Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has launched a scathing attack on Netflix India, calling out the streaming giant for its ‘dishonest and morally corrupt’ approach toward content creation in the Indian market.
The director, known for his bold storytelling, praised the British Netflix miniseries Adolescence and expressed his frustration over the lack of similar creative freedom for Indian filmmakers. In a candid Instagram post, Kashyap did not hold back in criticizing Netflix’s top executives, including CEO Ted Sarandos and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, for their ‘hypocrisy’ in handling content for India.
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Anurag Kashyap Applauds Adolescence
Kashyap was all praises for Adolescence, a British drama created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, which follows the gripping story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. The miniseries, shot with each scene in a single take, has garnered universal acclaim.
Taking to Instagram, Kashyap shared his admiration, writing: “I am numb and envious and jealous that someone can go and make that. The performances from the child actor Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham, who is not just playing the father but is also the co-creator of the show. The amount of hard work that has gone into the show. I can’t even imagine the rehearsals and prep they did, so they could shoot every episode in a single shot.”
The filmmaker’s appreciation for Adolescence soon turned into criticism of Netflix India, as he lamented the stark contrast between the content allowed in Western markets and the restrictions imposed on Indian creators.
Anurag Kashyap Calls Out Netflix India’s ‘Hypocrisy’
Kashyap did not mince words in exposing what he sees as Netflix India’s lack of commitment to fostering bold and boundary-pushing storytelling. In the comments section of his post, he addressed Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos directly, pointing out the contradiction in the platform’s approach:
“Now coming to my envy and jealousy. Ted Sarandos recently put a post where he says – ‘every once and a while one comes along that pushes into brand new territories, defies the limits of creativity and features career-defining performances.’ And I hope he means it. Because his Netflix.in is a totally opposite s**tshow.”
Kashyap alleged that if Adolescence had been pitched to Netflix India, it would have been dismissed or watered down into a formulaic, market-driven film. He argued that the Indian content team lacks both courage and vision, making it nearly impossible for filmmakers like him to create something equally powerful and honest.
Frustration with Netflix India’s Approach
Having worked with Netflix on Sacred Games, Kashyap shared his dissatisfaction with the decision-making process at the streaming service. He described the experience as frustrating due to the lack of empathy, intelligence, and consistency within the Indian content division:
“Having gone through twice with them post Sacred Games and dealing with total lack of empathy, courage, and dumbness mixed with immense insecurity of the series head and the team that keeps getting fired. It frustrates me. How do we ever create something so powerful and honest with a bunch of most dishonest and morally corrupt @netflix.in backed so strongly by the boss in LA?“
Kashyap further criticized Sarandos and Bajaria for prioritizing subscription numbers over artistic integrity, stating that their approach to the Indian market of 1.4 billion people reeks of hypocrisy.
Netflix India’s Creative Struggles
Kashyap highlighted Netflix India’s poor track record with original programming, contrasting it with the success of international productions. He reminisced about a time when Eric Barmack, Netflix’s former Vice President of International Originals, actively sought out visionary projects. However, he claimed that the platform’s current direction has led to lackluster offerings.
He also pointed out Netflix India’s repeated failures with projects that have undergone multiple directorial changes and reshoots: “There was a time when Eric Barmack would reach out on Facebook to create something with Netflix, to now where they send you a shot show like Saare Jahan Se Achcha – which wasn’t even written properly and half-baked. Which, by the way, has already changed directors and been shot twice (inevitably).”
A Hopeful Yet Skeptical Outlook
Despite his harsh criticism, Kashyap concluded on a hopeful note, urging Netflix India to learn from the success of Adolescence and other international productions. He acknowledged that some of Netflix India’s most acclaimed projects, such as Delhi Crime and Trial by Fire, were either acquisitions or shows that the company had little faith in initially.
“I hope they learn from the reception of it and realize that all the best things Indian Netflix does is mostly either acquired (Delhi Crime, Black Warrant) or the ones they least believed in (Kohrra, Trial by Fire). Fingers crossed for a better future.”
Anurag Kashyap’s unfiltered critique of Netflix India has reignited the debate on creative freedom and the disparity between Western and Indian content on streaming platforms. His comments shed light on the challenges faced by filmmakers who want to push boundaries but find themselves stifled by corporate interests. Whether Netflix India will take his words to heart and embrace bolder storytelling remains to be seen.
FAQs
Why did Anurag Kashyap criticize Netflix India?
Anurag Kashyap slammed Netflix India for its ‘hypocrisy’ and lack of creative courage, claiming the platform stifles bold storytelling while supporting groundbreaking content like Adolescence in Western markets.
What did Anurag Kashyap say about Adolescence?
Kashyap praised the British Netflix drama Adolescence, calling it a masterpiece and expressing envy that such content could be made, while Indian filmmakers face severe creative restrictions.
Who did Anurag Kashyap call out in his criticism?
He directly criticized Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, accusing them of prioritizing subscriptions over artistic integrity in India.
What was Kashyap’s experience with Netflix India?
He described his dealings with Netflix India post-Sacred Games as frustrating, citing a ‘lack of empathy, courage, and vision’ among decision-makers who frequently get replaced.
Does Anurag Kashyap see any hope for Netflix India?
Despite his criticism, he hoped Netflix India would learn from Adolescence’s success, acknowledging that their best Indian content (Delhi Crime, Trial by Fire) was either acquired or underestimated initially.
