Netflix partners with Phantom Films for first original series from India, titled 'Sacred Games'

It was just a matter of time — Netflix has announced its first foray into original programming from India, with a series based on Indian author Vikram Chandra's critically-acclaimed best-selling novel, "Sacred Games."

The show, which will be released and streamed on Netflix, will be produced in partnership with one of India's leading production companies, Phantom Films.

Erik Barmack, vice president of international original series at Netflix, spoke about this development in a statement: "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. Sacred Games reinforces our commitment to bring the authenticity of local stories to Netflix members across 190 countries worldwide."

Commenting on his best-seller being adapted into a series for Netflix, Chandra said, "I'm confident that all the colour and vitality and music of the fictional world I've lived with for so long will come fully alive on the large-scale canvas provided by Netflix. I'm thrilled to be working with Netflix and Phantom Films." 

Set in Mumbai, Sacred Games delves into the city's intricate web of organised crime, corruption, politics and espionage that lie beneath India's economic renaissance. It is a story of exceptional richness and power that interweaves the lives of the privileged, the famous, the wretched and the bloodthirsty.

The director and cast are yet to be announced, however, looking at the subject and theme of the series, we wouldn't be too surprised if Anurag Kashyap (co-founder of Phantom Films and director of films like "Black Friday," "Dev D" and "Bombay Velvet") decides to helm the project.