Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has launched a harsh criticism of Netflix India, accusing the streaming giant’s leadership of being “dishonest and morally corrupt.”

In a social media post on Wednesday, Kashyap expressed his frustration with the platform’s content strategies, particularly its reluctance to back bold and experimental projects.

Kashyap’s remarks come after watching the recently released British mini-series Adolescence, which he praised for its daring storytelling and strong performances.

Kashyap, who is known for his candid and outspoken views, praised Adolescence for its exceptional execution, especially lauding the performances of child actor Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham.

He also commended the show’s cinematography, calling it “better than any film or anything I’ve seen.” However, the filmmaker shifted focus to Netflix India, claiming the platform’s Indian division would never approve such a show.

In his Instagram post, Kashyap wrote, “Just binge-watched Adolescence. I am numb and envious and jealous that someone can go and make that.” He continued, “It’s better than any film or anything I’ve seen. It takes its time, it is courageous in not missing a single nuance.”

Despite his admiration for Adolescence, Kashyap sharply criticised Netflix India’s leadership, including CEO Ted Sarandos and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria. Referring to Sarandos’ recent praise for the show, which he claimed pushes “creative limits” and delivers “career-defining performances,” Kashyap labelled Sarandos’ comments as hypocritical. “If they were pitched this, most probably they would have rejected it or turned it into a 90-minute film,” Kashyap wrote.

The filmmaker went on to accuse the Netflix India team of lacking empathy and vision, recalling his own experiences with the platform after the success of Sacred Games. He described Netflix India’s approach as insecure and incompetent, adding, “How do we ever create something so powerful and honest with a bunch of the most dishonest and morally corrupt people at @netflix.in?”

Kashyap further criticised Netflix India’s focus on increasing subscriber numbers at the expense of meaningful content. He expressed his frustration with the platform’s lack of commitment to bold Indian projects, suggesting that the primary goal is profit rather than creative innovation. “This hypocrisy of Ted and Bela vis-à-vis the Indian market of 1.4 billion people, where their only interest is an increase in subscriptions and nothing else,” Kashyap wrote.

The filmmaker also pointed to the ongoing issues with Netflix India’s original series Saare Jahan Se Achcha, starring Pratik Gandhi. Kashyap revealed that the series had undergone multiple reshoots and director changes, which he described as “half-baked” and indicative of Netflix India’s flawed decision-making. “It makes me frustrated, jealous of shows like Adolescence, and envious and hopeless,” he lamented.

Despite his strong criticism, Kashyap ended his post on a slightly hopeful note, acknowledging that some of Netflix India’s best content has been either acquired, such as Delhi Crime and Black Warrant, or reluctantly backed by the platform, like Kohrra and Trial by Fire. “I hope they learn from its reception and realise what needs to change,” he concluded, “Fingers crossed for a better future.”

Earlier, Anurag Kashyap confirmed that he is leaving Bollywood and Mumbai. According to reports from Indian media, Kashyap described Bollywood as a “toxic” environment and confirmed that he has shifted to South India, specifically to Bangalore.

He expressed a desire to distance himself from the film industry, stating that Bollywood has become a place where everyone is chasing unrealistic goals, aiming to create films worth approximately Rs500 to Rs800 crores (around 60 to 95 million USD).

He further added that the creative atmosphere in Bollywood has diminished, and he has become disillusioned with it. Kashyap mentioned that he moved to South India to inspire himself and focus on new experiences.