Netflix’s Upcoming Indian Series “Family Business” Sparks Debate Over Comparisons to Global Shows
In an exciting development for fans of Indian entertainment and Bollywood enthusiasts alike, Netflix has officially announced its upcoming Indian series, “Family Business,” as part of its Next On Netflix 2026 India slate. The series has already generated significant buzz, not only for its intriguing premise but also for the lively discussions surrounding its thematic similarities to popular international shows like Succession and Billions. However, the creative minds behind the project are eager to clarify that the series is entirely original and rooted in Indian culture, dismissing the notion that it is merely a copycat of Western corporate dramas.
Addressing the “Lazy Comparisons”: Director Hansal Mehta Responds
Hansal Mehta, a renowned filmmaker and co-creator of Family Business, took to the media to address the ongoing chatter. Responding to critics and viewers drawing parallels to Succession and Billions, Mehta emphasized that such comparisons are overly simplistic and fail to appreciate the unique cultural context of the series.
Mehta’s Perspective on the Comparisons
In a candid statement, Mehta stated, “Lazy comparisons. Liking Succession or Billions doesn’t mean every story about power struggles within families or corporations is a remake or clone. Just as it would be unfair to label every crime saga as a Godfather or every political drama as House of Cards, we should recognize the distinctiveness of each story.”
He further clarified that although a corporate setting might naturally evoke superficial similarities, Family Business is not inspired by or based on any of these international series. “Our show is a wholly original Indian narrative, drawing from real-life corporate battles and complex family dynamics that are unique to our socio-cultural fabric,” Mehta explained. “While the themes of power and succession are universal, the storylines, characters, and cultural nuances are specifically Indian.”
What Sets “Family Business” Apart?
Unlike the Western series that often explore corporate greed and political machinations from a Western perspective, Family Business is set against the backdrop of India’s vibrant and often tumultuous business environment. It promises to delve deep into the intricacies of Indian family business traditions, loyalty, betrayal, and the clash between modern ambition and age-old values.
A Fresh Perspective on Power and Family Dynamics
The series focuses on a powerful Indian billionaire, portrayed as a visionary leader who meticulously plans the succession of his empire. However, when he unexpectedly reclaims control after initially handing over the reins, it sparks a fierce and ruthless battle for dominance. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, fractured alliances, and long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel the entire family and business empire.
What makes Family Business particularly engaging is its focus on authentic Indian corporate battles—highlighting the unique challenges faced by Indian business families, including generational conflicts, political influence, and societal expectations. The series aims to provide viewers with a nuanced portrayal of Indian capitalism, intertwined with emotional stakes and cultural authenticity.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by Bollywood heavyweight Anil Kapoor, whose versatility and charisma promise to bring depth to the central character. Alongside him are talented actors like Vijay Varma, Rhea Chakraborty, Neha Dhupia, and Anant Nag. The cast’s diverse backgrounds reflect the series’ commitment to authentic storytelling rooted in Indian societal realities.
Directed by Hansal Mehta himself, known for critically acclaimed projects that blend social commentary and compelling storytelling, Family Business is produced by Abundantia Entertainment and True Story Films. The collaboration brings together seasoned professionals dedicated to creating high-quality content for the global streaming giant.
Anticipated Release and Audience Expectations
Set to premiere on Netflix in 2026, Family Business is already generating anticipation among viewers eager to see Bollywood’s take on the corporate power struggle genre. Fans of Indian drama, as well as international audiences interested in Indian culture and business practices, are expected to find this series a fresh and engaging addition to the streaming platform’s diverse catalog.
The series’ portrayal of Indian family dynamics within the corporate world offers a unique perspective that distinguishes it from Western counterparts. It also highlights the evolving landscape of Bollywood storytelling—blending traditional values with contemporary issues, all while delivering high-stakes drama packed with emotional depth.
Why This Series Matters for Bollywood and Indian Content
As Bollywood continues to expand its global footprint, the emergence of high-quality series like Family Business underscores the growing importance of streaming platforms in showcasing Indian stories to the world. Unlike traditional Bollywood films, which often focus on romance, dance, and spectacle, series like this allow for more nuanced storytelling—exploring complex characters and socio-economic themes in greater depth.
This series exemplifies the new wave of Indian content that is culturally rich, socially relevant, and globally appealing. It also signifies Bollywood’s versatility and its ability to adapt and innovate within the digital streaming space, creating stories that resonate both domestically and internationally.
Conclusion: A Promising Addition to Bollywood’s Digital Revolution
With the announcement of Family Business, Netflix is once again demonstrating its commitment to bringing cutting-edge Indian stories to a global audience. While debates about similarities to international shows continue, the creators emphasize that their series is rooted in Indian cultural realities, offering a fresh perspective on themes of power, family, and ambition.
As Bollywood’s presence in the streaming world grows, series like Family Business will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian entertainment—blending traditional values with modern storytelling techniques to captivate audiences around the world. Fans eagerly await its release in 2026, ready to witness a new chapter in Bollywood’s digital storytelling journey.
