FICCI Frames 2026: Netflix focuses on diverse storytelling and original formats for India
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Netflix’s decision to bring back Lock Upp for a second season reflects its continued push into unscripted entertainment as the streaming platform expands its content strategy in India. Monika Shergill, vice president of content at Netflix India, announced the new season at FICCI Frames 2026, with Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh set to return as the show’s hosts. The platform has not yet announced the release date or contestant lineup.
The announcement came during a discussion on the future of streaming, creative experimentation and changing audience preferences, featuring Shergill, filmmaker Suresh Triveni, writer, creator and showrunner Abhijeet Singh Parmar, actor Siddharth, filmmaker Farah Khan and actor-director Riteish Deshmukh.
For Netflix, the return of Lock Upp comes as it seeks to cater to audiences across genres, languages and formats, from large-scale military dramas to romance, comedy and reality entertainment.
“Creative risks are the rule in Netflix, thinking bold, thinking about an extraordinary range that India offers,” Shergill said during the discussion.
She said India’s linguistic, regional and generational diversity required the platform to offer a wide range of stories rather than rely on a single programming formula. The objective, she added, was to build “Netflix for all” by recognising that audiences have different entertainment preferences and viewing habits.
Original stories drive content strategy
Shergill pointed to titles such as Operation Safed Sagar, Maa Behen and Mismatched to illustrate the range of content being developed for different audiences. Streaming, she said, allows viewers to discover stories that suit their individual tastes and moods.
Parmar, the writer, creator and showrunner of Operation Safed Sagar, spoke about developing the military drama through research into India’s military history. He said the project evolved from an initial idea into a large-scale production, with the focus remaining on the people behind the events rather than merely the scale of the operation.
Siddharth, who appeared in Operation Safed Sagar and Lust Stories 3, said streaming had created opportunities for actors to move between contrasting roles. He highlighted the ability to portray vastly different characters within a short period as an important aspect of working in the current entertainment landscape.
Triveni discussed the casting of digital creators and influencers in films. He said creators should be considered artists in their own right and that casting decisions should focus on their suitability for a role rather than their social media following.
Reality formats seek deeper engagement
The discussion also explored how reality entertainment can generate conversations beyond the screen.
Khan said her transition from filmmaking and television to YouTube had been driven by her instinct to entertain audiences. Speaking about Lock Upp, she said the format offered an opportunity to explore human behaviour, personal experiences and difficult subjects through entertainment.
Deshmukh said the show’s discussions extended beyond contestants’ individual stories, encouraging viewers to engage with broader social issues.
Shergill said the format had generated significant audience engagement, adding that its impact went beyond entertainment.
Looking ahead, the panel called for greater experimentation with underexplored genres, including romance and horror, alongside more opportunities for emerging creators.