Sacred Games Review: Check Out What International Critics Are Saying About Saif Ali Khan - Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Netflix Show

Sacred Games is India's first exclusive Netflix show, and for a series with such a distinction, it definitely packs a punch. Sacred Games has been getting high acclaim from both critics and the fans, many of whom loved the narration, the thrills and the performances, especially that of Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui's. The series is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap and is produced by Phantom Films and Reliance Entertainment.

Many have compared the show with Netflix's own Narcos. Since Sacred Games has been releasing on the popular streaming service, even the international media have their eyes on the show. Sacred Games, based on the best-selling novel by Vikram Chandra, has been warmly received by the critics of popular international publications. While they have praised the performances and the plot, they have issues with the pacing. Also, considering the fact that the series is based in Mumbai, they have difficulty in understanding the local culture. Don't know why Indian audiences never had such issues when they watch a Narcos or a Breaking Bad.

Here's what some of the major international publications and websites are saying about Sacred Games -

The New York Times says, "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. (And a lot of cultural and historical references will go over the head of non-Indian viewers.) But as Gaitonde says, his story is like a scorpion — once it stings you, you’re done for."

The Hollywood Reporter says, "There are clear flaws to Sacred Games (the story cliches, some avoidable poor decisions that characters make, etc.), but there's also something riveting about India's bleaker, darker heart being exposed as opposed to some upbeat, colorful explosion of dance scenes. If Sacred Games can get even a fraction of the available Indian market hooked on its small-screen storytelling, that alone will validate Netflix's expansion plans. But the bigger goal might be a Narcos-like play to an open-minded international audience that wants to see something familiar but foreign at the same time."

Decider says, "There’s so much potential in Sacred Games. From The Dark Knight to Catch Me If You Can, countless shows and movies have gotten milage out of the “cop trying to outsmart a criminal genius at his own game” trope, and Sacred Games feels like it could be an especially interesting addition to this genre. The questions surrounding Gaitonde’s identity and mortality inject this common story with a dose of supernatural shock. But underneath all of its good intentions, Sacred Games has a frustrating pacing problem."

Metro says, "A big draw is the excellent performance from Saif Ali Khan – a huge star in India who will likely shoot up Hollywood lists following his turn as Sartaj. He’s always an endearing presence as a small-time cop enraptured and determined to crack a huge case, a trait not shared by his comic relief cop partner who simply wants an uninterrupted intimate moment with his wife."

The ReviewGeek says, "Sacred Games is likely to be the Indian series that puts the country on the map. We watched Amazon’s Indian Original Breathe a while back and praised that for its great focus on story and technicality but Sacred Games feels like a step up from that. The exquisite cinematography and well written story is a joy to watch unfold although the almighty cliffhanger at the end of the final episode is one of the only blemishes on an otherwise impressive series. Incredibly violent and featuring some well fleshed out characters, Sacred Games is a surprisingly endearing series and one of the dark horses of the year for sure.

ICYMI, here's our review of the first season of the show.

So have you seen Sacred Games? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2018 02:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).