User reviews

Not an Indian but am completely hooked. Better watching this in Indian with subtitles than the English dub. Great story, great actors and the way they finished the season, just when it starts getting more interesting makes me mad because I've got to wait how long until the next season haha.

First of all, if you're not from India, please do not watch the dubbed version, it's not necessary at all. Subtitles will do fine, and the unfamiliar tones of languages spoken in India only add to the amazing feeling of the show. I've heard people say the show is confusing and they couldn't follow the plot - try a little harder. Map out the characters if you must, replay a scene if you didn't understand. Most likely you were unable to understand because (sadly) western people are not used to Indian names or faces: it takes a little more effort to remember who is who. Take that effort. It's more than worth it. After a few episodes, I had no trouble following the storyline. I hope Netflix will create more shows from places all over the world, and that in time, this won't be an issue anymore.

Some reviewers say Sacred Games can't be compared to Narcos. I think it can. Enough twists and turns, just the right amount of violence, engaging, political, touching... Characters are not good or bad, they're in between, and you're not sure whether to love or hate them. I truly cared about some of them, which I can't really say about the characters of Narcos. Gaitonde is a man who killed more people than you can believe, but the show still makes you love him, all credit going to the great actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

I didn't rate it a 10/10 for three reasons:

• I did not always find Anjali Mathur's performance convincing
• Kukoo's story was dragged out too long in my opinion
• The final episode seemed rushed, although I'm glad they gave us somewhat of an answer

This is first Indian netflix original series directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwani.

The second season was a bigger disappointment than what I'm to my parents. Well, jokes apart, S02 was not as bad but S01 actually raised the bar so high that matching upto that level was never going to be easy. They just made the Gaitonde's character a mere joke. Guruji's character doesn't have the potential that we expected. The more they digged into other characters, more cartoonish they looked except Zoya, Malcolm and Jojo's character. They kept an open ending in S02 also but I hope they better come with a killer script else...

First 30 seconds in the first episode and you'll get to know that this series is going to be dark, edgy and controversial. This series starts with bold statements on religion, and then continues with same on political figures like Rajiv Gandhi to a lot of cuss words, violence and drug use. If you're a person who gets offended very easily then I advise you to keep yourself away form it.

Sacred Games is just an example of what Anurag Kashyap is capable of. This is his real potential. Now screw CBFC. I maybe am a bit biased towards Anurag Kashyap or Phantom productions in general.

The whole cast did a great job, while we saw Saif Ali Khan in a good role after Omkara and Being Cyrus. Radhika Apte has a quite short but impressive role. In my opinion Neeraj Kabi, Jatin Sarna and Nawazuddin are the backbone of the series.

With a solid start to the drama,with every episode makes you heart beat faster. The rawness of the drama is surreal and gets you hooked. Every episode leaves you with a question unanswered? and doesn't answer them till the very last. Great acting by the whole cast.Not only do the "star" actors shine but the an amazing supporting cast make keeps you engaged.Lastly, Dont watch the first episode if you have your exam the next day or i promise you you will be locked in your room for 8 hours straight.

First of all, hats off Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditay Motwane, how did you manage to put this together is an amazing feat. I am saying this because they both have directed the show but for different characters (Anurag for Nawaz Storyline and Vikram for Saif's). The performances are amazing and Varun Grover deserves all the applause for writing down street smart dialogues. With every character having a grey role in the show, all the characters have layers of sketch going into it. Eagerly waiting for Season 2!

Having fallen in love with the book 10 years ago, I had a lot of reservations of how its screen adaptation would be. In the book, Vikram chandra had explored each character in so much depth with different layers that to make a 3 hour Bollywood Flick would have been foremost a daunting task and secondary an injustice to the plot.

Enter, Netflix. Having changed the Tele scene world over, no other production house would be more suited and daring than Netflix to take this Plot head on and do justice to it. And no other duo of Directors than Anurag Kashyap and Vikram Motwane to direct it with such finesse, style and daring.

The series is gripping, fascinating, dark, thought-provoking, chilling and so much more. It is also very relevant in today's India with its tense social and religious under-current.

