Netflix’s Sacred Games review: This Netflix series, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Saif Ali Khan, is off to a good start and has all the elements that make it binge-worthy.
Sacred Games review: Netflix’s first Hindi original web series Sacred Games is out and from the initial few episodes, it can be safely said that the drama has all the elements that make for a binge-worthy show.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays Gaitonde, a don with a God complex with a rather morbid back story. He chooses Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan) to tell his story and it is implied that the two have a connection via Sartaj’s father. Gaitonde warns Sartaj about the looming danger that will destroy Mumbai in the next 25 days and that is what forms the basic plot of this show. Saif’s Sartaj is a morally righteous man who refuses to lie. He stands for the principles that his father once stood for and is ready to take the fall for his ethics. In the first few episodes, the drama cuts between the stories of these two men and we see how they are both looking for a breakthrough in their respective lives.
As far as the performances are concerned, we see an angry Saif Ali Khan who is upset about the corruption that has seeped into the system. His personal life is on the rocks and his career too hangs by a thin rope. Saif’s Sartaj is caught in a dilemma and his performance conveys it quite effectively. Nawazuddin’s Gaitonde appears to be a psychopath, the kind who can kill without guilt and move on like nothing ever happened.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Gaitonde is a cold-blooded killer.
The original score by Alokananda Dasgupta enhances the thrill quotient and the editing, by Aarti Bajaj, is sharp enough to keep you hooked through the episodes.
Sacred Games: Netflix’s First Indian Original Series
Based on the novel of the same name by Vikram Chandra, Sacred Games is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane (of Udaan, Lootera and Trapped fame) and Anurag Kashyap. The show’s writing team boasts of names like Varun Grover, Smita Singh and Vasant Nath. We want to believe that it is because of their adaptation that you want to know even more about the conflicted characters and their story.
The drama’s bigger story arc and the individual character stories go hand-in-hand and at no point does one overpower the other. Dubbed as India’s answer to Narcos, it is yet to be seen if this show will deliver what it promises in the beginning.
Saif Ali Khan’s Sartaj is a righteous man who is stuck in a corrupt system.
Netflix has become a prominent destination when it comes to entertainment and with projects like Lust Stories and now Sacred Games, this looks like a good start.
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Sacred Games is off to a great start and in the times when an intriguing web series is hard to find, this one will surely stand out.
“This role is different because others didn’t have as much depth as this one. Faizal Khan from Gangs of Wasseypur of course had depth, you know certain aspects about him after watching the film but here, you go deep into his psychic. We have tried to do that, to take you along his journey,” Nawazuddin Siddiqui told PTI.
Also Read | Nawazuddin Siddiqui: I’ve never treated my characters as gangsters, I look at them as humans
In an interview with Indian Express, Anurag Kashyap said, “When we are working, we will always be together. If we are hanging out together, then problems can crop up. With Ram Gopal Varma, it’s the opposite. I can never work with Ramu but we can be friends and drink together.”
Also Read | Vikram Chandra has written amazing love letters to Vikramaditya Motwane after watching Sacred Games: Anurag Kashyap
"It's the 6th of July and #SacredGames is out on #Netflix today. Two of my favourite Directors #AnuragKashyap and #Vikrammotwane. So many great actors. What an amazing and hectic few months it has been casting for this one of a kind show. Eager to know what you guys think of it?," Casting director Mukesh Chhabra said via Twitter.
Maasan director Neeraj Ghaywan wrote on Twitter, "#SacredGames is upon us. Pop that corn. Draw them curtains. Turn on your @Netflix. It has begun. Binge be thy game!"
"#SacredGames releases today July 6th on @Netflix - And though of course it's in the original Hindi here at home (which is fantastic), It will be in English worldwide and I've voiced the lead Character Sartaj Singh. So if you're watching the English version, Hope you all enjoy it," Ashwin Mushran said via Twitter.
CBFC member Vani Tripathi Tikoo shared on Twitter, "Some of you asked me how #SacredGames is a game changer? It's simple it's the first Aquisition in "Originals" from India,the fact that it will hit more than hundred countries made in a language that's not English! What else will be called "Game changer" #Netflix @anuragkashyap72"
Danish Sait tweeted: "Fast forwarded the episodes to see my sister @kubrasait play cuckoo in #SacredGames ? So proud of you! You've done extremely well ? Ok, I'm going to watch the show now on @NetflixIndia"
Manasi Scott posted on Twitter: "Started watching it for @kubrasait but oh my wow @NetflixIndia @anuragkashyap72 #vikramadityamotwane the start to episode 1 is INSANE!!! #SacredGames"