Anurag Kashyap Blasts Netflix for Imposing Creative Curbs and Aiming for "Massy" Appeal

In a recent interview, renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has openly criticized Netflix, the streaming platform that was once credited for redefining India's digital storytelling space. Kashyap, who directed the popular Netflix series Sacred Games, has expressed his disappointment over the creative restrictions he claims the platform has started imposing on filmmakers.

Kashyap says his "worst experiences have been with Netflix," alleging that the platform has been controlling every aspect of filmmaking, from the cast to the story. He claims that after him, many other filmmakers who don't want to compromise on their storytelling have also stepped away from working with Netflix.

The filmmaker further explains that Netflix has drifted away from the very identity that once made it stand apart. Kashyap says people were drawn to Netflix because they found something "new, fresh, and brave" that they couldn't find elsewhere. However, he now believes the platform is trying to be "massy" and compete with other OTT players like Hotstar and MX Player, which he says is not going to work.

Kashyap has also criticized Netflix's recent programming choices, such as bringing shows like CID and The Great Indian Kapil Show to the platform. He argues that these are "things people already watched for free on television," and Netflix is now "snatching it from the audience and asking them to pay for it." Kashyap believes Netflix is trying to play a "massy game at a premium cost," which he says is not a sustainable strategy.