Spy Universe" franchise, starring Alia Bhatt as a genetically modified soldier seeking revenge, has become a surprise global hit on Netflix despite flopping at the cinema. The movie underperformed on its theatrical release on 3 July and drew poor reviews, but has found a much larger audience since streaming began at the end of August, landing on Netflix's domestic and global viewership charts. Its success highlights a growing trend of international, non-English-language films finding huge streaming audiences even after weak box-office runs.
The film sits within the same franchise as blockbusters Pathaan and War, though recent instalments Tiger 3 and War 2 had disappointed at the box office. Critics have noted its clear creative debt to Marvel's Black Widow and John Wick spin-off Ballerina, both in tone and premise. Its Netflix breakthrough follows similar recent global successes for the Spanish-language crime film Facing El Chapo and the Thai action film The Debt Collector, underlining Netflix's growing appetite for non-English hits.
In short
- Indian action film flopped in cinemas but is thriving on Netflix
- Alia Bhatt stars as a rogue genetically modified soldier
- Part of a trend of international films becoming global Netflix hits
Explained simply
The film is part of India’s Spy Universe, a franchise that connects several action films, including the hits Pathaan and War. Alia Bhatt plays a genetically modified soldier seeking revenge, in a story that critics have compared with Black Widow and the John Wick spin-off Ballerina.
Its cinema release in July drew weak reviews and did not attract a large audience. Its later reach reflects how streaming can introduce films to viewers around the world, including audiences for films made in languages other than English.
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