- Wednesday, May 07, 2025
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra shares his thoughts on Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ topping the charts in India. He questions its popularity despite defying traditional storytelling norms.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Renowned filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has sparked debate after questioning the success of Netflix India’s latest chart-topping series, Adolescence. Known for his critically acclaimed films like Dharavi (1992), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), and Serious Men (2020), Sudhir took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief over the show’s overwhelming popularity in India.
After being influenced by the glowing reviews of Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur, Sudhir decided to watch Adolescence but was left surprised by its unconventional narrative. Questioning how it became India’s No. 1 show, he wrote:
How come Adolescence is the No 1 show on Netflix india . All conventional wisdom is against it . Indians are not supposed to like slow Burners . It violates every rule of taught by bad script writing schools . It spirals down instead of soaring up . It’s the best news in years.
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) April 1, 2025
His statement immediately triggered discussions among cinephiles and netizens. While some agreed that the show challenges traditional storytelling, others believe its worldwide success played a role in shaping Indian audiences’ perception.
People understand straight forward language now.They rant and don’t react , I read two articles where the writer thinks I am upset cos Adolescence is so loved in India.What I am saying is that conventional wisdom says it shouldn’t be so popular n I am ecstatic that it is .
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) April 2, 2025
A user on X pointed out that many Indians went into the show with preconceived notions due to its international acclaim:
“It became the most talked-about show in the world and had rave reviews from Western critics. We already went into it convinced that it is a good show.”
Sudhir responded by admitting that he was drawn to it only because of the high praise from Mehta and Kapur:
“No, we didn’t. I saw it because @mehtahansal and @shekharkapur were raving about it. In fact, it’s one of those rare shows that was loved simultaneously across the Netflix universe. By the way, I liked Better Call Saul even more.”
Directed by Philip Barantini, Adolescence is a four-part limited series starring Stephen Graham and newcomer Owen Cooper. Released on March 13, the show instantly claimed the No. 1 spot worldwide and has been widely discussed on social media.
Plot: The series follows the story of a family torn apart after 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested for the murder of a girl in his school. It delves into issues like casual misogyny, teenage struggles, and the impact of social media on modern youth.
One of the biggest talking points of the show is its unique one-take cinematography, which has been widely praised by critics.
Adolescence has gained so much traction that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has endorsed a Netflix initiative to stream the show for free in secondary schools across Britain, ensuring that young audiences can engage with its thought-provoking themes.
With the show’s massive success, fans are eagerly awaiting news on a possible second season. The creators have responded to speculation, but there is no official confirmation yet.
