Netflix has officially entered a new era for Indian content. Taskaree (2026), a high-octane Indian series, has created history by becoming Netflix’s first Indian show to top the Global Non-English TV Charts, clocking an impressive 5.4 million views worldwide in its debut week. This milestone isn’t just a win for Netflix India—it’s a major moment for Indian storytelling on the global stage.
With viewers tuning in from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and parts of North America, Taskaree proves that language is no longer a barrier when the story is compelling. The series ranked #1 in multiple countries and stayed in Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Series list throughout its opening week. This success puts Taskaree alongside global heavyweights and highlights Netflix’s growing investment in Indian originals with international appeal.
First Indian Show Tops Global Netflix Charts
Premiered January 14, 2026, Taskaree clocked 5.4M views (Jan 12-18) per Netflix Tudum—outrunning Can This Love Be Translated? (4M), Jujutsu Kaisen S3, and The Queen of Flow. #1 in 9 countries, Top 10 in 23 nations, surpassing Heeramandi and Sacred Games’ peaks.
Neeraj Pandey calls it “watershed moment for Indian storytelling”—airport customs officers’ unseen battles finally get global spotlight through hyper-realistic procedural drama.
Taskaree Cast & Critical Reception
| Actor | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Emraan Hashmi | Customs Officer Lead | 9.2/10 |
| Zoya Afroz | Key Officer | 8.7/10 |
| Amruta Khanvilkar | Senior Customs | 8.9/10 |
| Sharad Kelkar | Antagonist | 8.5/10 |
| Nandish Singh Sandhu | Field Agent | 8.3/10 |
Aggregate Ratings: IMDb 8.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, Netflix Audience Score 94%
Story & Screenplay
At its core, Taskaree is a layered crime thriller that explores ambition, morality, and the consequences of power. The story unfolds gradually, pulling viewers into a world where every character operates in shades of grey. Instead of relying on loud twists, the series builds tension through sharp writing and emotional stakes, making each episode feel purposeful.
The screenplay deserves special praise for balancing suspense with realism. Dialogues feel authentic, and the narrative never underestimates the audience’s intelligence—a refreshing change for the genre.
The cast delivers performances that elevate the series significantly. The lead actor Emraan Hashmi brings depth and vulnerability to a complex role, making the protagonist both relatable and unpredictable. The antagonist stands out with a restrained yet menacing presence, while the supporting cast adds emotional weight and credibility to the story. Each character feels well-written, with arcs that evolve naturally over the course of the series.
8 episodes trace multi-layered syndicate from street-level mules to international cartels. Technical advisors: real customs officers. No glamour—sweaty uniforms, endless shifts, moral compromises.
From a technical standpoint, Taskaree is polished and cinematic. The direction maintains a tight grip on pacing, especially in the later episodes where the tension peaks. Cinematography captures the gritty underbelly of the story beautifully, using muted tones and sharp framing to enhance the mood. The background score subtly amplifies the drama without overpowering the scenes, adding to the overall immersive experience.
Taskaree Conquered Worldwide
Universal appeal: airport security’s hidden world fascinates globally. Korean viewers hooked on customs tech; Latin America loves Hashmi’s brooding intensity. Pandey told Netflix, “Unique Indian realities travel when told clearly.”
Outperformed Aryan Khan’s Badshah of Bollywood, Kunal Kemmu’s Single Papa. First Indian show beats Korean/Japanese juggernauts—sets benchmark for global Desi content.
Emraan Hashmi: Streaming Serial Killer Returns
Post-Tiger 3, Hashmi sheds hero image for haunted everyman—gaunt, nicotine-stained, morally conflicted. Critics rave: “Career-best since Shanghai.” Customs blues match his noir sensibilities perfectly.
Supporting cast elevates: Amruta Khanvilkar’s steely senior, Sharad Kelkar’s chilling smuggler boss. Raghav Jairath’s co-direction maintains Pandey’s taut rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Taskaree (2026) is a standout Netflix original that successfully places Indian content on the global map. It’s intense, emotionally grounded, and thoughtfully crafted—making it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and serious dramas.
With its chart-topping success and overwhelmingly positive reception, Taskaree sets a new benchmark for Indian web series and signals an exciting future for globally relevant Indian storytelling.
Rating: ⭐ 4.5 / 5