Every actor is top-notch. The role is Bread & Butter for Nawazuddin Siddiqui and he owns every scene he is in. How badly I wanted Saif Ali Khan to prove himself once more after 'Langda Tyagi'. He is not only superb but you feel the amount of efforts he has put in the role. Also the actor playing 'Bunty Sharma' is the best among all the sub-characters.

The series is truly Binge-worthy and shows what can be achieved without the CBFC 'Big Brother' role. I am however quite sceptic of how it would be received by majority of the Indian audience who have been spoiled with mushy romantic genres and action for them is a muscular middle aged guy beating up 30 under-fed rowdies. I sincerely hope that this series results in a commercial success for all involved so that we can get to see more and more epic like this from our filmmakers.

People who doesn't understand they are giving it low ratings because when you see it clearly, 1st season has all the questions and 2nd season have all the answers, 2nd season is the answers for the people who are saying that Sacred Games is getting success because of abusive words and nudity, it can go beyond of your mind, complexity of script and small open secrets hiding nowhere but in front of your eyes. Over the top performances, well written and well directed.

With this show Netflix has really changed the game of television and storytelling in India. Bollywood now really has to step up and stop making brain dead movies just for commercial success.

It is directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikram Aditya Motwane and trust me there are no other directors in Bollywood who could have done justice to this show. It has that same rawness, realism and intricate storytelling like Gangs of Wasseypur and Dev D by Kashyap and Motwane.

Acting is suberb and top notch by a great ensemble cast with Nawazuddin channeling his Faizal Khan from Wasseypur with more emotional layers to it. Radhika apte, Saif Ali Khan, Neeraj Kabi, Jitendra Singh also delivers strong performances. Kubra Sait delivers a heart warming breakout performance like never seen before.

This is a must watch for anybody who likes watching stories that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Also must watch just to see how Mumbai becomes a character in a story like none other told before.

Really can't wait for the next season. Need it like yesterday.

10/10

The series and actors are good but I sometimes can't make sense of it and wonder if there are poor translations from Hindi to English. It may be due to my lack of understanding the religious connotations but often the dialogue just doesn't make much sense. Interesting premise.

I watched the whole season 2 and finished all 8 episodes in 7 hours. Unfortunately it does not live up to the expectations.

The maker main focus was on profanity rather than the storyline.

Its a deliberate effort of stretching the series.

At the time of writing, this show has an average rating of 9.1, making it grossly over-rated compared to other TV series and Netflix shows. I would say a fair reflection of its quality compared to other international shows is 7.5 to 8 max. I've only given it 5 stars to lower the average but I would probably give it 8 as 7.5 is not an option!

I'm not very familiar with other Indian TV series but this seems to break new ground in a number of ways including its depiction of religion and sex. I enjoyed it but it never made me stay up all night binge watching as I have with numerous other TV series.

I watched over half of it in the default UK audio setting which is (dubbed) English and found the differences in the dubbing and subtitle translations to be amusing but also distracting. It was much better when I switched to the native Hindi dialogue with subtitles.

First of All congratulations to Anurag and Vikram,I have always loved their work.It is an excellent start to original netflix content in India. Opening scene is enough to show you that this is not your typical Indian show. Nawab and Saif are excellent in the show,but I felt Radhika's character was underdeveloped. Cinematography and those long shots bring alive the MUMBAI (an important character in the show).Gaitonde identity and 25 days threat makes it excellent thriller. I loved this season, can not wait for season 2.

One of the finest actor in Marathi Film Industry grabbing the opportunity .Amazing Performance Saheb !

Sacred Games is definitely one of the best thriller shows that I have seen. This is no ordinary story of a cop and a gangster, it has a twist.The show is very well written and the screenplay is amazing too . It truly lives up to its title Sacred 'Games' as the episodes are in themselves a type of puzzle each with a different name and a symbol that the viewer is trying to solve since the very first episode. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saif Ali Khan and Radhika Apte have done an exemplary job . The title song truly adds life to the show as it gives a sense of mystery to the viewer. I also really like how the show has this amazing narrative and the flashbacks of the 20th century Bombay . It's definitely a must watch for anyone who loves a great story!

