Mumbai — July 11, 2025 — Bollywood auteur Anurag Kashyap has publicly accused Netflix India of “ghosting” him after he dedicated nearly a year and a half to hand‑writing a detailed 900‑page script for a series adaptation of Suketu Mehta’s acclaimed non‑fiction book, Maximum City: Bombay Lost & Found. The project, greenlit in principle, was later shelved without explanation, sending ripple effects through the creative community.
Anurag Kashyap’s Passion Project Abandoned
In a recent interview with The Juggernaut, Kashyap revealed he began scripting the adaptation—a planned three‑part, nine‑hour Netflix series—in 2004, completing a massive 900 pages of handwriting. He poured over 18 months into this personal labor of love. Yet, Netflix never provided a formal response or closure, prompting Kashyap to say, “They ghosted me” and criticizing their inability to even have a conversation about shelving the project.
He added that he even fell ill during the process—physically and emotionally—highlighting how deeply the disappointment affected him:
“When you put so much effort in a project… and somebody just to save their jobs puts it aside and ghosts you, it breaks you.”
Kashyap’s Broader Critique of Netflix India
Kashyap didn’t stop at ghosting. He criticized Netflix India’s leadership—co‑led by Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria—for lacking empathy and understanding of Indian audiences. He argued that Netflix prioritizes subscription growth over creative depth, often sidelining niche or challenging projects in favor of safer content.
This echoes his past comments, where he slammed the streamer for not supporting works like the British series Adolescence, calling Netflix India “dishonest, morally corrupt” and expressing jealousy toward shows allowed more creative freedom.
Industry Repercussions & Kashyap’s Resilience
Kashyap’s rant underscores rising tensions between Indian creators and streaming platforms. Many filmmakers voice similar frustrations over sudden cancellations, opaque communication, and shifting content priorities following the Tandav controversy in 2021—a period that disrupted multiple projects, including Paatal Lok Season 2.
Despite the setback, Kashyap continues producing and directing—recently featured in Bad Cop on Disney+ Hotstar, executive producing the thriller Stolen, and acting in Viduthalai Part 2 and Rifle Club.
What This Means for Creative Collaboration
- Creative disconnect: Kashyap’s experience highlights the communication gap between platforms and creators when projects stall or vanish.
- Need for transparency: Without clear feedback or timely communication, talent is left in limbo—harmful for trust and morale.
- Industry-wide impact: As similar stories emerge, the demand grows for standardized communication protocols and respect from OTT executives.
Anurag Kashyap’s bold accusation—calling out Netflix India for ghosting him—throws light on broader issues in the streaming ecosystem: opaque decisions, lack of accountability, and tension between commercial interests and artistic integrity.
As OTT platforms evolve, insiders like Kashyap are pushing for a stronger balance between creative ambition and professional courtesy. His next move—or the platform’s response—could signal whether this controversy sparks industry reforms or fades into the background.