Anurag-Kashyap-Sparks-Controversy-by-Calling-Netflix-CEO-‘Dumb’-–-Here's-WhyAnurag Kashyap calls Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos the "definition of dumb" over Sacred Games! Bold words, bigger truth

 

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has ignited fresh controversy by calling Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos the “definition of dumb.” The strong reaction came after Sarandos questioned the decision to launch Netflix India with Sacred Games back in 2018.

 

Ted Sarandos Reflects on Netflix India’s Launch Strategy

 

Speaking on Nikhil Kamath's podcast, Sarandos reflected that Netflix might have grown faster in India had it opted for more mainstream, "populist" content initially. He implied that launching with a complex series like Sacred Games may have slowed down the platform's growth.

 

Kashyap Responds Sharply on Instagram

 

Kashyap, who co-directed Sacred Games, wasted no time in responding. He took to Instagram, posting a screenshot of the podcast headline and wrote, “He should have started with Saas Bahu… which he is doing now. Tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling, but @tedsarandos is the definition of dumb. Good to discover that.”

 

Saas Bahu Dig Hints at Netflix’s New Direction

 

The filmmaker's sarcastic reference to Saas Bahu pointed at Netflix India's new partnership with Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, known for traditional soap operas. The comment wasn't just an insult but a critique of what Kashyap sees as Netflix’s shift from bold originals to safe, formulaic content.

 

Not Kashyap’s First Criticism of Netflix India

 

This isn't the first time Anurag Kashyap has targeted Netflix. Earlier this year, he called Netflix India a “opposite show” while praising international content on the same platform.

His very words resonate with changing trends. There is a certain degree of annoyance among the creative groups that one side is busy promoting mainstream cinema, rather than art or creative cinema.

 

Support from Industry Voices

 

Actor Lisa Mishra, who starred in The Royals on Netflix, also commented, saying that everything in OTT now feels "derivative" of Sacred Games.

 

A Deeper Divide in Streaming Strategy

 

Kashyap’s outburst reveals more than personal anger—it exposes a larger creative divide between artistic ambition and commercial strategy in Indian streaming.