Netflix’s Indian Gamble: Ted Sarandos on Why Sacred Games Was Just the Beginning

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently opened up about the early days of Netflix in India, especially the launch of Sacred Games. In a chat with Nikhil Kamath, Sarandos described Sacred Games as a big moment for Netflix, both because of its ambition and because it was such a new kind of show for Indian viewers.

 

Here are the main points from his conversation:

 

Sarandos said he was genuinely excited about Sacred Games when it launched. He saw it as a TV series that felt as grand as a movie, with big stars and high production values. He thought this would really connect with Indian audiences, who have a deep love for cinema.

 

He admitted that Netflix was bringing something completely different to Indian screens. Until then, most TV content in India was focused on sports, talk shows, or family dramas. Sacred Games, with its cinematic style and storytelling, was a big shift.

 

Sarandos wondered if they might have been a little early with Sacred Games. Maybe waiting a few more years or starting with something more mainstream would have made for a smoother entry.

 

Even with those challenges, he made it clear that India is a huge opportunity for Netflix. The audience is growing, and there’s a lot of interest in new kinds of stories.

 

He also pointed out some unique hurdles, like people being cautious about online subscriptions and payments, and the need for more flexible plans.

 

Sarandos praised Indian viewers and mentioned how Netflix continues to work with top talent, including Saif Ali Khan from Sacred Games.

 

Source: Moneycontrol