Anurag Kashyap SLAMS Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos For ‘Not Understanding India’; Says, “They Buy Into Any Bulls***t”

Anurag Kashyap slammed Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos for not understanding Indian audiences, pushing outdated content, and others.

Anurag Kashyap Criticises Netflix India, Co- CEO Ted Sarandos

He also targeted co-CEO Ted Sarandos, stating that Sarandos believes the ‘bulls***t’ fed to him by the local team — whom Kashyap described as ‘bad television people’ — about Indian audiences. Speaking to The Juggernaut, the filmmaker said, “I started a debate because the problem is, they do the same kind of shy stuff because they don’t understand India,” Kashyap said. “For example, I wrote about Ted Sarandos. And I wrote about how they understand India only as it’s taught to them. He doesn’t understand India. So whatever the India office tells them, they believe that bulls***t. They totally believe that bullst.”

Kashyap pointed out that Netflix India’s content mirrors the same formulaic programming that previously plagued Indian TV, but now audiences are being asked to pay for it. “They are doing exactly what bad television has been doing to India. The thing is, they’re charging money for it. And what they’re charging money for, that same crap is available for free on other platforms, channels, and places,” he remarked. “They don’t understand why they’re losing value in the country. And they buy into any bulls**t.” He also criticised the platform for lacking originality and the courage to produce bold or unconventional stories.

Anurag Kashyap On Netflix’s Algorithms

“What makes me angry is that he pats his own back for the shows they didn’t even dare to produce,” Kashyap added. “All good shows on Netflix are acquired. Squid Game was acquired. When they produced the second season, you saw the result. Adolescence was acquired. Black Warrant was acquired. All the good shows are acquired. What they don’t believe in is the only thing that works. For example, a show like Kohhra, which they won’t promote. Trial by Fire, they won’t promote that either.” In his view, Netflix’s strategy is increasingly dictated by algorithms and a singular obsession with subscriptions, with little regard for the quality of content.

“They are so driven by algorithms. They are only interested in subscriptions. India’s biggest power for Netflix is its 1.4 billion population. That’s what they’re chasing, subscriptions,” he said. “But they don’t understand that they need to be better than their competitors for the subscriptions to come. It won’t come to them otherwise. And they don’t understand what quality is.” Kashyap also criticised the internal culture at Netflix India, “They have tech people. Tech people who’ve hired bad television people. It’s full of people from bad TV. And none of them get it. It has become like the old days of bad TV.”

Anurag Kashyap On The Streaming Era In India

He lamented the lost potential of the streaming era in India, saying, “There was a breath of fresh air when OTTs came in. Suddenly, we were watching new shows. Look at India now. I see more people watching Korean shows than watching Netflix ones.” Kashyap further claimed that those in charge are more interested in maintaining their status than in delivering good storytelling.

“Whatever idea they’ve bought into… they really don’t understand. They don’t know how to handle things. They don’t know how to do anything. And, they panic. They need your reaction. Because most of the people there are just trying to save their jobs. They’ve suddenly found a lifestyle they never dreamed of having, and they don’t want to lose it.” He concluded with a stark observation, “Nobody is interested in quality work, or cinema, or storytelling.”

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.