Harsh Makwana
On 23 October, Netflix announced in a statement that Sacred Games season 2 is set to move forward as planned. The streaming giant came to this conclusion post an internal investigation of sexual harassment allegations against Phantom Films‘ former partner, Vikas Bahl and the show’s screenwriter, Varun Grover.
Phantom Films co-produced Netflix’s first Indian web tv show, Sacred Games and only Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane are credited with the showrunner credits as Vikas Bahl was not involved with the project. Post sexual harassment allegations against Vikas Bahl by a female colleague, Kashyap and Motwane also came under fire citing their inaction. Varun Grover, the screenwriter and known for movies like Udta Punjab and Masaan, was also accused of sexual harassment in an anonymous tweet. To which he denied the allegations and provided a strong response along with his readiness for any kind of investigation.
Given Netflix’s history of dropping big names like Kevin Spacey (from House of Cards) and Louis C.K. due to sexual harassment allegations, it was an obvious concern among the fans of Sacred Games regarding the show’s future, especially after Phantom Films was dissolved. To which, the streaming giant conducted a private investigation and has cleared the show for a season 2.
In a statement to Mid-Day, Netflix’s global creative head, Ted Sarandos said, “It [the decision] has absolutely nothing to do with House Of Cards, or anything else. There are individual cases, with separate circumstances, and different people [involved]. They’re all very tough calls. And we take them all very seriously. In the case of Sacred Games, there was an investigation. And we were comfortable with the outcome of going forward with Anurag and Vikram.” He also reaffirmed that the company’s sexual harassment policy is uniform globally.
It is indeed a great news for Sacred Games fans that season 2 is set to happen as planned. What do you think of Netflix’s decision? Let us know on our socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
H/T: Mid-Day
