## Kashyap Calls It Out: Praising a Web Series While Slamming the Platform – Is This a New Trend?
Anurag Kashyap, the maverick filmmaker known for his bold and unflinching narratives, has done it again. He’s thrown down a gauntlet, praising a new web series for its raw portrayal of adolescence while simultaneously taking aim at the platform hosting it. This isn’t just a PR stunt, folks. This is a statement.
In a world where content empires are built on algorithms and trends, Kashyap’s words resonate with a deeper truth: artistic integrity versus commercial compromise.
But what exactly did he say, and what series sparked this fiery reaction? Click in to find out as we dissect Kashyap’s critique and explore the growing tension between creative vision and platform demands in the ever-evolving world of online entertainment.Personal Experiences and Frustrations
Sacred Games Experience
Lack of Empathy and Creativity
Anurag Kashyap, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker, has recently voiced his dissatisfaction with Netflix India, particularly citing his experience with the production of Sacred Games. The series, which was a significant collaboration between Kashyap and the streaming giant, faced numerous challenges that deeply frustrated the director. Kashyap expressed his frustration with the platform’s lack of empathy and creativity, which he believes hindered the production process. “Having gone through twice with them post Sacred Games and dealing with a total lack of empathy, courage, and dumbness mixed with immense insecurity of the series head and the team that keeps getting fired. It frustrates me,” he wrote on Instagram.
The production of Sacred Games was marred by frequent firings and a constant sense of insecurity among the staff, which Kashyap found particularly disheartening. He criticized the platform’s approach, stating that the lack of empathy and creative freedom made it nearly impossible to create powerful and honest content. “How do we ever create something so powerful and honest with a bunch of most dishonest and morally corrupt @netflix.in backed so strongly by the boss in LA?” he questioned.
Comparing Past and Present
Kashyap reminisced about the past when Eric Barmack, the former Vice President of International Original Content at Netflix, would personally reach out to creators, fostering a collaborative environment. This stands in stark contrast to the current situation where Kashyap feels the content is not properly developed. He noted, “There was a time when Eric Barmack would reach out on Facebook to create something with Netflix to now where they send you a shot show like ‘saare jahan se achcha’ – which wasn’t even written properly and half-baked. Which by the way has already changed directors and been shot twice.”
This shift in approach, from personal engagement to a more algorithm-driven content strategy, has led to a significant decline in the quality of shows, Kashyap believes. He expressed his frustration and envy for shows like Adolescence, which he feels are allowed the creative freedom that Indian content creators are not granted.
Hope for the Future
Lessons from Successful Shows
Despite his criticisms, Kashyap expressed hope for the future, citing successful shows that have proven Netflix’s potential for great content. He highlighted Delhi Crime and Kohrra as examples of shows that, although acquired or initially underestimated, have gone on to achieve considerable success. “I hope they learn from the reception of it and realise that all the best things Indian Netflix does is mostly either acquired (Delhi Crime, Black Warrant) or the ones they least believed in (Kohrra, Trial by Fire),” he wrote.
Delhi Crime, for instance, received widespread acclaim and even won an Emmy, showcasing that there is an appetite for high-quality, impactful content. Similarly, Kohrra, a show about a small town in India, has garnered a dedicated following despite initial skepticism. These successes underscore the potential for Netflix to support and nurture innovative content if given the chance.
Kashyap’s hope is that Netflix will learn from these successes and apply the same principles to future projects. He believes that if the platform can overcome its current shortcomings and foster a more creative and empathetic environment, it can produce content that rivals the best in the industry.
Fingers Crossed for Improvement
Kashyap’s critique of Netflix India is not just about pointing out failures but also about advocating for a change in the platform’s approach. He expressed his desire for a future where Indian creators are given the same creative freedom and support that international shows like Adolescence receive. “I hope they learn from the reception of it and realise that all the best things Indian Netflix does is mostly either acquired (Delhi Crime, Black Warrant) or the ones they least believed in (Kohrra, Trial by Fire). Fingers crossed for a better future,” he concluded.
While Kashyap’s criticism is harsh, it is born out of a deep love for the medium and a desire to see Indian content reach its full potential. His words serve as a call to action for Netflix to reevaluate its strategies and invest in creativity and empathy. By doing so, the platform can not only improve its content but also foster a more collaborative and supportive environment for creators.
Conclusion
In the scathing critique of the OTT platform WION, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has voiced his discontent with the platform’s influence on contemporary storytelling. Kashyap’s assertion that WION’s reliance on formulaic, soulless content is detrimental to the art of storytelling resonates deeply with the sentiments of many in the industry. He emphasizes that the platform’s focus on mass appeal over artistic merit is stifling the creative potential of writers and artists, resulting in a homogenized and uninspired body of work. Kashyap’s critique is not only a personal attack on WION but also a broader commentary on the state of the media industry, highlighting the importance of preserving artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures.
The implications of Kashyap’s statements extend far beyond the realm of entertainment, touching on the very fabric of our society. The homogenization of content and the prioritization of mass appeal over artistic merit can lead to a stifling of individuality and creativity, ultimately resulting in a culture that values conformity over innovation. Furthermore, the proliferation of OTT platforms has created a new paradigm in which creators are forced to produce content that caters to the lowest common denominator, rather than pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As Kashyap so eloquently puts it, “the death of art is not just a matter of the medium, but a matter of the soul.”
As we move forward in this increasingly mediated landscape, it is imperative that we reevaluate our priorities and challenge the status quo. Will we continue to sacrifice artistic integrity on the altar of commercial success, or will we find a way to reclaim the power of storytelling and create a more nuanced, complex, and thought-provoking body of work? As Anurag Kashyap so poignantly asks, “what is the value of art if it is only valued for its ability to make money?” The answer, much like the future of our artistic landscape, remains to be seen.
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