Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap, Sacred Games is Netflix’s first ever original Indian drama series. It is based on Vikram Chandra’s 2006 thriller novel which has the same name. There has been almost no gripping content on the thriller or mystery genre, in the Indian TV and Sacred Games addresses that need. This Indian web series is as good as ‘Narcos’. But it is totally based on Indian concepts. It deals with Indian gangsters, Indian realism, politics and corruption of course. Sacred Games is a coming of age web series and here are the reasons why:
Compact
It doesn’t go on and on and on for years like Indian serials. Instead, there are just 8 episodes in both the seasons. Each episode is about 45 minutes long or so and are sure to keep you hooked to the show. It is noteworthy that all the episodes of a season were released on the same day. So, you have the option of watching it all at once or taking breaks and coming back.
Non-stereotypical
Indian TV serials have worsened and are still deteriorating. Those shows are all about sanskari families with vamps and never ending plots. These types of shows bring no variation and there was a dire need of content amongst the Indian audience. Sacred Games is the first Indian show ever to bring forth the much needed change. You will enjoy it to the core with intelligent plot, commendable writing, extraordinary acting and directing. Sacred Games is a relief and a coming of age show. It breaks the stereotypical saas bahu genre and addressed the much deprived Indian audience.
Intelligent Storytelling
When you start watching Sacred Games, you will notice how detailed and planned the entire concept and narration is. The opening credits are enough to indicate that the show is going to be good. These set the tone for the two primary characters of the series: a cop who has 25 days to save Mumbai and a dreaded gangster. The screenplay is very tricky, you will be hooked to Sartaj’s race against time and the intertwining of past and present. Sacred Games is a total game changer when it comes to narration and works like a ticking time bomb.
Interesting Turns
This is not any usual type of show where you will be able to predict the next scene. It will keep you glued and intrigued about what is going to happen. There will be moments when you will find out that some good guys are actually bad and some bad ones actually had a good motive. You never know where the storyline might go or what is about to happen next. It will feel like an adventurous ride throughout. This is a true detective thriller and hits the emotional chords correctly and not even a single second will feel extra or unnecessary.
Original names for every episode
The show is truly a work of art. If you notice carefully, then you will find that each episode has been given a name and these names are taken from Indian mythology. These names are significant enough making it look like every episode is a sub story dealing with a mythological concept. Besides, the name of the episode is taken in the episode and justified too as if paying a voyage to the mythical story. Such beautiful creation makes one proud of the country and its mythological stories.
Important Concepts
The show hits it out with the absence of censorship. Sacred Games is the voice of the country, it hits out against everything, politics, casteism, religious intolerance, refugee crisis and most of the other things which plague the country right now. Unlike other shows which massage the ego of the higher authorities, Sacred Games takes the road not much travelled by and talks about the things people go hush hush about.
Talented cast and wonderful direction
The starcast featuring Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Pankaj Tripathi, Kalki Koechlin among others, are enough to make you believe that the acting in this show is a work of art. All of these people are hugely acclaimed for their breath taking performances and do not fail to maintain their mark. The directors Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane are famous for their highly acclaimed projects. They have not disappointed the audience. Instead, they have added to their expectations. The background score deserves a mention too. Sacred Games can undoubtedly called upon as one of their best works. The entire show beautifully amalgamates skillful artists and uses them to the fullest to bring out the best possible result.