🎬 What happens when a global tech giant enters India’s chaotic, colorful world of storytelling?
Have you ever wondered how Sacred Games, Netflix India, changed the game for OTT platforms in one of the world’s largest entertainment markets? What did it take to make a gritty, controversial show like Sacred Games the flagbearer of India’s streaming revolution? Would Netflix even take that kind of risk again today? After analyzing everything across the internet and gathering real-world insights, the Bhussan.com team shares this friendly, helpful article about the evolution of Indian OTT, the Sacred Games legacy, and the recent fiery remarks from Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and Anurag Kashyap’s savage reply.
🎥 Sacred Games Netflix India: A Game-Changer No One Saw Coming
In 2018, Sacred Games made headlines as Netflix’s first Indian original. Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Saif Ali Khan, and directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, it wasn’t just another web series—it was a cultural earthquake.
Netflix thought it was just entering a new market. What they ended up doing was changing the entire digital entertainment narrative in India. Until then, Indian audiences were stuck between daily soaps and a few formulaic TV dramas. Sacred Games brought violence, politics, religion, and history together, with cinematic brilliance.
Ted Sarandos now calls it “very novel”—and admits he didn’t realize Netflix was introducing “a brand new kind of entertainment to a country the size of India.”
🌍 Sacred Games Netflix India: The OTT Landscape Then vs. Now
Back in 2018, very few Indian homes had smart TVs. Payment systems were clunky, internet speeds were shaky, and OTT wasn’t a buzzword yet. Sarandos says:
“Early on, it took us a couple of years to get the product-market fit right… But we knew the market was huge.”
Now? India has:
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Over 700 million internet users 📱
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Booming smart TV penetration 📺
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Dozens of OTT platforms, from Netflix to JioCinema to SonyLIV
And guess what? Sacred Games, Netflix India, started it all.
💥 Ted Sarandos on Sacred Games Netflix India: “Would I Have Done It Later? Maybe.”
In a recent chat with Nikhil Kamath, Sarandos dropped a bombshell. He questioned the timing of Sacred Games, implying it might’ve been better received if released a few years later.
That one sentence rubbed Anurag Kashyap the wrong way. The fiery filmmaker, never one to hold back, took to Instagram with a scathing post:
“He should have started with Saas Bahu… I always knew tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling, but @tedsarandos is the definition of dumb.”
Was he joking? Maybe. Was he serious? Absolutely.
The tension between Silicon Valley suits and Bollywood creatives has never been more evident.
✅ Pros & Cons of Sacred Games Netflix India as the First Original
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Bold storytelling that broke norms | Season 2 received mixed reactions |
| Star-studded cast | Too ahead of its time for mass appeal |
| Global attention to Indian OTT | High production cost |
| Cinematic quality | Not continued after Season 2 |
30+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)🧠
❓ What is Sacred Games Netflix India about?
Sacred Games is a dark, gritty crime thriller set in Mumbai. It follows Sartaj Singh, a troubled police officer, who receives a mysterious call from gangster Ganesh Gaitonde that sets off a series of events involving politics, religion, and an impending apocalypse. It’s a tale of corruption, betrayal, and survival—one that flips the typical Bollywood narrative on its head.
📅 When did Sacred Games release?
Sacred Games premiered on Netflix on July 6, 2018. It was a landmark moment for Indian digital content and Netflix’s foray into Indian storytelling.
🎬 Who directed Sacred Games, Netflix India?
The series was co-directed by two powerhouse filmmakers: Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. Kashyap directed the parts focused on Ganesh Gaitonde’s past, while Motwane handled the present-day events featuring Sartaj Singh.
🌟 Why is Sacred Games important in Indian OTT history?
Sacred Games wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural shift. It broke stereotypes, dared to challenge censorship, and marked the beginning of premium, bold storytelling in India’s web series landscape. It proved that Indian audiences were ready for international-quality content.
🗣️ What did Ted Sarandos say about Sacred Games?
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently said the show was “very novel” and admitted he didn’t realize they were introducing a whole new type of entertainment to India. He also mentioned he might’ve launched it later, hinting at timing concerns.
🔥 Why did Anurag Kashyap react strongly to Sarandos?
Kashyap fired back on Instagram, sarcastically suggesting Sarandos should’ve started with a Saas-Bahu show. He called Sarandos “the definition of dumb” when it comes to storytelling—a reflection of the tension between creators and corporate leadership.
🇮🇳 Was Sacred Games Netflix’s first Indian original?
Yes! Sacred Games was Netflix India’s first-ever original series, setting the tone for dozens of Indian originals that followed. It was the bold gamble that sparked a new era.
🎭 How did Sacred Games, Netflix India, change Indian web content?
It shifted the narrative from soap operas and formulaic drama to cinematic, layered storytelling. It also encouraged more creators to experiment with themes like politics, sexuality, and religion, once considered taboo in mainstream Indian entertainment.
⚠️ What was controversial about Sacred Games?
Everything from its raw language, bold scenes, and criticism of political figures stirred the pot. The show was even dragged into court over scenes referencing political leaders. It was brave—and unapologetically so.
⭐ Who are the lead actors in Sacred Games?
