Bengaluru journalists stage 'Skid' Game to highlight 'appalling infra' for pedestrians. Watch

The 26-second clip, both dramatic and darkly comical, captured the anxiety and frustration of the city's residents and garnered more than three lakh views in a few hours. (Image credit: @baadalvirus/X)

An artist and a group of journalists recently staged a high-concept performance in Bengaluru to highlight the "appalling" state of the city's pedestrian infrastructure. The creative protest, which mimicked scenes from the popular Netflix series Squid Game, was reportedly filmed near St. John’s Hospital, one of the city's busiest stretches. The video was meant to shine a light on the challenging and often dangerous conditions pedestrians encounter daily.

Dressed as characters from the popular series, the performers--including artist Badal Nanjundaswamy, photo editor Anantha Subramanyam K, journalists Anusha Ravi Sood, Prakash D Rampur, and Yasir Mushtaq--navigated a treacherous obstacle course of cracked pavements, loose rocks, exposed cables, and gaping holes in the footpath. Challenges included perilous leaps over open drains, mimicking the tension and absurdity of daily commutes for anyone attempting to use Bengaluru's footpaths. The 26-second clip, both dramatic and darkly comical, captured the anxiety and frustration of the city's residents and garnered more than three lakh views in a few hours.

Its Skid game for Namma Bengaluru Journalists! @BBMPCOMM #foootpath #stjohnshospital @anusharavi10 @Ananthaforu @path2shah @Prakash94805561 pic.twitter.com/MhObk128g7

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— baadal nanjundaswamy (@baadalvirus) July 24, 2025

Social media outcry and calls for accountability
The protest resonated strongly on social media, drawing a mix of appreciation and exasperation from citizens. Many users shared their own experiences and criticised the state of Bengaluru's infrastructure.

"Nice one!" commented X user Vijay (@Vic_Vij). "I thought the best footpaths are in Electronic City where one can practice Steeplechase instead of at the SAI hostel. There are good foothpaths and subways near Nrupthanga road, but no one uses them. Have the journalists checked them? Why not have a Squid Game in each area and determine where you keep the maximum lives intact."

Another user, Ranganath Kini (@codematix) said she found the activity both "hilarious and shameful". Addressing the city's civic body, BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), he wrote, "You plan underground tunnels, sky tower and third airport when you can’t even have proper surface roads and drains! Talk about priorities!"

The deep-seated frustration among citizens was evident in comments like that from Avi (@aviraj1988), who lamented the "price of democracy." This user highlighted the paradox of paying significant taxes yet enduring a "worse lifestyle" due to the neglected urban environment.