Indian comedy sensation Kapil Sharma, known for his role in Nandita Das’ 2022 Busan selection “Zwigato,” has successfully made the transition from his long-running TV show to Netflix. His show, now titled “The Great Indian Kapil Show,” is reaching a global audience through the streaming platform.
Originally broadcast on Sony Entertainment Television India from 2016-2023, the decision to bring the show to Netflix was a natural progression. Sharma explains, “Netflix approached me with the idea of bringing the show to a global platform, and I immediately saw the potential in reaching a wider audience. The season-wise approach on Netflix has allowed us to explore new creative avenues and offer viewers a fresh experience with each episode.”
While the show’s primary focus remains on its Hindi-speaking audience, the global response has been remarkable. Despite language barriers, the show has garnered attention in countries like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Season 1 made history by trending on the Global Top 10 TV (non-English) list for four consecutive weeks. Season 2 continues to dominate the charts in India and has entered the Top 10 in 11 other countries.
Sharma, a winner of Star TV’s “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge” Season 3 in 2007, acknowledges the challenges of writing comedy for a long-running show. He credits his talented team for the show’s consistent quality and success. The new season of the show incorporates technological enhancements like visual effects and holograms to create a more immersive viewing experience. The character roster has also been expanded to include popular culture figures alongside familiar faces.
In addition to his comedic ventures, Sharma has explored dramatic roles, notably in “Zwigato.” While he enjoys comedy, he is open to taking on more serious roles if the right script comes along. As “The Great Indian Kapil Show” gains momentum globally, Sharma is looking forward to exploring new opportunities, including the possibility of more stand-up specials following the success of “I am Not Done Yet” on Netflix.
