In a recent podcast session, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos stirred the pot in the entertainment industry with comments regarding the streaming giant’s approach to Indian original content, particularly the show Sacred Games. The remarks have not gone unnoticed, as Anurag Kashyap, the co-creator of the critically acclaimed series, visibly expressed his displeasure on social media, calling Sarandos ‘dumb’ for his perspective.
The exchange began during Sarandos’ appearance on Nikhil Kamath’s WTF podcast. In discussing Netflix’s content strategy for India, he looked back at Sacred Games, the platform’s first Indian original series. Sarandos remarked, ‘Our very first Indian original show was Sacred Games. And I thought, ‘This is going to be great. People in India love movies.’ This seemed a logical launch, considering the show’s grand scale and cast, comprising Bollywood stars. However, he noted a significant oversight: they were introducing a novel type of entertainment within a massive nation like India.
Kashyap, who directed the series alongside Vikramaditya Motwane, wasted no time in voicing his frustration. He took to Twitter, sharing Sarandos’ comments alongside a fierce critique. In his post, he suggested that Sarandos might have fared better by launching a different kind of show. Kashyap wrote, ‘He should have started with Saas Bahu… he would have done well. Which he is doing now.’ It’s clear that Kashyap felt the need to jab at what he perceives as a lack of understanding from tech executives regarding the intricacies of storytelling.
Kashyap’s tweet read, ‘I always knew the tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling, but @tedsarandos is the definition of dumb. Good to discover that. This explains everything now.’ His comments encapsulated a larger frustration among creators in the entertainment industry, who feel that corporate leaders may not fully grasp the nuances of storytelling and cultural context.
For those unfamiliar, Sacred Games premiered on Netflix in 2018 and quickly became a significant talking point. The show, known for its gripping narrative and stellar performances from actors like Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, was met with critical acclaim. However, it’s worth noting that the second season did not quite hit the same high notes, receiving a mixed response from audiences and critics alike. Ultimately, the decision to cancel the series left many fans disappointed.
Kashyap’s critique of Sarandos could be perceived as a reflection of a larger issue in the streaming world: the disconnect between tech-focused executives and the creative minds who bring stories to life. The success of a show isn’t merely about big stars or cinematic quality; it’s about resonating with the audience through relatable narratives and cultural relevancy.
Netflix’s journey in India has been a mixture of highs and lows, with several original series boasting popularity while others struggle with viewer engagement. As the streaming platform continues to expand and tailor its content for diverse audiences worldwide, interactions like these may highlight the growing pains of merging technology with creative storytelling.
While Sarandos’ remarks may have sparked controversy, they also open the floor to discussion about the evolving landscape of entertainment in India and abroad. The reactions from creatives like Kashyap underscore the importance of respecting artistic direction and the cultural significance of storytelling in any format, especially in a market as vast and varied as India.
As viewers, it is vital to support the creators who constantly strive to bridge these gaps and bring unique stories to the forefront, even in the face of corporate oversights. The entertainment industry thrives on collaboration between visionaries and those who fund and distribute content, and finding that sweet spot can be challenging.
In summary, while Ted Sarandos might have had his own beliefs about Sacred Games and its place in Netflix’s strategy, Anurag Kashyap’s swift response reminds us of the passion and dedication that creators pour into their projects. With an ever-evolving digital landscape, such discussions will likely continue to shape the narrative of what successful content looks like in the years to come.