
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos unsure if launching in India with Sacred Game was ideal, says something ‘more populist' might have worked better: ‘If I did it all over again…'
In an appearance on Nikhil Kamath's podcast, Sarandos admitted that the Indian market is a difficult one to crack, mainly because Indian consumers are inherently suspicious of subscription. Netflix has taken a more populist approach to programming in recent years, and has struck deals with the likes of TV mainstays Kapil Sharma and Ekta Kapoor. During the conversation, Sarandos spoke about Sacred Games, and suggested that it might have painted Netflix out to be too high-brow for the Indian consumer.
Also read – Vikramaditya Motwane reacts to Saif Ali Khan trashing Sacred Games season 2, explains 'main reason' it didn't meet expectations
Asked about India as a market, and the reality that Netflix doesn't have a significant share of it yet, Sarandos said, 'It took us a couple of years to get the product-market fit right. Our very first Indian original show was Sacred Games. And I thought, 'This is going to be great. People in India love movies. This is a TV show that feels as big as a movie, it has movie stars.' What's interesting about it is that it was very, very novel, but what I didn't understand that we were introducing a brand new kind of entertainment in a country the size of India.'
He continued, 'For me, if I did it all over again, would I have done Sacred Games a couple of years later, and did things that were more populist (instead)? Maybe. But we knew that India was going to be a slower journey to get to where we wanted to get to. But it's a great prize, at the end of the day. The addressable market is growing in the next couple of years in India, so it's exciting.'
Sacred Games was unofficially cancelled after two seasons. Kashyap said that plans for a third season were underway, but Netflix got cold feet after the controversy that erupted around Prime Video's Tandav. He told Mashable India, 'Vikram Motwane was driving Sacred Games. Ten days before I was supposed to go shoot Mukkabaaz, he asked me to come on board. I told him I was always interested, but they had a problem with me. Some local people had told them that I didn't have a female audience. It was my zone, and they eventually came around… A season three was supposed to come out, but they shut it down, Netflix would know why.'
He also criticised Sarandos and Netflix in a social media post following the success of Adolescence, and said that the Indian branch of the streamer wouldn't dare greenlight something like it. 'Netflix India is a totally opposite sh**show. If they were pitched this, most probably they would have rejected it or turned it into a 90 minute film (that too seems like an impossibility because it doesn't have an ending that is black and white),' he wrote.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Taylor Swift can't stop cheering for Travis Kelce in Netflix's ‘Happy Gilmore 2' with Adam Sandler
just gave her stamp of approval to Happy Gilmore 2, a brand-new Netflix film starring her boyfriend, . On Friday, July 25, the pop star shared a message with her 280 million Instagram followers urging them to watch the comedy movie 'as soon as humanly possible.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Taylor Swift said the movie made her laugh aloud and applaud all the way through, even though she did not offer much about the narrative. Beginning streaming on Netflix on Thursday, the movie is a follow-up to the 1996 sports comedy Happy Gilmore. Travis Kelce joins Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore 2 with support from Taylor Swift Travis Kelce, Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, has a humorous acting part in the movie among a star-studded cast alongside returning main character Adam Sandler. The movie has been generating much buzz, and Swift's reaction only enhanced it. On July 21, 2025, New York City was the premiere of the movie Happy Gilmore 2, starring Adam Sandler as the lead character. Travis Kelce plays a hotel employee who encounters Happy Gilmore. Coming back as the hockey-player-turned- golfer, Sandler brings back the fun, fast-paced energy of the first film, 1996. Taylor Swift posted about the movie on her Instagram Story, calling it an 'absolute must-watch. ' She added, 'Happy Gilmore 2 had me cackling and cheering the whole movie. 13/10, go watch it on @netflix as soon as humanly possible. ' Taylor Swift Can't Stop Cheering for Travis Kelce in Netflix's 'Happy Gilmore 2' with Adam Sandler and urges fans not to miss it Travis Kelce's role in not only the surprise in the film. The movie also features Latin music sensation , therefore creating a crossover success between sports, music, and humor. Adam Sandler praises Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny after New York premiere At the premiere held in New York on July 21, 2025, Adam Sandler spoke to PEOPLE and Entertainment Tonight about the movie and the cast. Also Read: He said, 'Travis and Bunny are ridiculous in it,' praising their performances. Adam Sandler added that Kelce reminded him of his old high school friends. 'Travis is such a gentle, nice guy, and funny as hell,' he told Entertainment Tonight. Adam Sandler also shared how much fun it was to work with Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny, saying he couldn't believe they're his 'buddies now.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The movie is now available to stream worldwide on Netflix. FAQs Is Happy Gilmore 2 available on Netflix? Yes, it started streaming on July 25, 2025. What role does Travis Kelce play in the Happy Gilmore 2 film? He plays a hotel employee in the comedy. Did Taylor Swift really promote the Happy Gilmore 2 movie? Yes, she shared her excitement on Instagram on July 25, 2025.


Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Akshay Kumar walks for Falguni Shane Peacock after 12 years, ends night on a funny note: ‘Kaafi late nahi ho gaya?'
India Couture Week 2025 is underway in Delhi right now, thanks to which almost every evening has been a star-studded one for the national capital. But Friday night turned extra special when Bollywood superstar, our beloved Khiladi, Akshay Kumar took over the ramp. That's right! The actor dressed up as an Indian prince charming and closed the show for Falguni Shane Peacock as their showstopper. He entered in style, dressed in an ivory bandhgala paired with black sunglasses, and went on to drop jaws with his stylish walk. The collection channeled opulence of maharajas and maharanis, reimagining royal heritage. Post the show, Bollywood royalty Akshay obliged the media with a quick chat, ending the night on a fun note. Akshay Kumar, the showstopper Talking to the media, Akshay Kumar stated, 'Well, thank you very much. Main Hindi mein bolunga. Aap sabhi logo ka bohot bohot dhanyawad, jitne bhi yahan log aaye, aur media. (Looking at his watch) Kaafi late nahi ho gaya hai?' Many joked that it was way past Akshay's bed time, referring to the actor's disciplined lifestyle. When someone said 'Dilli mein chalta hai sir', Akshay replied, 'Dilli mein chalta hai? Tabhi haal dekh tera.' After this quick banter, Akshay went on to share, 'Actually, after a long time I'm doing this walk, ramp walk. Mujhe yaad hai, aaj se kareeban 12 saal pehle, maine phir ek baar ramp walk kiya tha, maine inhi ke saath kiya tha. And it's been an honour doing that.' Sharing his experience, Akshay went on to add, 'I have enjoyed each and every bit of it. Specially, maine dekha hai ki kitna hard-work jaata hai ek show karne ke liye, organise karne ke liye aur 25 minute ke andar poora ka poora khatam ho jaata hai. Log itna saj dhaj ke aate hain aur 25 minute ke andar poora show khatam ho jaata hai. But, I just want to tell you that Shane and Falguni, the way they present themselves in such an international way, I think they have made India so proud. I wish them lots of luck and I hope I get another chance to be with them.' Well, it was a delight to watch Akshay Kumar slay on the ramp. Truly iconic!

Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Micheal Ward, 'Top Boy' Actor, Accused of Rape and Assault in London Case
Micheal Ward, best known for playing Jamie in Netflix's Top Boy, is now facing serious legal trouble. The British actor has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in connection with a January 2023 incident in London. As the Met Police move forward with the case, fans are left stunned. Ward, currently starring in a film with Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, has yet to respond. Here's everything we know so far. Read More