A masterpiece truly. Congratulations to Netflix and India on this amazing Drama Series. Based on the book by Vikram Chandra, this show slowly reveals it's dark secrets just like reading the book. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is truly a gem and his portrayal of Gaitonde is bang on. Saif and Radhika have done justice to their roles but it was Siddiqui who stole the spotlight. Finally a TV series to be proud of. There are some really great dialogues which I will not disclose so you should watch it for yourself. The depiction of Bombay is such that it feels like it's a character in itself. Dark, mysterious and thrilling! A must watch.

Finally , 10 thousand times better than sass bahu serial , Baap of crime patrol

I liked how the story began. This isn't a slow narrative, you basically have to run with the characters to catch up with their mind and emotions and sometimes have to see between the frames. I live on the extreme ends of storytelling arch. I love the slow narrative where each and everything is described in such a manner that you feel you are in that situation and you start feeling what the character feels and then there is the impromptu situation where you are unexpectedly put in and you have to start catching up with why the characters are doing what they are doing. Both are fun ways to sit back and enjoy a show. Sacred Games falls under the latter category. Ganesh Gaitonde is that don who has only one purpose and that is to be the city he lives in - Bombay. The show takes us through his journey from Trimbakeshwar to Bombay and how as an adult after pedaling in drugs he decides by and by that he is meant for much more than that. He dreams big and he sets his ambition into action. We see ruthlessness in him which is a pre requisite of being a don but at the same time we see him trying to make his gang walk the secular line so as not to have religion come into play. You and I and that is if you were born in the 80's will nod your head at the narrative of the story when scenes of unrest are shown in the post Indira Gandhi era that has left the nation broken and at the same time has become that "gap" that Politicians use as their mosh pits come election season.

Gaitonde claims he has three fathers and tells us about each one and how they influenced his life and made him who he is. Then we have Sartaj, the Sikh inspector who is trying really hard to battle the internal corruption in police services by refusing to give a false statement in court. His refusal becomes leverage for his superior who dangles his refusal as bait at every opportunity that Sartaj needs back up or when he works on a lead. Sartaj has his own emotional baggage. His wife has left him and he hasn't gotten over her. This I presume is what leads him to consume anxiety pills. We see a little bit of emotional instability in him but not so much that we question his judgment as he pursues his cop instincts. Anjali Mathur, the RAW agent who wants to step out into the field and not just stay behind her desk. She, like Sartaj, follows her instincts and teams up with Sartaj to save the city. Except she believes there is more to the story than just a gang war. Of course she is stopped from acting on her hunch and evidence because hey she's a girl and girls can't go out and play after sundown. Like Sartaj she also has her own reasons for being who she is and that is what propels her into going forward to uncover the roles of different people in the story. Kookoo, I think was a metaphor for the city itself and whoever had Kookoo had Bombay. That's all that I'll be saying about this character.

These are the primary characters and these characters all have very obvious roles to play and are definitely the leads but for me it was the secondary actors who did all the work in making me hate and love the plot. Kanta Bai, who is so freaking stoic even when there is chaos around her and even when things are going bad she is just there strong as a pillar and not scared of Gaitonde. Probably because she is more like a mother to him, after all it's all thanks to her that he gets his first break. Katekar, is that constable who is at Sartaj's beck and call. Even though he represents the constable in the series he is also doing the added job of being the common man's voice when he is expressing his opinions as a person. Most of us have skewed perspectives based on the news and political speeches we are fed. Malcolm Murad, was a decently surprising character. I liked him in entirety except in one place when he did something out of character. DCP Parulkar's character has been portrayed so well! He makes you hate him. He makes you want to plough through his body with a rain of bullets. I like it when actors actually make you believe they are really that bad.

The dialogues are amazing, even the ones making a jibe at political situations. Don't know who Shah Bano is? Google her. I like how one-liners were used to tell months' worth of tense situations in the country.

But is this the best story ever told? No. Was the story predictable? Yes. Were we told anything different with this story? No. So what exactly is the show's USP? Acting!

The first original Indian series from Netflix; had a lot of expectations. I can safely say that most were adequately met, even exceeded.

