Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Launches Fresh Attack on Netflix
Renowned Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has intensified his criticism against streaming giant Netflix, accusing the platform of losing its authentic voice and adopting what he calls a "massy game at a premium cost" strategy. In a recent candid interview, Kashyap expressed deep disappointment with Netflix's current direction, contrasting it sharply with the platform's original identity.
Netflix's Control and Creative Differences
During his appearance on Komal Nahta's Game Changer, Kashyap revealed that his worst professional experiences have been with Netflix. The filmmaker detailed how the platform attempted to control every aspect of filmmaking, including cast selection and story development. "When that started happening, I stepped away," Kashyap stated, adding that many other filmmakers who refuse to compromise their artistic vision have followed suit.
The director, known for his groundbreaking work in Indian cinema, emphasized that Netflix has abandoned the brave, uncompromised storytelling that initially distinguished it from other platforms. He argued that viewers originally came to Netflix seeking fresh, innovative content they couldn't find elsewhere, but now the platform is chasing mass appeal while maintaining premium pricing.
The Content Strategy Controversy
Kashyap specifically targeted Netflix's decision to acquire popular television shows like The Great Indian Kapil Show and CID, programs that audiences previously watched for free on television. "You have snatched it from the audience and are now asking them to pay for it," he criticized, questioning the logic behind charging subscribers for content that was once freely available.
The filmmaker contrasted Netflix's approach with other OTT platforms, noting that many competing services offer free content without pretending to be elite. He expressed skepticism about Netflix's strategy of competing with platforms like Hotstar and MX Player while charging significantly higher subscription fees. "Why would anyone pay to watch the same content?" he questioned rhetorically.
Ghosting and the Maximum City Project
Kashyap's discontent with Netflix traces back to his dream project, Maximum City, based on Suketu Mehta's acclaimed 2004 book Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found. The filmmaker revealed that after eighteen months of emotional investment and extensive work on the project, Netflix never officially greenlit it nor provided a clear rejection. "They ghosted me," Kashyap told The Juggernaut, highlighting what he perceived as unprofessional behavior.
Following the success of Netflix's British series Adolescence, Kashyap went further in his criticism, calling the Indian arm of Netflix "dishonest and morally corrupt." He asserted that such innovative content would never receive approval from Netflix's Indian operations.
Netflix's Response and Industry Impact
Netflix's Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria responded to Kashyap's criticism in The Hollywood Reporter India, acknowledging him as "very talented" while disagreeing with his assessment. "We are trying to entertain the world," Bajaria stated, "not just a small group with one definition of what's good or premium."
The tension between Kashyap and Netflix became public following the cancellation of their successful collaboration, The Sacred Games, after two seasons. This cancellation reportedly created additional friction between the filmmaker and the streaming platform.
Kashyap's latest comments, made in November 2025, represent his most detailed explanation of the fundamental differences that led to his departure from Netflix. His critique raises important questions about the evolving strategies of streaming platforms in the competitive Indian market and the balance between mass appeal and premium content.
