Anurag Kashyap Calls Netflix CEO ‘The Definition of Dumb’ Over Sacred Games Remarks

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has strongly criticized Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos over his recent comments regarding the streaming platform’s first Indian original series, Sacred Games. In a fiery response, Kashyap labeled Sarandos “the definition of dumb,” expressing frustration with the Netflix executive's hindsight remarks about content strategy in India.

During an appearance on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, Sarandos discussed the platform’s early content choices in India, saying that launching with Sacred Games may not have been the best decision. He suggested that Netflix might have seen quicker growth in India if it had opted to start with more mainstream or mass-market fare—like popular soap operas or “saas-bahu” dramas. While he acknowledged Sacred Games was a bold and novel choice, Sarandos implied that its intense, gritty narrative may have been ahead of its time for Indian audiences.

This statement did not sit well with Anurag Kashyap, who co-directed Sacred Games alongside Vikramaditya Motwane. Kashyap, known for his outspoken nature, took to Instagram to share a screenshot of Sarandos’ quote and fired back with a sharp caption: “He should have started with saas-bahu... which he is doing now. I always knew the tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling but Ted Sarandos is the definition of dumb… Good to discover that. This explains everything now.”

Kashyap’s response referenced Netflix’s recent collaboration with Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, known for producing traditional soap operas that cater to a wide TV audience. He hinted that Netflix’s current content direction aligns more with Sarandos' remarks and diverges from the original creative risk that Sacred Games represented.

Released in 2018, Sacred Games was Netflix India’s first original series and marked a significant turning point for Indian streaming content. It starred Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a dark, multi-layered crime thriller that earned international acclaim. The show helped position Indian stories on the global OTT map and was even listed among The New York Times’ “30 Best International TV Shows of the Decade.”

Kashyap’s criticism highlights a deeper issue in the entertainment industry: the tension between creative storytelling and market-driven decisions. For many creators, Sacred Games was a landmark show that pushed boundaries, introduced cinematic storytelling to the streaming space, and challenged the status quo of Indian television content. Sarandos’ remarks, seen as dismissive of that creative achievement, have struck a nerve.

Fans and industry peers rallied behind Kashyap, with some commenting that most Indian OTT content today feels “derivative of Sacred Games.” The backlash suggests that while mass-market content has its place, viewers still crave bold, original stories that break new ground.

In conclusion, Kashyap’s sharp response to Ted Sarandos isn’t just about one show—it’s about preserving creative integrity in the face of corporate pragmatism. The debate underscores a crucial question: should OTT platforms lead with innovation or follow familiar formulas? For Kashyap and many of his supporters, Sacred Games proved that brave storytelling can change the game.