Netflix to film crime drama series in India

“We are delighted to partner with creative powerhouse, Phantom Films, to bring Vikram Chandra’s epic novel to life with the best Indian and global film talent available today,” said Erik Barmack, vice president of international original series at Netflix.

“Sacred Games reinforces our commitment to bring the authenticity of local stories to Netflix members across 190 countries worldwide.”

India has historically been a challenging filming location for international producers because of issues with political corruption and extensive bureaucracy. Still, high-profile films have included The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel, and the Wachowski siblings’ sci-fi drama Sense8.

Last month at the Cannes Film Festival, the Indian government announced the launch of a Film Facilitation Office, which is designed to make the country more film-friendly for foreign shoots.

Sacred Games will be just the latest TV story of crime and corruption in an international city that Netflix has been involved with. Marseille stars Gerard Depardieu and was filmed in its namesake city in the south of France for a launch on Netflix last month. Later this year the online platform will film a new series based on Brazil’s far-reaching Operation Car Wash political scandal.

For more on filming in India see our production guide.