The drama unfolded after Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, in a recent podcast appearance, reflected on the streaming platform's initial strategy in India. Sarandos expressed that launching with a show like "Sacred Games" might not have been the ideal move, suggesting that something "more populist" could have worked better to capture the Indian audience.

Anurag Kashyap, co-creator of "Sacred Games," didn't take kindly to Sarandos' comments. He took to social media to express his displeasure, sarcastically suggesting that Netflix should have started with "Saas Bahu" dramas, a reference to the popular Indian soap operas centered around family dynamics. Kashyap didn't mince words, calling Sarandos "the definition of dumb" and accusing Netflix India of becoming a "sh*t show." His remark alluded to Netflix's recent partnership with Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, a production house known for churning out numerous successful "Saas Bahu" sagas.

Ekta Kapoor, the head of Balaji Telefilms, responded to Kashyap's jibe, criticizing him for looking down upon Indian family dramas. Kapoor labeled Kashyap as "classist" for his remarks. Kapoor became a household name in the 2000s with her hit daily soaps like "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi."

Kashyap's original post included a screenshot of a news headline that read: "Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos unsure if launching in India with Sacred Games was ideal, says something 'more populist' might have worked better: 'If I did it all over again...'"

The exchange highlights the ongoing debate about content strategy and audience preferences in the Indian streaming market. While some argue for more edgy and experimental content, others believe that catering to popular tastes with familiar tropes is a more viable approach. "Sacred Games," despite its initial acclaim, faced mixed reviews for its second season, ultimately leading to its cancellation. This might have contributed to Sarandos' reflection on Netflix's early content choices in India.

Lisa Mishra, an actor who appeared in Netflix India's "The Royals," also chimed in on the debate, commenting on Kashyap's post that "Everything in OTT is derivative now anyways, and specifically derivative of Sacred Games." This suggests a belief that "Sacred Games" set a precedent for subsequent content on OTT platforms in India.