Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared an interesting revelation about the casting process for Netflix’s popular series Sacred Games. He disclosed that Malayalam star Manju Warrier and Tamil actress Nayanthara were among the initial choices for the role of RAW agent Kusum Devi Yadav. However, the role eventually went to Amruta Subhash, who portrayed the character in the second season of the acclaimed show.
During a roundtable interview, Anurag Kashyap, who is presenting Warrier’s 2024 Malayalam film Footage in Hindi, spoke about the audition process for Sacred Games. Recalling the experience, he said, “We were trying to get her (Warrier) for Amruta Subhash’s role… Different language actor… We were auditioning for Sacred Games. We gave them (Netflix) three options. We gave them an option of her, Nayanthara, and one more person.”
Anurag Kashyap elaborated on how Netflix’s decision was influenced by their market strategies at the time. He explained that the streaming platform, which did not yet have an established India office, was primarily focused on certain regions. “At that time, Netflix didn’t have an India office. So, everything was going to the US. And at that time, OTTs were not really looking at South films. They were not looking at the South market. They wanted an actress to be picked up from where their market is. It was limited to Maharashtra or anywhere. Their choices are always based on algorithms where they are getting subscribers,” he said.
The revelation sheds light on how major streaming platforms make casting decisions based on regional market priorities and subscriber data, often influencing which actors get chosen for key roles. Kashyap’s insights provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of digital content and the challenges faced by South Indian actors in gaining wider recognition in Hindi web series.
