Anurag Kashyap Slams Ted Sarandos After Netflix CEO Questions Sacred Games as India Launch Strategy
Indian director Anurag Kashyap is never one to hold back his thoughts. He recently took aim at Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos after the latter made comments questioning the strategic value of Sacred Games as Netflix India’s first original series. Sarandos, during a podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, suggested that the platform might have launched with more populist, mainstream Indian content instead of a gritty crime drama. His implication was that Sacred Games, though bold, may not have been the right cultural fit to attract a mass audience during Netflix’s initial foray into India.
This remark triggered a strong and unfiltered reaction from Kashyap. The filmmaker, known for his unapologetic storytelling style and outspoken nature, took to Threads and wrote, “He should have started with saas-bahu… he would have done well. Which he is doing now.” He didn’t stop there, calling Sarandos “the definition of dumb” and criticizing tech-driven decision-making in storytelling. With this, Anurag Kashyap slams Ted Sarandos in a way that underscores the growing divide between creative voices and platform executives.
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Sacred Games Set a New Standard for Indian Streaming, But Its Legacy Is Now Under Question
Released in 2018, Sacred Games was not just Netflix India’s first original series—it was a landmark in digital storytelling. Co-directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, the show was based on Vikram Chandra’s novel. It introduced Indian audiences to layered storytelling, cinematic production values, and morally complex characters. With performances by Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the show bridged mainstream appeal and artistic ambition.
It was widely praised for its raw narrative, dark tone, and socio-political commentary. Viewers appreciated the use of Indian history, religious symbolism, and interwoven timelines. It helped Netflix gain a reputation for bold, high-quality content in India. However, Netflix CEO Sarandos now seems to downplay that success. That’s one of the core reasons why Anurag Kashyap slams Ted Sarandos with such passion—because Sacred Games wasn’t just a show; it was a creative statement.
Despite the second season receiving mixed reviews, the show’s contribution to India’s OTT boom remains undeniable. Kashyap believes that this attempt to discredit such a pioneering project undermines years of effort by creators who dared to take risks.
Ted Sarandos Admits Sacred Games Might Have Been Too Early, Suggests Saas-Bahu Style Could Have Worked Better
During his appearance on the WTF Podcast, Ted Sarandos explained how launching with Sacred Games may not have been the ideal move. He admitted that while the series was high-quality and cinematic, it didn’t resonate immediately with the masses. Sarandos said, “Our very first Indian original show was Sacred Games. I thought, ‘This is going to be great.’” He then added that in hindsight, starting with something more “populist” might have led to quicker market penetration.
Sarandos emphasized that Indian viewers were being introduced to a completely new format of storytelling. In a country steeped in traditional television content, especially long-running soap operas, this sudden shift might have seemed too jarring. Hence, he suggested that a series with broader cultural familiarity—like a family drama—might have generated better early numbers. This sentiment sparked outrage among artistic circles. Anurag Kashyap slams Ted Sarandos because this retroactive evaluation discounts the purpose of trailblazing content, which isn’t always popular at first but often sets new benchmarks for what’s possible.
Anurag Kashyap Says Netflix Is Now Driven by Algorithms, Not Authentic Storytelling or Creative Integrity
Beyond the Sacred Games controversy, Kashyap has voiced deeper concerns about the current state of Netflix India. He claims that the streaming platform is now more focused on creating algorithm-driven content rather than nurturing original voices and fresh ideas. According to him, the platform that once celebrated daring stories is now playing it safe, chasing numbers, and prioritizing quantity over quality.
In a separate interview, Kashyap referred to the Sacred Games era as the “golden period” of Indian OTT. At that time, platforms were willing to invest in projects that challenged the norm. Today, however, shows are greenlit based on predictive analytics rather than narrative depth. Anurag Kashyap slams Ted Sarandos because he sees the Netflix CEO’s remarks as a symbol of this troubling shift—from visionary storytelling to algorithmic predictability. He believes the industry is becoming risk-averse, and bold voices are being sidelined in favor of data-approved formats.
Industry Experts Weigh In as Sacred Games Debate Highlights Clash Between Creativity and Commercial Strategy
The fallout from Sarandos’ comment has led to widespread industry debate. Many creators and critics have chimed in, questioning whether OTT platforms are still prioritizing innovation. Some agree with Kashyap, noting that Indian streaming content has lost much of its creative edge in recent years. They argue that platforms now chase trends rather than set them.
On the other hand, some voices defend Sarandos’ viewpoint, stating that content strategy needs to evolve alongside user preferences. Streaming companies face intense pressure to grow subscriber bases and must often make commercially viable decisions. Still, Anurag Kashyap slams Ted Sarandos for sending a message that discourages bold storytelling. According to Kashyap and his supporters, this focus on populism could deter future creators from pushing boundaries.
The Sacred Games debate has become a case study in the broader conflict between artistry and commercialism in the streaming era.
Sacred Games Continues to Inspire Despite Mixed Reactions to Its Second Season and Corporate Regret
Despite Netflix’s evolving content direction and Sarandos recent remarks, Sacred Games remains an influential work. It continues to inspire filmmakers, scriptwriters, and students of cinema. It was among the first Indian shows to get global viewership, opening doors for many international collaborations and co-productions.
For viewers and creators alike, Sacred Games is still a reference point for quality storytelling. Even as Sarandos reflects on what could have been done differently, the impact of Sacred Games is still deeply felt. That’s exactly why Anurag Kashyap slams Ted Sarandos so forcefully. The director wants to remind the world that innovation doesn’t always yield instant rewards—but over time, it defines the future.
Why Anurag Kashyap’s Outburst Matters in the Larger Conversation About Streaming in India
This isn’t just a spat between a director and a platform executive—it’s a reflection of a larger industry concern. As platforms like Netflix navigate the growing Indian market, the tension between risk and reward intensifies. Creators like Kashyap argue that stories like Sacred Games are not mistakes but milestones. They represent a vision that might not appeal to everyone initially, but they lay the groundwork for deeper, more mature content ecosystems.
Anurag Kashyap slams Ted Sarandos not out of ego, but from a place of protecting the sanctity of storytelling. The debate is a timely reminder that content must not only entertain but also evolve, challenge, and provoke thought.