While admittedly the story has nothing new to offer, this Bombay gangster series is stylishly shot and executed with finesse. Bombay becomes a character in the series and the chasm between the classes which is so in-your-face in Bombay is captured beautifully. All major cities have class differences but none of them are as stark and apparent as they in Bombay. I was also happy to see it called by its old name of "Bombay" in English and "Bambai" in Hindi -felt authentic.

The story itself is a cat and mouse game involving a variety of characters - mob bosses, religious figures, a gender-neutral character, corrupt cops, the inevitable honest cop, a female cop from a central police agency. While stereotypes are rift, there some funny touches. The nick names given by the female CBI officer to store numbers on her cell is an example as is the track of the police constable trying to get an intimate moment with his nagging wife.

The ending leaves plenty of scope for a sequel - I do not wish to get into spoilers but what is a thoroughly satisfying series seems subject to an abrupt end.

Saif Ali Khan is top notch and quite unlike an Indian hero for he keeps getting beaten up with alarming regularity but his character is the moral compass of the show. Nawazuddin predictably owns every scene he is in - it is an extension of his character from Gangs of Wasseypur. How you miss Manoj Bajpai though.

A great thing about Anurag Kashyap is that he is able to find character actors who leave such a strong impression on the screen. And "Sacred Games" is no different. All the character actors are uniformly excellent.

I tried listening to the track in English and it is atrocious. Not only does it take away from the authenticity of the proceedings, it is also badly dubbed. Imagine watching Narcos in English. Whoever took a decision to add a dubbed English track needs to given some counseling.

If you want a better experience, watch the show in Hindi with English sub-titles.

Vikram Chandra's novel "Sacred Games" was a critically acclaimed book, but it was a commercial failure. The writers have done a good job salvaging what is a middling novel at best. How I wish these same writers would employ their considerable skill to a nice World War era Indian thriller.

I look forward to more original Netflix Indian series soon.

Sacred Games is my first ever web series i ever watched. I must say this series is best web series ever made in India.

Season-1

Sacred Games is a gritty, neo-noir crime drama that delves deep into the complexities of Mumbai, its underworld, and the blurred lines between power, religion, and morality. The series, adapted from Vikram Chandra's novel, is a masterclass in storytelling, featuring compelling characters, a gripping plot, and stunning visuals.

The narrative is split between two primary characters: Ganesh Gaitonde, a ruthless gangster on the brink of death, and Sartaj Singh, a disillusioned police officer.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a career-defining performance as the enigmatic gangster, Ganesh Gaitonde. His transformation from a small-time crook to a ruthless kingpin is both terrifying and fascinating. The flashbacks into Gaitonde's past, particularly his relationship with his mentor Suleiman Isa and the tragic death of his wife, provide crucial context for his character's motivations.

Saif Ali Khan's portrayal of Sartaj Singh, the seemingly ordinary cop, is equally compelling. His journey from disillusionment to a determined pursuit of the truth is gradual yet impactful. The revelation of his Muslim heritage and the prophecy he receives set the stage for a compelling character arc.

Beyond the crime thriller genre, Sacred Games tackles profound themes of religion, politics, and the socio-economic divide in India. The series doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of society, shedding light on issues such as corruption, terrorism, and the impact of organized crime.

The cinematography of Sacred Games is a character in itself. The lens captures the city's duality with remarkable precision: the vibrant chaos of its streets and the dark, brooding undercurrents that lurk beneath. The use of color is particularly striking, with the neon-lit nights contrasting sharply with the dusty, sun-baked days. The camera work is often handheld, lending a raw, documentary-like feel to the proceedings, heightening the sense of realism. From the sprawling slums of Dharavi to the opulent residences of the elite, the series paints a vivid picture of Mumbai's socio-economic divide. The city's architecture, both old and new, is used to great effect, serving as a visual metaphor for the characters and their worldviews.

The music in Sacred Games is an integral part of the storytelling. The background score, composed by Alokananda Dasgupta and Yashraj Jaiswal, is a haunting blend of electronic and orchestral elements that perfectly captures the show's dark and brooding atmosphere. The use of percussive instruments, particularly the tabla, adds a raw, primal energy to the soundtrack. The music is often used to underscore the psychological turmoil of the characters, heightening the tension and suspense. The inclusion of contemporary Indian music, such as the songs by Divine, adds a layer of authenticity and modernity to the show.

