Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 31, 2017)

Saif Ali Khan's Sacred Games has been the object of curiosity ever since it was announced in June this year. After all, it marks video-streaming platform Netflix's first original series for India, besides seeing directors Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane helming the thriller. While initial buzz suggested that the adaptation of Vikram Chandra's novel by the same name would be an eight-episode-long finite series, mid-day has learnt that the narrative will be spread over four seasons now.

A source close to production reveals, "The series is based on the novel, but the plot has been developed to suit the visual medium. The makers are now looking at locking in four seasons."

The source further adds that the eight episodes that are currently being shot in Mumbai will constitute the first season. Most popular web series follow the norm of having the narrative divided over a few seasons. We hear, the officials at Netflix as well as Kashyap and Motwane felt Sacred Games too would benefit from such a format. While retaining the essence of the bestseller, scriptwriters Varun Grover, Smita Singh and Vasant Nath have also added new characters and sub-plots to the series. "It will take time to establish these new characters as well as sub-plots. They will be explored over the course of the seasons." Officials at Netflix refused to comment.