The leads are Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Ganesh Gaitonde and Saif Ali Khan as Inspector Sartaj Singh. Both delivered some of the most powerful performances in Indian web series history.
🚫 Why was there no Season 3?
After the mixed response to Season 2, Netflix chose not to renew Sacred Games for a third season. The ending left fans puzzled, and while there were talks, nothing materialized.
🎙️ What is Nikhil Kamath’s podcast?
Nikhil Kamath hosts a podcast called “WTF is” where he interviews thought leaders from various fields. Ted Sarandos appeared on the show, and that’s where he made his remarks about Sacred Games.
🌏 Why did Netflix choose India for Sacred Games?
India represents a massive untapped market with a rich storytelling tradition. Netflix saw an opportunity to reach millions of viewers and showcase Indian stories to the world.
🎞️ Is Sacred Games still on Netflix?
Yes, both seasons of Sacred Games are still available to stream on Netflix India and globally.
💡 What did Sarandos mean by “product-market fit”?
He meant that initially, Netflix had to learn how Indian consumers used streaming services, from payment habits to content preferences. Sacred Games was part of that learning curve.
👥 How did Indian viewers react to Sacred Games?
Season 1 received overwhelming praise for its bold storytelling. It became a social media sensation, sparking memes, fan theories, and debates. Season 2? More mixed reviews—but still binge-worthy for many.
🌟 What is the Sacred Games IMDb rating?
As of now, Sacred Games holds an IMDb rating of around 8.5/10, reflecting its critical acclaim and fan appreciation.
🎬 How did Sacred Games compare with other Netflix shows?
Compared to global Netflix shows, Sacred Games stood out for its raw authenticity. While Western series like Narcos inspired its style, it had a distinct Indian soul.
🧠 What is Anurag Kashyap’s opinion of streaming platforms?
Kashyap has praised streaming platforms for giving creators freedom but also criticized them, especially Netflix, for becoming too safe and formulaic over time.
📺 What are other Indian Netflix originals?
Some major Indian Netflix originals include:
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Delhi Crime
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Leila
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Jamtara
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The Fame Game
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Rana Naidu
But Sacred Games was the trailblazer.
🚀 How has Indian OTT grown since 2018?
It has exploded. From 2–3 major players, India now has dozens of OTT platforms with millions of subscribers. Broadband access, cheaper data, and COVID lockdowns accelerated adoption.
🔍 What is the focus of Sacred Games?
The show focuses on a race against time—Sartaj Singh must uncover Gaitonde’s secrets in just 25 days to prevent a catastrophic event. Along the way, he confronts personal demons and political realities.
📚 Is Sacred Games based on a book?
Yes! The series is based on the 2006 novel Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra. The book is much denser and more philosophical, but shares core characters and plotlines.
📰 How did critics review Sacred Games?
Critics globally praised the series for its writing, acting, and production value. It even made it onto several “best shows of the year” lists in 2018.
🌍 What are Sarandos’ views on the Indian market?
He calls it an “exciting, exploding market”, citing the rapid growth in broadband, smart TVs, and young viewers. Despite challenges, he believes in its long-term potential.
🌐 Is Sacred Games available globally?
Absolutely! The show was released in multiple languages and is available to Netflix users worldwide, helping Indian content reach international audiences.
🎯 What is the Netflix India strategy now?
Netflix is now focusing on local hits—romantic dramas, thrillers, and reality shows tailored to Indian tastes. They’re investing more in regional content, too.
📈 Did Sacred Games influence Amazon Prime or Disney+ Hotstar?
Without a doubt. Sacred Games showed that OTT was the future, prompting other platforms to ramp up their original content and push boundaries.
📉 How did audiences compare Sacred Games seasons?
Season 1 was a critical darling. Season 2? More divisive. While some praised its complexity, others found it slow or unsatisfying. It’s a classic “love it or hate it” scenario.
🎥 Are Anurag Kashyap and Netflix still working together?
There’s been no recent collaboration announced, especially after the Instagram spat. But in entertainment, never say never.
🎤 What did Saif Ali Khan say about Sacred Games?
Saif has often said Sacred Games gave him a new lease on acting life. He loved the layered character of Sartaj and the creative freedom of working on a Netflix series.
🧨 What controversies surrounded Sacred Games?
From nudity to anti-political sentiments, the show sparked multiple debates. Legal notices were even filed, but they only added to the buzz.
🌍 How did Netflix adapt to Indian culture?
Netflix started with bold content like Sacred Games, then adapted by localizing more, including pricing plans, regional language content, and Bollywood-style storytelling.
📚 What lessons did Netflix learn from Sacred Games?
Netflix realized Indian audiences are open to bold stories, but they also value relatability and timing. The platform has since fine-tuned its approach to storytelling in India.
Conclusion: Sacred Games Netflix India Was a Gamble That Paid Off
Whether or not Ted Sarandos regrets the timing, there’s no denying that Sacred Games, Netflix India, was the spark India’s OTT scene needed. It dared to be different—and in doing so, became a legend. Streaming content in India will never be the same again.
And let’s be real—without Sacred Games Netflix India, your weekend binge list might still look like a boring TV rerun playlist.
So, what’s your take? Do you agree with Sarandos or Kashyap? Let’s talk in the comments!