In a visually arresting demonstration, a group of journalists and artists from Bengaluru took to the streets dressed as Squid Game guards. The performance, which was captured in a now-viral tape, sparked debate before exposing its actual purpose. The act brought attention to a serious urban issue while drawing inspiration from the well-liked Netflix series.
Street Squid Game in Bengaluru: Viral Video

Wearing bright red suits and black masks, the group moves in uncanny unison through Bengaluru’s pothole-filled streets in a video that is rapidly gaining popularity on social media. Before you realize it is all too real, it appears to be a scene from the popular Netflix series Squid Game. The camera follows these fictitious guards as they march by open drains and damaged sidewalks in the now-viral movie, occasionally tripping over these urban infrastructure dangers.
There is no mistaking the visual shorthand. This is more than simply a cultural allusion to Squid Game, the dystopian South Korean television series that captivated and terrified audiences around the world in 2021. The reel flips the power dynamic, making the city itself the game arena with genuine obstacles and regular people as the players. This was a dynamic, legendary protest moment. The reel was the result of a collaboration between independent journalists and theater professionals.
The Internet Participates in Demonstrations Against Failing Infrastructure
Despite being genuinely disheartened by the city’s infrastructure, the internet took notice of the clip and expressed admiration. One person said, “Ha ha ha people, this is epic.” Another wrote, “Come to Gurgaon, we are best in the world,” which seemed to be a sarcastic remark about the state of civic decay across the country. Another person remarked, “What an idea to oppose.” Some demanded sequels, writing things like “Need Squid Game Kochi version” and “Please visit Delhi for the final game.”
The weariness of living in a city where getting to your destination every morning is a struggle was recognized by comments such as “Everyday struggle” and “Give them a raise.”
Perhaps since most of us are already accustomed to the ridiculous routine of avoiding potholes, hopping over drains, and silently wondering how long we can continue before the city beats us, there is something unnerving about how familiar this clip feels.
