Squid Game Review: Why India’s Audience is Obsessed with This Korean Thriller

When Squid Game dropped on Netflix in September 2021, no one could have predicted the global storm it would create. From South Korea to San Francisco, the world watched in awe—and India was no exception. Within days, Squid Game topped charts in India, dominating conversations on social media, in classrooms, and even at office watercoolers.

But what is it about this Korean thriller that resonated so deeply with Indian audiences? In this Squid Game review, we explore what makes the show a gripping, brutal, and strangely relatable watch—one that has left viewers thinking long after the final game ended.

What Is Squid Game Review About?

Squid Game follows Seong Gi-hun, a financially struggling man, who joins a mysterious survival game to win a ₩45.6 billion prize (approx. ₹285 crore). Along with 455 other desperate contestants, he competes in deadly versions of childhood games—like “Red Light, Green Light”—where losing doesn’t mean going home, but dying on the spot.

Each episode raises the stakes, tests human morality, and digs deep into the social inequalities that push people to the edge. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game is a chilling, adrenaline-packed drama that combines suspense, emotion, and raw commentary on society.

Why Squid Game Struck a Chord with Indian Viewers

1. Relatable Class Struggles and Financial Insecurity

The economic divide shown in Squid Game hits home for many Indian viewers. The show’s depiction of debt, poverty, job loss, and desperation mirrors real-life challenges that millions in India face daily.

• Themes of unemployment, loans, and inequality felt familiar to Indian audiences
• The idea of being trapped in a system with no escape deeply resonated

2. Survival Games with a Dark Twist

India’s youth, already familiar with reality shows and intense competition (think Roadies or Bigg Boss), found the survival-game format of Squid Game both exciting and horrifying. The blend of innocence (childhood games) with deathly consequences was a concept that immediately grabbed attention.

• Nostalgic games turned into nightmare scenarios
• Edge-of-your-seat tension in every episode

3. Strong Emotional Character Arcs

From Gi-hun’s journey of redemption to Ali’s heartbreaking loyalty, every character in Squid Game feels real and layered. Indian viewers connected with the personal struggles, sacrifices, and flawed humanity of the participants.

• Ali’s story moved Indian audiences deeply due to its immigrant parallels
• Ji-yeong and Sae-byeok’s bond was both powerful and heartbreaking

4. Social Commentary That Feels Familiar

Squid Game doesn’t just entertain—it critiques capitalism, classism, and exploitation. These are not foreign concepts to Indian viewers, who often see such themes play out in everyday life. The show’s message about how the poor are pitted against each other for the amusement of the rich feels eerily real.

• Sharp social commentary on how society treats the underprivileged
• Themes of survival vs. humanity that spark reflection

What Makes Squid Game a Standout K-Drama

1. Visually Striking Set Design

The show’s color palette—think bright pinks, greens, and eerie yellows—contrasts shockingly with its violent themes. The surreal, maze-like sets and oversized playgrounds add a nightmarish feel that’s hard to forget.

• Iconic costumes and sets became viral globally
• The doll in Red Light, Green Light is now a cultural reference

2. Global Yet Culturally Rooted

Despite its international appeal, Squid Game remains uniquely Korean. It blends Korean folklore, traditional games, and societal commentary in a way that educates and entertains. Indian viewers appreciated the cultural nuances while enjoying the universal themes.

• Korean elements introduced Indian audiences to new cultural insights
• Proved that language isn’t a barrier when the story is compelling

3. Unpredictable Plot and Brutal Realism

The show constantly subverts expectations. No character is safe. No episode predictable. That brutal unpredictability made Indian fans binge-watch all nine episodes in a day.

• High-stakes suspense and emotional gut-punches
• No hero immunity—every character is vulnerable

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Why the Squid Game Craze Took Over India

1. Social Media Virality

From Instagram reels to memes on Twitter, Squid Game became an online sensation. Indian creators jumped on trends, creating viral content around the show’s themes, games, and characters.

• #SquidGame trended for weeks across Indian social platforms
• Diwali parties and college events even featured Squid Game themes

2. Dubbed Versions and Accessibility

Netflix made the show widely accessible in India with English and Hindi dubbing, along with subtitles in multiple regional languages. This widened its appeal beyond just metro audiences.

• Hindi-dubbed version helped non-English speaking fans enjoy the series
• Easy access contributed to pan-India popularity

3. Universal Themes with Local Resonance

Squid Game touches on issues that are local, global, and human—inequality, desperation, and the will to survive. In India, where these issues are part of everyday conversation, the drama hit harder.

Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Squid Game is more than a survival thriller—it’s a mirror to modern society. With its brutal honesty, visual brilliance, and emotionally gripping story, it delivers a powerful message wrapped in suspense and spectacle.

Watch it if you love:
✔️ Intense psychological thrillers
✔️ Deep social commentary
✔️ Unpredictable plotlines
✔️ Character-driven storytelling
✔️ Thought-provoking endings

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Where to Watch

You can stream Squid Game on Netflix India with language options including Hindi, English, and Korean with subtitles.

👉 Watch on Netflix

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