By Anil Merani: Anurag Kashyap’s repeated public criticisms of Netflix India arise from deep personal disillusionment, significant creative frustrations, and ideological differences with the platform’s leadership and content strategy. Below is a detailed breakdown of the strained relationship between Kashyap and Netflix, incorporating insights from recent sources and posts on X.
The tension between filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and Netflix primarily stems from his open critiques of the platform’s leadership and content strategy in India. Kashyap has voiced his frustration with Netflix India’s focus on increasing subscriptions rather than fostering creative, high-quality storytelling. He has labeled the leadership, including CEO Ted Sarandos and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, as “dishonest and morally corrupt,” accusing them of hypocrisy for prioritizing commercial interests over bold, innovative content. His views were particularly influenced by his admiration for the British Netflix series “Adolescence,” which he believes would not be greenlit in India due to Netflix’s conservative approach to content that lacks clear mainstream appeal.
Kashyap’s grievances are also based on his personal experiences with the platform. After co-directing India’s first Netflix Original, “Sacred Games,” which was both a critical and commercial success, he faced significant challenges with subsequent projects. Notably, his planned series adaptation of “Maximum City” was canceled, an event he claims deeply impacted him, leading to a period of depression and struggles with alcohol. This personal struggle highlights his criticism of Netflix India for its lack of empathy, courage, and support for creative freedom. He points out the platform’s tendency to either acquire successful shows like “Delhi Crime” or greenlight projects they initially underestimated, such as “Kohrra” and “Trial by Fire.”
Additionally, Kashyap has cited specific examples, such as the Netflix India project “Saare Jahan Se Acha,” which he described as poorly written and mismanaged, having undergone multiple directors and extensive reshoots. He contrasts this with earlier times when Netflix’s Eric Barmack was more open to creative collaboration, suggesting a noticeable decline in the platform’s approach to Indian content. Recently, Kashyap criticized Sarandos for labeling “Sacred Games” a misstep in favor of more populist content, which he deemed a ‘dumb’ perspective, further highlighting the disconnect between his vision and Netflix’s direction.ng their creative disconnect.
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