Page 63 - Tehelka Issue 14E

ENTERTAINMENT

ctor Saif Ali Khan has not is the director of this series. Produced un- for stars and actors beyond commer- tors, this romantic comedy did very well over Netflix. With two original shows create and explore better, more interest-
been having a good run at der their banner, Phantom Films, the vis- cial cinema, a space that Saif Ali Khan because of its universally appealing story Breathe starring R Madhavan and ing homegrown stories.
the movies in recent times. ually rich and massive book by Vikram and Nawazuddin Siddiqui clearly blos- about urban housing and typical Indian Inside Edge starring Vivek Oberoi, Always more cutting edge and pro-
He has delivered winsome Chandra is being adapted for screen by som in. Netflix streams in 190 countries treatment. Similarly, the edgy Brahman Richa Chaddha, etc. Prime has focused on gressive than Hindi cinema, South
A performances in Kalakaandi National Film Award winning writer worldwide. Unlike the pressures of a film Naman, not a film for everyone but one more Hindi titles and content. They have Indian cinema has worked out an advan-
and Chef, but neither film did well. But Varun Grover, and his colleagues Smita releasing, Sacred Games will remain on with cult potential, was acquired by the acquired leading Hindi films in the last tage on Netflix. Most regional language
Saif’s brooding, bearded face, beaming Singh and Vasant Nath. While launching Netflix for eternity, giving viewers across streaming giant in 2016 and found suc- couple of years and have committed 300 content on the platform is acquired
down from hoardings across Indian cit- the series, Vikram Chandra explained his the globe a chance to watch it whenever cess worldwide. million USD to backing original Indian like the Baahubali films. Recent Tamil
ies has piqued curiosity. In Sacred Games, role in the screen adaptation as, “I was a they like. Watching the show is pleasur- Streaming brings a world of oppor- content. Strategically, Amazon Prime has films include originals like Priyadar-
the first of its kind big ticket Indian web kind of consultant on adapting the book. able also because its screen writers have tunity for filmmakers and actors from a different approach of price sensitivity shan’s Sila Samayangalil (Sometimes),
series, he plays inspector Sartaj Singh, a Varun Grover, Vasant Nath and Smita adapted it to contemporary Mumbai re- India. The long format gives a chance for and larger numbers whereas Netflix aims Kalki, Revelations and the acclaimed
book character that has been waiting in Singh have been an absolute pleasure ality effortlessly. Written over a decade stories to grow, flourish and develop over at urban 18 to 35 audiences with global festival favorite, Radiopetti. With Sacred
hardbound for over a decade for a grip- to work with; they have reimagined my ago, Vikram Chandra’s book was antici- time. It leads to experimentation and tastes and building loyalties. Prime might Games, Hindi cinema makes a promising
ping screen adaptation. Co-shouldering book and world is exciting.” pated to become a best seller that makes freedom in exploring unconventional have added numbers but their TV shows new beginning with an innovative crea-
this project is Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one Upon watching the series, as the au- money. It didn’t become a huge success. methods of storytelling. Hollywood have not made the same impact as Netf- tive format.
of the finest actors and an Indian face thor has successfully completed four ep- Even so, Chandra’s merging of the Mum- stars like Robin Wright, Dustin Hoffman, lix’s Sacred Games. Between both, Indian Streaming online has immense
Nicole Kidman, Winona Ryder and oth- creative talent has more opportunities to potential in India as busy work schedules
Sacred Games on Netflix

turns a game changer

The web series makes an overwhelming entry among the audiences worldwide, opening
plethora of opportunities for Indian filmmakers, writers and cinematic talent. Question now remains
whether Indian cinema can take advantage of streaming online and turn a corner for the
better, writes ARCHITA KASHYAP

recognised amongst international film isodes, one notices that Phantom Films bai underworld with communal politics,
folk for offbeat performances. Radhika and the show’s creative team has upheld the Babri Masjid demolition and Indian
Apte plays an important part. Recog- global standards in visual story tell - intelligence operations across South
nised faces from cinema like Neeraj ing and treatment. One also notices the Asia was an intoxicating brew that has
Kabi, Aamir Bashir, Surveen Chawla and high-impact background score (by Alo- grown a cult following among readers.
Geetanjali Thapa play key parts in the kananda Dasgupta and Rachita Arora) Grover, Singh and Nath have adapted his
modern day epic saga. Speaking at the knitted with the series narrative, in sync world to the ISIS and Al-Qaeda threat, the ers have moved to shows on streaming There is high-impact and changing tastes reduce the appeal
press conference to announce this pro- with international programs. With a cast underbelly of communal tensions mark- platforms and TV in recent times. Crea- of appointment viewing on television.
ject, Saif explained his excitement about top lined by a Bollywood star and worthy ing Mumbai’s slums and poor neighbor- tively these are satisfying outlets and in background score With original Indian content matching
leading a Netflix series, “I am really hop- talent from cinema, Sacred Games her- hoods and an era where cellphones get terms of reach, their expanse goes be- in the Netflix up to global standards in storytelling,
ing that we will be completely free to alds a potentially permanent change in tracked and GPS is used extensively by yond Hollywood. As Vikramaditya Mot- like Sacred Games achieves, this brings
expose and express ourselves. It’s both Indian cinema. the police and RAW. wane, executive producer and co-direc- series Sacred a chance to upgrade quality and access
challenging and daunting and we have Like previous Netflix original shows Sacred Games is the most high profile tor of Sacred Games said, “We are getting more audiences across the world for
no reason to not deliver something that House of Cards, The Medici, Narcos, Netflix original to launch from India but more excited by the longer format. The Games knitted Indian filmmakers, writers and cinemat-
stands up to international quality.” Stranger Things and the game chang- it’s not the first. Ronnie Screwvala has option of telling stories about characters with the series ic talent. Question now remains whether
Sacred Games brings recognised ing series, The Crown, this series utilises returned to producing films with RSVP for more than two hours and for over Indian cinema can take advantage of
names from the Indian film industry. solid Indian screenwriting, directing and and his company delivered the first Net- seasons, is so exciting. It’s also very new.” narrative, in sync this opportunity and turn a corner for
Vikramaditya Motwane is the show run- acting talent on long format. It also offers flix original film with Love Per Square Amazon Prime has also actively with international the better.
ner and executive producer and co-di- them an international platform to screen Foot earlier this year. Starring Vicky acquired and streamed original Indian
rector, along with Anurag Kashyap who like no other. It brings a creative outlet Kaushal, Angira Dhar and top-notch ac- content successfully, gaining an edge programmes LETTERS@TEHELKA.COM

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