Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has taken a strong stance against Netflix India, accusing its leadership of being “dishonest and morally corrupt.” Known for his work on the critically acclaimed Sacred Games, Kashyap expressed frustration over the platform’s prioritization of increasing subscriptions rather than fostering bold, meaningful storytelling.
Praise for Adolescence and Industry Frustrations
Kashyap’s comments were sparked by his admiration for the British crime drama Adolescence, which he hailed as one of the most powerful narratives he has ever seen. Taking to social media, he admitted feeling “numb, envious, and jealous” that such a series could be made, while doubting that Netflix India would ever greenlight something so daring.
“Netflix India is the total opposite. If they were pitched this, they’d probably reject it or turn it into a 90-minute film,” Kashyap stated, criticizing the platform’s reluctance to back unconventional stories.
Accusations Against Netflix India’s Leadership
Kashyap did not hold back, calling out Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos, who had previously praised Adolescence for pushing creative boundaries. The filmmaker slammed Netflix India’s executives, alleging they lacked “empathy, courage, and vision,” and accusing them of prioritizing commercial gains over artistic merit.
Disillusionment With Netflix’s Approach in India
Having worked with Netflix before, Kashyap revealed his disappointment with how the platform operates in India. He claimed that after Sacred Games, he witnessed a revolving door of executives with little commitment to fostering creativity.
“This hypocrisy of Ted and Bella regarding the Indian market of 1.4 billion people is frustrating. Their only interest is increasing subscriptions, nothing else,” he said, lamenting the platform’s lack of support for experimental and boundary-pushing narratives.
His remarks have sparked widespread discussion on the challenges of producing bold, uncompromised content in the Indian streaming industry.