While the series is undoubtedly compelling, it does have its flaws. Some viewers might find the pacing uneven, with certain plot points dragging. Additionally, the show's exploration of complex themes can be overwhelming at times.

Despite its few shortcomings, Sacred Games is a groundbreaking series that raised the bar for Indian television. It's a show that demands your attention, keeps you guessing, and leaves you wanting more. If you're a fan of crime dramas with a social commentary, this series is a must-watch.

Season-2

Sacred Games Season 2 attempts to expand upon the intricate web of crime, politics, and spirituality established in its predecessor. While it maintains the series' signature style, it struggles to match the intensity and impact of the first season.

The second season dives deeper into the enigmatic world of Guruji, played by Pankaj Tripathi. His character, while intriguing, often overshadows the core narrative. The introduction of new characters like Jojo and Bunty adds layers of complexity but also dilutes the focus on the main plot.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Gaitonde remains a captivating anti-hero, but his character arc feels somewhat stagnant. Saif Ali Khan's Sartaj Singh undergoes a transformation, evolving into a more proactive role, but his character lacks the depth and complexity of the first season.

Unlike the tightly wound narrative of Season 1, Season 2 often feels scattered, with multiple subplots competing for attention. The pacing is uneven, with some episodes dragging while others rush through crucial plot points. The climax, while visually striking, lacks the emotional impact of the first season's finale.

The ending of Sacred Games Season 2 was undoubtedly controversial. It was a bold, open-ended conclusion that left viewers divided. On one hand, it was a departure from the traditional narrative structure, forcing the audience to become active participants in the story's outcome. The final scene, with Sartaj facing the daunting task of disarming a nuclear bomb, was a high-stakes cliffhanger that left a lasting impact. However, critics argued that the ending was rushed and unsatisfying.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, Season 2 is visually stunning. The cinematography continues to capture the essence of Mumbai, both its grandeur and its underbelly. The action sequences are well-executed, and the overall production value remains high.

Sacred Games Season 2 is a mixed bag. While it offers glimpses of the brilliance seen in the first season, it ultimately falls short of expectations. The series attempts to tackle ambitious themes but struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative. It's a show that promises much but delivers less.

Overall, both seasons of "Scared Games" deliver compelling narratives filled with suspense, psychological depth, and thriller. While Season 1 establishes the foundation, Season 2 expands upon it, creating an unforgettable viewing experience.

When we look to current TV serials shown in India, it is far better.

Best thing I like about Kashyap's direction is that I believe he used to spend 50% of his overall budget on hiring good gali galuch dialog writers :). In fact I would like to say that writer used his P*e*i*s instead of pen with a inspiring person showing his a*s*s whole time to push creativity to next level.

Overall it's a good to watch for a Bollywood or Indian TV serial watcher. Every one from actor to directors have placed their best with a good story line and narration makes it worth watching.

However if you have already watch series like Narcos or equivalent, you may find this too slow with Bollywood types slow motion introduced across direction of this serial.

Finally in era of 2014 onwards everyone seems to screwing congress from back and dialogs like changing Prime minister at the rate of changing underwear was hilarious , my best to this dialog writer.

Overall it's worth watching and my best to Kashyap.

Season 2 just did not make any sense. And the ending was just painfully unsatisfying. Seems like the writers for this season were on same drugs as characters.

Amazingly directed and extraordinary performances. Classic Anurag Kashyap and Nawazuddin combo. Saif Ali khan and Radhika Apte were great too.

Season 2 has blown me away .Anuraag Kashyap and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are a formidable stellar pair . Nawaz fits beautifully into Ganesh Gaitonde and delivers his dialogues beautifully. The show is mesmerizing. It has a great atmosphere and feel. Every frame is different and beautifully shot.

I just can't wait for the finale of this series , hats off to Anurag , Gaitonde , Bunty & Kukkoo . Loved every bit of it .