Anurag Kashyap Calls Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos ‘Definition of Dumb’

Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently took aim at Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, criticizing him as “the definition of dumb” and questioning the streaming giant’s early strategy in India, particularly surrounding the popular show “Sacred Games.”

“Sacred Games,” a neo-noir series directed by Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, debuted on Netflix in 2018 as the platform’s first Indian original series. Sarandos recently appeared on Nikhil Kamath’s “People by WTF” podcast during a visit to India, where he discussed Netflix’s approach to launching “Sacred Games.” Sarandos expressed his initial excitement for the show, citing its cinematic quality and star-studded cast. However, he admitted that introducing such content to a country as vast as India was a novel experience, and he acknowledged that the platform’s strategy could have been different in hindsight.

In response to Sarandos’ comments, Kashyap took to social media to share his thoughts. He suggested that Sarandos should have started with popular Indian soap operas like “Saas Bahu” to achieve success in the market. Kashyap’s post implied that tech executives like Sarandos may not always understand the nuances of storytelling, particularly in diverse markets like India. The filmmaker’s reference to “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” a long-running family drama produced by Ekta Kapoor, highlighted the contrast between traditional Indian content and Netflix’s global approach.

Interestingly, Kapoor’s company Balaji Telefilms recently announced a creative partnership with Netflix, signaling a shift towards more localized content on the platform. This move aligns with the growing demand for regional storytelling and diverse narratives in the Indian entertainment industry.

As the debate between Kashyap and Sarandos continues, it raises important questions about the balance between global content strategies and local audience preferences. While Netflix aims to cater to diverse markets, the success of shows like “Sacred Games” highlights the potential for Indian storytelling to resonate on a global scale.

Variety has reached out to Netflix for comment on the matter, indicating that the industry is closely watching how streaming platforms navigate the complex landscape of content creation and distribution in India. As the digital entertainment ecosystem evolves, collaborations between filmmakers, tech executives, and traditional content creators will play a crucial role in shaping the future of storytelling in the region.