Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos made a controversial comment regarding the popular web series ‘Sacred Games,’ prompting a b rebuttal from renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.
Anurag Kashyap On Netflix CEO: Discussions about the OTT revolution in India invariably mention Netflix's launch, with ‘Sacred Games’—a crime thriller that introduced Indian OTT viewers to a bold, gritty, and cinematic narrative—taking center stage. However, a recent comment by Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos regarding this iconic series has reignited debate, especially after the show's co-director, Anurag Kashyap, responded sharply, even calling Sarandos the "epitome of stupidity."
Netflix CEO's Controversial Comment
In a podcast interview, Ted Sarandos stated that launching ‘Sacred Games’ as Netflix's first series in India was a mistake. He added that the Indian market is more attuned to emotional and traditional content, suggesting they should have started with “popular and easier” shows.
Sarandos explained, "I thought the show would be great; it had big stars and a cinematic look. But it was very new and challenging. We were entering a country with no pre-existing OTT habits." This comment is also being viewed in the context of the recent merger between Netflix and Balaji Telefilms (Ekta Kapoor), which will likely prioritize family-oriented and saas-bahu dramas.
Anurag Kashyap's Sharp Retort
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap reacted bly to the Netflix CEO's statement. Sharing a screenshot on his Instagram post, he wrote: "They should have started with saas-bahu dramas, then they would have done well. Now they are doing that. I always knew tech people are idiots in storytelling, but Ted Sarandos is the epitome of stupidity."
This wasn't merely an expression of anger but a reflection of deeper frustration about how global platforms misunderstand Indian creative vision.
'Sacred Games' – A Historic Turning Point
Released in 2018, ‘Sacred Games,’ based on Vikram Chandra's novel, was directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. Starring Saif Ali Khan as police officer Sartaj Singh and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as gangster Ganesh Gaitonde, the series introduced Indian audiences to a new storytelling style. Its excellent cinematography, deep social layers, and bold writing earned it cult status. However, after its second season, plans for a third season were abruptly halted.
Why No Third Season?
In an interview, Anurag revealed that a third season was in the works but canceled by Netflix. He stated: "Vikram Motwane was leading it. I got involved before the boxing shoot. Some people told Netflix that I don't have a female audience. Later, they trusted me, but still, the third season was scrapped."
Kashyap also hinted at the impact of the controversy surrounding Amazon Prime Video's ‘Tandav’ series, acknowledging that OTT platforms are now hesitant to take risks.
Did Netflix Miss an Opportunity?
‘Sacred Games’ truly launched the OTT revolution in India. It was the first Indian web series to receive international acclaim. Netflix now claiming they launched with the "wrong content" sparks a serious debate. According to Anurag Kashyap, ‘Sacred Games’ paved the way, and the platform now calls that beginning a "mistake." This is not only disappointing for the artist but also for viewers who consider the content historic.
Following Netflix's merger with Ekta Kapoor, it seems OTT is reverting to traditional television formats. While OTT initially aimed to showcase new narratives, experiments, and bold content, it now appears to be retreating to a "safe zone." Anurag's sarcastic remark—"If they wanted saas-bahu dramas, they should have started with that"—is going viral, further fueling the debate.
