Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree Makes History as Netflix’s Most-Watched Non-English Show
Emraan Hashmi is once again in the spotlight — not for a Bollywood film, but for a groundbreaking achievement on global streaming. His latest series Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web has reached a landmark milestone on Netflix, becoming the first Indian series to top the platform’s Global Non-English TV chart and outpacing international hits like Jujutsu Kaisen. This achievement not only highlights the actor’s versatility but also shines a spotlight on Indian storytelling on the world stage.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree such a global sensation, why it resonates with audiences worldwide, and what this means for Indian content on Netflix.
What Is Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web?
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web is a Netflix original Indian crime thriller released on January 14, 2026. Created by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and co-directed by Raghav M. Jairath, the series takes audiences into the rugged world of customs officers who work relentlessly to intercept illegal smuggling at Mumbai’s international airport.
The series blends procedural drama with high-stakes action, presenting a narrative that is both grounded in real-world challenges and dramatically compelling. It stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead role, supported by a talented ensemble cast including Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Singh Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha.
Emraan Hashmi: From Bollywood to Global Streaming Icon
For years, Emraan Hashmi has been known in Indian cinema for his intense performances and compelling screen presence. With roles ranging from dark thrillers to mainstream commercial films, he has continually evolved as an actor.
Now, with Taskaree, Emraan Hashmi has made a dramatic leap into global streaming success. His portrayal of a determined and shrewd customs officer has not only garnered praise from critics and audiences but has also helped elevate the series to record-breaking heights on Netflix.
Hashmi himself expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans after the show’s success, sharing on social media how thankful he was for the overwhelming response from viewers across the world.
A Historic Milestone: Netflix’s Most-Watched Non-English Series
Surpassing Global Competitors
In the week of January 12–18, 2026, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web climbed to the number one spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV list — a feat no Indian series had achieved before. It registered 5.4 million views, comfortably ahead of popular international series including Can This Love Be Translated? and even Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3.
Beating Jujutsu Kaisen — a globally beloved anime franchise with massive international appeal — is especially noteworthy. While Jujutsu Kaisen has a huge fan base and strong global presence, Taskaree’s ascent to the top spot shows how diverse and compelling stories from India can now compete with the biggest shows worldwide.
A Victory for Indian Content
This accomplishment places Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree in an elite league of streaming successes. Even highly acclaimed Indian Netflix originals like Sacred Games and Heeramandi never managed to reach the top of Netflix’s global non-English charts in the way Taskaree has.
Such global recognition signals a shift in how international audiences consume TV content. Viewers are increasingly embracing stories rooted in different cultures and languages, and Taskaree has tapped into that trend with its engaging narrative and universal themes of duty, corruption, and resilience.
Behind Taskaree’s Global Appeal
Authentic Storytelling
One of the reasons Taskaree resonates with viewers around the world is its focus on authenticity. The series does not rely on flashy gimmicks or exaggerated plots. Instead, it explores the lives and challenges of customs officers — a profession rarely seen in mainstream entertainment. This grounded approach makes the story relatable and engaging to a wide range of audiences.
Strong Performances
Emraan Hashmi’s performance anchors the series. His portrayal strikes a balance between emotional depth and tough resolve, making his character compelling to watch. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances that add nuance and richness to the series.
Global Reach through Netflix
Netflix’s extensive global platform has undoubtedly played a crucial role in amplifying Taskaree’s reach. By being featured prominently in the streaming service’s recommendations and top lists, the series has been able to attract viewers far beyond India. This global distribution is a key reason Taskaree achieved such impressive viewership numbers early in its release.
What This Means for Indian Streaming Content
The success of Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree is more than just a personal triumph. It represents a milestone for Indian television and digital content on the global stage.
With Taskaree breaking new ground, Indian creators now have a stronger case for telling original, locally grounded stories that can compete internationally. The series’ performance shows that with the right combination of strong storytelling, talented performances, and strategic global distribution, Indian content can thrive alongside the world’s best.
This achievement could inspire more investments in unique Indian narratives across genres and formats, encouraging filmmakers and studios to explore diverse themes with international audiences in mind.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Global Success
Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree has carved its name in entertainment history by becoming the first Indian series to top Netflix’s Global Non-English TV chart — outpacing major international competitors like Jujutsu Kaisen. This milestone is a testament to the power of bold storytelling, compelling performances, and the growing global appetite for diverse content.
For Emraan Hashmi, this success is another significant step in an already illustrious career, and for Indian streaming content, it marks a new era where world-class narratives can find appreciative audiences worldwide.
As the industry continues to evolve, Taskaree’s achievement will likely be remembered as a turning point — one that redefined global perceptions of Indian storytelling.
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