Netflix is all about bringing great stories to your screen, and the APAC Film Showcase in Tokyo that took place on April 21 was no exception. With a commitment to partnering with the region’s most exciting filmmaking voices, Netflix is set to deliver a slate of films this year that capture the local authenticity of Asia-Pacific storytelling. The event showcased projects from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea as well as announcing new projects from India.
Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films for India, unveiled three vibrant films that celebrate the stories closest to the hearts of Indian audiences. With a focus on collaboration and storytelling that transcends borders, she offered exclusive sneak peeks of Aap Jaisa Koi (Someone Like You), a heartwarming romantic comedy that stars R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Sheik, and the newly announced Inspector Zende, an entertaining crime drama featuring Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh.
Adding to the excitement, Kapoor Sheikh spotlighted Toaster, a wildly unpredictable dark comedy produced by KAMPA Films, co-founded by the versatile actor Rajkummar Rao. Rao, who joined the event in person, shared his excitement about producing this film. “When you mix comedy with a thriller element, something amazing happens. We thought this could turn out to be a film, which we don’t make enough in our country.”
Kapoor Sheikh highlighted the global impact of Indian films on Netflix, with Indian titles consistently appearing in the Global Top 10 (Non-English) list. “In India, nearly half of the viewing is from film, which is one of the highest globally,” she noted. “Our films have not just entertained audiences — they’ve shaped conversations, sparked trends, and even revived cultural movements.”
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