Watch Sacred Games

Sacred Games is an Indian crime thriller show, which debuted on Netflix in 2018. The show, which is based on the novel of the same name by Vikram Chandra, is set in Mumbai, India, and follows two parallel stories. One-story follows Sartaj Singh, played by Saif Ali Khan, a police officer, who receives an anonymous tip about an attack on Mumbai which will take place in 25 days. The other storyline in the show follows Ganesh Gaitonde, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, a gangster who rose to power in Mumbai in the 1980s.

The plot of the show is complex and multi-layered, with many characters and subplots woven intricately together. The storyline of the show jumps back and forth between different time periods, revealing the pasts of the central characters as Sartaj tries to track down the source of the anonymous tip in the present. As Sartaj delves deeper into his investigation, he begins to realize that the tip is part of a much larger conspiracy that has been brewing in Mumbai for decades.

One of the strongest aspects of the show is the casting. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who plays the role of Ganesh Gaitonde, delivers a phenomenal performance, capturing the complicated and often disturbed nature of his character. Saif Ali Khan, who portrays Sartaj Singh, is also excellent as the tormented police officer who is trying to do what is right despite the corruption surrounding him. Radhika Apte, who plays an important role in the show, provides a nuanced performance as Anjali Mathur, a RAW agent who is investigating the same conspiracy as Sartaj. Kalki Koechlin, who joins the cast in the second season, is also impressive as Batya Ableman, a new character whose motivations are questionable.

Another strength of the show is the cinematography. The cinematographer, Swapnil Sonawane, creates a moody and atmospheric look for the show, capturing the teeming, chaotic streets of Mumbai as well as the interior lives of the characters. The editing is also excellent, with the show's non-linear structure providing a sense of tension and urgency.

The show covers many themes including religion, politics, and corruption. Through its exploration of these themes, Sacred Games provides a commentary on India's history and its current state, touching on issues such as sectarianism, caste, and corruption. The show also delves into the personal struggles of its characters, particularly Sartaj and Ganesh, and explores how their pasts have shaped their present.

The show has not been without controversy. One of the major criticisms leveled against the show is that it is too violent and graphic. While it is true that the show is not for the faint-hearted, the violence is not gratuitous, and it serves a purpose in the development of the story and characters. Another criticism of the show is that it has glorified gangsters and criminal activity. However, the show's creator, Vikram Chandra, has stated that his intention was to accurately portray the reality of Mumbai's criminal underworld, and not to glorify it.

Overall, Sacred Games is a well-crafted show that combines action-packed thrills with strong performances and layered storytelling. The show will keep you on the edge of your seat, and its exploration of Indian societal issues will also give you much food for thought. If you're looking for a good crime thriller with a unique flavor, Sacred Games is definitely worth checking out.

Sacred Games is a series that ran for 2 seasons (16 episodes) between July 6, 2018 and on Netflix