Netflix charging for shows once free on TV: Anurag Kashyap
What's the story
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again taken a dig at Netflix. Speaking on Komal Nahta's Game Changer podcast, he accused the streaming giant of compromising its unique identity and authenticity. "Our worst experiences have been with Netflix," he said, adding that they would interfere with every aspect of filmmaking, from casting to storytelling. "When that started happening, I stepped away." Kashyap famously collaborated with Netflix on Sacred Games.
OTT comparison
'Trying to play a massy game at a premium cost'
Kashyap contrasted Netflix's approach with other OTT platforms, saying, "Other OTTs aren't pretending to be elite." He criticized Netflix for charging high fees while offering shows like The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show and CID - content that was previously available for free on television. "They are trying to play a massy game at a premium cost - it's not going to work," he said.
Content critique
This is why he believes Netflix has lost its way
Kashyap further lamented that Netflix has lost its unique voice - bold and uncompromised storytelling. "People came to Netflix because they found something new, fresh, and brave, something they couldn't find elsewhere," he said. "But now it wants to be massy and compete with Hotstar and MX Player. Why would anyone pay to watch the same content?"
Project dispute
The discord between Kashyap and Netflix
Kashyap's discord with Netflix reportedly began over his dream project, Maximum City. The film was based on Suketu Mehta's 2004 book Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found. Despite months of effort, Netflix never officially greenlit or rejected the project. "They ghosted me," he told The Juggernaut. "It was one and a half years of emotional investment, and they didn't even have the courage to tell me no."
Counterstatement
Response from Netflix's Bela Bajaria
In response to Kashyap's criticism, Netflix's Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria called him "very talented" but disagreed with his claims. She told The Hollywood Reporter India, "We are trying to entertain the world, not just a small group with one definition of what's good or premium." Notably, Kashyap and Netflix last worked together on the iconic Sacred Games, which was canceled after two seasons.