Sudhir Mishra, Chameli filmmaker, questions popularity of Netflix's Adolescence, says Indians ‘are not supposed to like it’

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has questioned the popularity of Netflix’s show Adolescence, which currently holds the top spot in India. He expressed his views on social media, stating that the show’s success contradicts conventional storytelling norms.

Mishra challenges conventional wisdom

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mishra 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.”

Mishra, known for films like Dharavi (1992), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Chameli (2004), and Serious Men (2020), shared that he was influenced to watch the show after recommendations from filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur.

Audience reactions and debate

A social media user commented, “It became the most talked about show in the world and had rave reviews from western critics. So, we already went into it convinced that it is a good show. It is actually good, but as you said, we would have found it difficult to sit thru it if we didn't have this pre-conceived notion.”

Responding to this, Mishra clarified, “No, we didn’t. I saw it because @mehtahansal and @shekharkapur were raving about it. In fact, it’s one of those rare shows which was loved simultaneously across the Netflix universe. By far the way I liked Better Call Saul even more.”

About Adolescence

Adolescence is a four-part limited series starring Stephen Graham and newcomer Owen Cooper. Directed by Philip Barantini, the show was released on Netflix on March 13 and quickly gained global recognition, securing the No. 1 position worldwide.

The series, co-created and written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, follows the story of a family shattered after 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper) is arrested for the murder of a girl at his school. It delves into themes of casual misogyny and social media’s impact on teenagers. The show's unique one-take filming technique has been widely praised.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has supported Netflix’s initiative to offer the drama series for free to secondary schools across the UK, ensuring wider access for young audiences.