In a major development poised to reshape India’s reality television landscape, Balaji Telefilms is bringing its hit reality format Lock Upp to Netflix. The collaboration marks a powerful coming together of two entertainment giants—Balaji Telefilms, known for its bold and high-voltage storytelling, and Netflix, a global streaming leader with an ever-expanding Indian content slate. Together, they aim to deliver a premium, high-impact unscripted experience designed for modern streaming audiences.
Created by Ekta Kapoor, Lock Upp emerged as a breakout reality phenomenon when it first premiered, instantly grabbing attention for its daring concept, unfiltered emotional confrontations, and survival-based gameplay. Unlike conventional reality shows, Lock Upp pushed participants into high-pressure situations that tested resilience, strategy, and psychological endurance. Its raw and unapologetic tone struck a chord with viewers, making it one of the most talked-about reality formats in recent years.
Now, with its move to Netflix, Lock Upp is set for a major reinvention. The upcoming season promises a bigger scale, sharper twists, and a reimagined structure tailored to streaming-first consumption. The show will retain its core DNA of intense drama and reality-driven storytelling, while elevating production values and narrative depth to match Netflix’s global standards.
The announcement was made during Netflix’s global content slate reveal, where Lock Upp stood out as one of the platform’s key unscripted titles. Its inclusion underscores Netflix’s growing focus on high-engagement reality formats that not only entertain but also spark conversations across markets. The move also strengthens Netflix’s Indian entertainment portfolio, signaling the platform’s commitment to investing in bold, culturally resonant content.
Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, shared her excitement about the collaboration and the creative possibilities it unlocks. Known for consistently pushing boundaries across television and digital platforms, Kapoor emphasized that Lock Upp was conceived to challenge both creators and audiences. According to her, the format is designed to provoke thought, ignite dialogue, and present reality without filters. She described the partnership with Netflix as a creative amplification—one that values fearless ideas and unapologetic storytelling. Kapoor also noted that the newly revealed poster is not merely a promotional asset, but a statement that reflects the scale, substance, and shared creative vision behind the collaboration.
Echoing this sentiment, Sanjay Dwivedi, Group CEO and CFO of Balaji Telefilms, highlighted the importance of creative alignment in successful partnerships. He described Lock Upp as a reflection of Balaji’s commitment to bold and impactful storytelling, adding that the company remains focused on delivering authenticity and originality through the show. For Balaji, the Netflix collaboration represents an opportunity to take a proven format and elevate it to a larger, more discerning audience.
Nitin Burman, Group Chief Revenue Officer of Balaji Telefilms, further elaborated on the evolution of the format. He stated that Lock Upp was never intended to be just another reality show, but an immersive experience designed to leave a lasting impact on viewers. Bringing the show to Netflix, he explained, allows that impact to grow exponentially. Burman described the new season as not only larger in scale, but sharper in narrative, richer in production quality, and crafted to generate moments that audiences will discuss long after the episodes drop.
As anticipation builds, Netflix and Balaji Telefilms have confirmed that more details—including the premiere date, host announcement, and exclusive first-look footage—will be revealed soon. With the gates set to open once again, Lock Upp is gearing up to return stronger, bolder, and more provocative than ever.
