Netflix’s first Tamil series of 2025, The Game: You Never Play Alone, arrives with a bold promise to tackle crucial social issues within the hyper-connected world of the gaming industry. Early reviews for the seven-part thriller, starring Shraddha Srinath, are mostly mixed. While the show is being praised for its relevant themes and Srinath’s standout performance, its execution is often criticized for a lack of depth, predictable plotting, and noticeable production flaws.
The series has been praised for its social commentary and its attempt to explore pressing issues such as modern feminism, sexism, and misogyny in the workplace. However, many critics feel it should have explored these themes more deeply than it does.
It also attempts to shed light on the darker side and power dynamics of a hyper-connected digital world. Special praise has been directed toward Srinath, who captures her character’s vulnerabilities while maintaining a guarded exterior. She delivers a smart and nuanced performance as Kavya, an overworked yet strong and independent woman.
The same, however, cannot be said for the rest of the cast. Santhosh Prathap fares well as the supportive husband, while Chandini Tamilarasan’s cop role could have used more spark.
The show’s overall narrative has also drawn criticism for subtly framing a cautionary tale that suggests danger for women who are “too independent.” Weak editing further undercuts the experience.
On the positive side, The Game maintains a crisp pace, giving each major character adequate screen time. But by the time the finale arrives, the story begins to falter, and the final twists fail to deliver any real surprises.
Some subplots, such as Inspector Bhanumathi’s forced domestic struggles and Kavya’s niece Tara’s online dangers, feel forced.
The final verdict: The Game is a passable crime thriller worth watching primarily for Shraddha Srinath’s performance, even if the twists are predictable. You can stream it now on Netflix.
Check out some of the early reviews for The Game below!
#ShraddhaSrinath and #SantoshPrathap anchor a pulpy thriller about gamers and scammers.
Read Shilajit Mitra’s review of #TheGameYouNeverPlayAlone here. https://t.co/Ky2V1IoheM
— The Hollywood Reporter India (@THRIndia_) October 2, 2025
#FPEntertainment: Netflix’s ‘The Game: You Never Play Alone’ Review: Sharp, engaging and immersive@ApplauseSocial @nairsameer @SegalDeepak@CheruvalathP @RajeshMSelva @ShraddhaSrinath@ActorSanthosh @itvstudios @Netflix_INSouth
by @lachmi0809 https://t.co/Isqyx1dABp
— Firstpost (@firstpost) October 2, 2025
"Shraddha Srinath is an apt casting choice, played the over-worked, often over-wrought Kavya with intelligence and courage," writes @nandiniramnath.
Read full review:https://t.co/EhJKMDWNIR
Via @TheReel_in pic.twitter.com/lzAOVVM9AU
— Scroll.in (@scroll_in) October 2, 2025
The Game: You Never Play Alone Review: Leaves Everything to Be Desired#TheGameYouNeverPlayAlone #ShraddhaSrinath #SanthoshPrathap #Crime #Thriller #Review https://t.co/kHyFcKzFpx
— Leisure Byte (@LeisureByte) October 2, 2025
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