A Tale of the Indian Mafia

The Jaipur Literature Festival, known for its vibrant celebration of literature and culture, recently made its mark in Spain by celebrating the 1^st edition of JLF Valladolid in 2023. Among the myriad sessions that captivated audiences, one stood out for its exploration of the gripping novel and OTT series Sacred Games, written by Vikram Chandra.

Sacred Games is set in the underbelly of Mumbai, weaving together elements of crime, politics, and spirituality. As the characters navigate through the complexities of the city’s underworld, the narrative explores themes of power, morality, and the human condition.

At JLF Valladolid, attendees had the opportunity to listen to Chandra speak about the book and the highly-watched series. From discussions on character development to dissecting the socio-political landscape depicted in the novel, the session offered invaluable insights into the creative genius behind Sacred Games. The popularity of the novel was further fuelled by its adaptation into a highly acclaimed Netflix series. With its stellar cast including the likes of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saif Ali Khan, and Radhika Apte, complimented by an immersive storytelling method, the show brought Chandra’s narrative to life on screen, captivating audiences worldwide.

The visuals did a brilliant job in portraying the mysterious and mystifying theme that was penned by Chandra. I don’t think anyone can forget Gaitonde’s first phone call to Sartaj in which he addressed him as Sardarji  in the gangster/mob boss trope that only Nawazuddin can portray oh so well!

In a world where storytelling transcends borders, Sacred Games continues to leave an indelible mark on readers and viewers alike. With both the book and the series serving as athway to new age literature and cinema, Sacred Games is a must read for anyone looking for an edge-of-your-seat experience.

This June, from the 13th to the 16th, anticipate the grand return of JLF to Spain, bringing with it a plethora of sessions poised to explore captivating subjects, alongside a multitude of other enriching experiences!