Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently expressed deep frustration with Netflix, revealing the streaming giant “ghosted” him after he submitted a massive 900-page handwritten script for a series adaptation of Suketu Mehta’s “Maximum City.”
A Dream Years in the Making
Anurag Kashyap had a long-standing ambition to adapt Suketu Mehta’s acclaimed book, “Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found,” ever since its release in 2004. He dedicated nearly two years to the project, envisioning it as a sprawling three-part, nine-hour series.
His commitment was immense, painstakingly hand-writing a 900-page script for the adaptation. Kashyap poured his heart and soul into bringing this complex narrative to the screen, investing significant personal time and effort.
The Sudden Silence from Netflix
The project was intended for Netflix, but Kashyap’s hopes were dashed when the platform abruptly ceased all communication. He shared his pain, explaining that Netflix simply “ghosted” him without any explanation or feedback.
“They didn’t even have the courage to walk to me and tell that ‘we are having a problem. Can we solve it?’ or even ‘we are not doing it,’” Kashyap stated, highlighting the lack of transparency and courage on their part.
A Deep Personal Heartbreak
For Kashyap, this was more than just a professional setback; it was a profound personal blow. He described his investment as purely emotional, emphasizing that the time and effort spent couldn’t be measured in money.
The disregard for his year and a half of intense work, including the painstaking handwritten script, led to his “biggest heartbreak in life.” He revealed that the incident even contributed to him falling ill, showing the deep impact of the rejection.
Kashyap’s Broader Critique of Netflix
Beyond his personal experience, Anurag Kashyap has been vocal about his wider frustrations with Netflix’s content strategy, particularly in India. He believes the platform “doesn’t understand India” and replicates “bad television” practices.
Kashyap argues that Netflix often takes credit for successful shows they merely acquired, rather than those they courageously produced. He points to examples like “Squid Game” (first season) and others as acquired hits.
He expressed concern that Netflix is overly driven by algorithms and solely focused on subscriptions, rather than investing in quality storytelling or promoting shows that genuinely resonate, like “Kohhra” or “Trial by Fire.” Kashyap concluded that many within the company prioritize job security over cinematic quality.
- Anurag Kashyap spent nearly two years hand-writing a 900-page script for a “Maximum City” series for Netflix.
- Netflix abruptly cut communication, “ghosting” the filmmaker without explanation or feedback.
- Kashyap considers this his “biggest heartbreak,” given his deep emotional and time investment.
- He criticizes Netflix for not understanding the Indian market and prioritizing algorithms over quality content.
- Kashyap notes that many of Netflix’s acclaimed shows are acquired, not produced by the platform itself.
Kashyap’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by creators navigating the complex world of streaming platforms and their evolving content strategies.
