Netflix has strengthened its position as the leading destination for theatrical releases in India, with ‘Haq’ emerging as the most viewed movie across paid OTT platforms in the first week of 2026.

According to data from Chrome OTT (COTT), the film topped the charts during Week 1’2026 (January 3–9), drawing 7.42 million unique viewers and setting the tone for a strong start to the year for the streaming giant.

As per a press release issued by COTT, India’s leading OTT measurement platform, Netflix dominated theatrical movie viewership during the period, with two of the top three most-watched films streaming exclusively on its platform. The performance of Haq not only translated into high viewership numbers but also generated significant social media buzz, reinforcing Netflix’s growing reputation as the preferred home for Bollywood theatrical releases.

COTT’s data highlights a clear shift in audience behaviour, with Netflix increasingly seen as a one-stop destination for movies across genres. The platform’s appeal spans family dramas, mass entertainers and nostalgia-driven titles, positioning it as the signature Bollywood destination for Indian viewers in the paid OTT space.

One of the most striking insights from the survey is that 86 per cent of Netflix users are willing to wait for theatrical releases to arrive on the platform. This preference is largely driven by value and convenience, with 54 per cent of subscribers saying Netflix offers better value for money and a superior family viewing experience. A COTT spokesperson noted that films like ‘Haq’, which resonate with family audiences, are often preferred in a home-viewing environment where multiple generations can watch together comfortably.

Netflix’s content strategy is also being bolstered by sustained investment in theatrical and legacy titles. Commenting on the trend, Dr Pooja Shrivastava, Group Head – Data Sciences at Chrome DM, said that movies remain the most consumed genre across digital platforms. She added that Netflix’s focus on new theatrical releases as well as iconic films such as ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Dangal’ and ‘Veer-Zaara’ is likely to make it one of the most engaged paid platforms by 2026, especially with connected TV penetration touching 101 million.

Looking ahead, Netflix is optimistic about subscriber growth, with expectations of adding one million new subscribers in India following the upcoming release of ‘Dhurandhar’. Globally, the platform is projecting an addition of nearly four million subscribers, underlining the growing impact of theatrical content as a key acquisition driver.

The Week 1’2026 data points to a broader shift in consumption patterns, with audiences embracing theatrical releases as premium home entertainment experiences. By combining cinema-quality content with the comfort and value of home viewing, Netflix appears well positioned to consolidate its leadership in India’s paid OTT market.