Hanumankind kicks off Netflix ‘TUDUM’ with Squid Game swag and ‘Run It Up’ | WATCH

At the grand Netflix Tudum 2025 event held on 31 May at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, Indian rapper Hanumankind kicked off the global show with an electrifying live performance of his hit song Run It Up.

The Kerala-born artist, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, impressed audiences worldwide, with fans in India beaming with pride at his international presence.

Hanumankind’s opening act set the tone for the night, which featured only one other major live performance — by global pop icon Lady Gaga, who was also announced as a guest star for the upcoming Wednesday Season 2. Gaga will play Rosaline Rotwood, a mysterious and legendary teacher at Nevermore Academy.

The performance was further energised by the presence of Squid Game’s iconic pink guards dancing in the background. The crowd was especially thrilled when one guard removed their mask to reveal host Sofia Carson, dressed in the signature pink uniform.

Netflix India celebrated the moment on social media, sharing a clip of Hanumankind’s performance with the caption: “Red light, green light, Hanumankind @hanumankind just opened #TUDUM!”

This was not the rapper’s first collaboration with Netflix. Hanumankind previously co-wrote The Game Don’t Stop for Squid Game Season 2, further cementing his association with the global streaming giant. Ahead of Tudum, Netflix had already teased a snippet of Run It Up in its promotional trailers.

Hanumankind also made history earlier this year by becoming the third Indian artist to perform at the prestigious Coachella music festival, where he delivered live performances of Run It Up, Big Dawgs, and Go to Sleep.

Social media reactions to Hanumankind’s Tudum 2025 appearance were overwhelmingly positive. Fans expressed pride and excitement, with comments such as “That proud moment” and “Watching Indians going places is a surreal feeling.” Many hailed the rapper’s rise as a significant milestone for Indian hip-hop on the global stage.

The Tudum event also included major announcements and trailers for upcoming Netflix shows, including the much-anticipated Squid Game Season 3 and Stranger Things Season 5. Fans were treated to a six-minute preview of Wednesday Season 2, building anticipation for the series’ return.

Overall, Netflix Tudum 2025 delivered a night of star-studded performances, exclusive reveals, and global fan excitement — with Hanumankind’s breakthrough performance standing out as a proud moment for India’s music scene.