Sacred Games international review round-up: A 'fresh, addictive thriller' riddled with 'story cliches'
Firstpost“There are clear flaws to Sacred Games but there’s also something riveting about India’s bleaker, darker heart being exposed as opposed to some upbeat, colorful explosion of dance scenes,” says The Hollywood Reporter. Based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Vikram Chandra, Netflix India’s maiden Original, Sacred Games, starring Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, released on Friday. The New York Times wrote, “Replicating the constant juggle of styles and voices in Sacred Games, a feat stretched out over more than 900 pages in Mr Chandra’s novel, is a major challenge on screen — despite its verve and visual inventiveness, the series feels muddled and a little wearying at times. But as Gaitonde says, his story is like a scorpion — once it stings you, you’re done for.” The Hollywood Reporter said, “There are clear flaws to Sacred Games, but there’s also something riveting about India’s bleaker, darker heart being exposed as opposed to some upbeat, colorful explosion of dance scenes.” “The music is also remarkable throughout, with rapper DIVINE offering two original tracks while historic songs like ‘Main Na Bhoolunga’ ring through the bustling city,” wrote Metro and called the show “a fresh, addictive thriller bursting with style.” Calling the series “a juice crime thriller”, Refinery 29 observed, “Sacred Games is expanding voices of Southeast Asia to a global audience_._ It may be ‘just’ television, but it’s also pushing forth important representation.