Do you believe in God? A question that has remained the centre of Netflix’s Indian web series Sacred Games. Regardless of faith or religious background, this show will make believers of all who watch it. Netflix has provided a more than an adequate platform for India to move into the forefront of its foreign language bloc of television-namely an eastern one. No surprise, there’s certainly a market for it here in Asia. What is surprising is this new, bold and daring take on Indian entertainment that has stormed the net. If Ghoul was a sign of things to come, then Sacred Games serves as the cornerstone of what Indian producers and showrunners can do to compete in the global market. So without further ado, let’s get right into the thick of it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28j8h0RRov4
One remarkable aspect that cannot be understated is the focus of the show as it ties complex and intricate narratives into a cohesive and tight crime thriller. I mean there’s a lot going on here folks! From the rise and fall of crime lords to social upheaval between certain religious factions to political scandal to the entertainment industry. The two main knots that hold this entire web of stories together are characters Inspector Sartaj Singh and the brilliant if not God Complex addled crime boss Ganesh Gaitonde. All roads lead back to the both of them, even when one of them plays a more passive role in the story due to certain complications. Without giving too much away, let’s just the two of them are connected in ways that transcend their limited time together in the series. It’s focus also encompasses its thematic elements tied to a single monolithic subject linked to the show’s past, present and possible future: religion.
The world is set in a fictionalized version of India’s history, adapting certain aspects of sectarian conflict in the country’s history to create the backdrop to the show. Chiefly the history between the transitionary between the city of Bombay becoming Mumbai along with the tensions between Muslims and Hindus in the region. Each episode of the series is titled after a religious element of Hindu canon that are sometimes reflected in the show’s grounded story. Take the first episode of the show for example with its title being “Ashwathama” The story of the immortal warrior Ashwathama, also believed to have an avatar of the god Rudra-Shiva, tells of his life of human suffering. Never to find peace or rest but forever legendary. It’s reminiscent of Gaitonde’s troubled childhood and life with his achieving immortality in his own way. It’s frankly quite refreshing to see a show that features religion so prominently without being overzealous in its iconoclasm or reverence of the subject matter.
Saif Ali Khan as Inspector Sartaj Singh does a great job as the world-weary cop trying to do right by the law and himself. Throughout the show, we follow Sartaj as he uncovers a deadly conspiracy that runs the risk of triggering a full-blown war between Hindus and Muslims. At the same time, he must reckon with the guilt and shame he feels from a particular incident in the past that continually haunts him. He doesn’t start off particularly interesting in the first few episodes but in the second act of the series, he truly does come into his own. That being said, his role in the first few episodes is of no fault of Khan or the character of Sartaj because it is Gaitonde takes front and centre.
We follow Gaitonde as he rises to the top of his criminal empire having politicians, entertainers and local cops in his pocket. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is admirable in a role as the cynical and charismatic Gaitonde. By far he has the most developed story arc, not unlike Pablo Escobar in Narcos but better. Yes, I said it! Gaitonde is above the leagues of some paranoid dons consolidating power. He is a self-made man and a self-styled god that brings together two worlds. The only thing I’m too crazy about is the whole “three fathers” part of his story, it felt a little contrived and silly at times. There’s also a pretty intriguing romantic thread between Gaitonde and rival crime boss’ mistress, Kuku. Actress Kubra Sait is a wonderful addition to the show that humanizes Gaitonde. There’s certainly more to her than meets the eye. Other standout performances include Radhika Apte as the analyst and officer Anjali Mathur and Neeraj Kabi as Sartaj’s corrupt boss Parulkar. Oh, and Luke Kenny as the assassin Malcolm Mourad is pretty damn cool too.
The production quality here is on par with any of Netflix’s heavy hitters at the current moment. Some of the shots in here are drop-dead gorgeous, especially the shootouts. The city of Mumbai also feels like a living breathing character in itself, we get to see its brighter and darker sides in its mean streets, bright night shows and festivals. Vice President of Netflix’s International Original in an interview also stated that the show is meant to be a love letter to the city of Mumbai. Side note for a moment, I think it’s great that director Anurag Kashyap and showrunner Vikramaditya Motwane didn’t compromise on maintaining the authenticity of Sacred Games by having the show be in Hindi instead of English. Sacred Games make no pretences of being a western crime drama draped in an exotic background. Nonetheless, the show’s premise is so intriguing that picking up of some its more historical and religious undertones makes the experience all the more enriching.
Not since Narcos have I been so enamoured with the history and culture of another nation. Its head-on approach to religious conflict, systemic corruption and personal drama is a worthy contender to the likes of crime thrillers like True Detective. Backed up with powerful performances and a well-written plot, Sacred Games demands your attention and deserves its acclaim. You can check it out on Netflix today!
Hey you! Yes you, hot stuff. Like my article? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, don’t forget to share it with your buds. And if you’d like to talk movies you can hit me up here: @cinesam
