Renowned filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has expressed surprise over the British crime drama miniseries ‘Adolescence‘ securing the number one spot on Netflix India. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mishra remarked, “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 taught by bad scriptwriting schools. It spirals down instead of soaring up. It’s the best news in years.”
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Inspired by Fellow Filmmakers’ Praise
Mishra’s interest in ‘Adolescence’ was piqued by endorsements from esteemed directors Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur. Responding to a user on X, Mishra noted, “I saw it because @mehtahansal and @shekharkapur were raving about it.”
Shekhar Kapur and Hansal Mehta Laud ‘Adolescence’
Shekhar Kapur praised the series, stating, “Adolescence from Netflix redefines what truly great series can achieve. It defies the regular 3-act structure of cause and effect and plunges you deeply into the minds of the characters.” Hansal Mehta echoed similar sentiments, describing ‘Adolescence’ as “perhaps the best TV show I’ve seen in years,” highlighting its exploration of themes like misogyny, bullying, and crime.
Debate Over Creative Freedom in Indian Filmmaking
The acclaim for ‘Adolescence’ has ignited discussions among Indian filmmakers regarding creative liberties. Kapur questioned whether OTT platforms in India would permit the creation of a film like ‘Bandit Queen’ today, revealing that its version on Amazon Prime had been altered without his consent. He queried, “Are we lesser beings than Western directors? Would they have the guts to cut a Chris Nolan film without his permission?”
Mishra concurred, suggesting that such ambitious storytelling is often restricted in India, advocating for independent films as a medium for creative exploration.
Hansal Mehta on the Necessity for Bold Storytelling
Hansal Mehta emphasized the need for innovative narratives, questioning, “Are we here to foster superior storytelling or to produce cattle-feed? Leave the good stories, the innovative storytelling, the silences, the slow burn, the experiments, the audacity… to the superior minds from the west.”
About ‘Adolescence’
‘Adolescence’ is a four-part limited series that delves into the life of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by newcomer Owen Cooper, who is arrested for the murder of a schoolmate. The series explores themes of casual misogyny and the impact of social media on youth. Directed by Philip Barantini and co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, ‘Adolescence’ premiered on Netflix on March 13, 2025, and quickly ascended to the platform’s top spot globally.
The success of ‘Adolescence’ in India has sparked a broader conversation about audience preferences and the scope for unconventional storytelling within the Indian entertainment industry. Filmmakers like Sudhir Mishra, Shekhar Kapur, and Hansal Mehta continue to advocate for greater creative freedom, aspiring to produce content that challenges traditional norms and resonates universally.
By – Kartik
