Mumbai, April 2, 2025 – Renowned Indian filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has sparked a heated debate with his recent comments on the unexpected popularity of Netflix’s British miniseries Adolescence, which has claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix India. Known for his critically acclaimed works like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Chameli, Mishra took to X to express his surprise and admiration, questioning how a slow-burn drama could captivate Indian audiences, a demographic traditionally thought to favor fast-paced narratives.
In his post, 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 taught by bad scriptwriting schools. It spirals down instead of soaring up. It’s the best news in years.” His statement has ignited discussions about evolving viewer preferences and the state of storytelling in India.
Adolescence, a four-part series created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and directed by Philip Barantini, premiered on Netflix on March 13, 2025. The show, filmed in a groundbreaking single-take format per episode, follows the emotional unraveling of a family after 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is accused of murdering a classmate. With powerful performances from Graham, Cooper, and Erin Doherty, the series tackles heavy themes like toxic masculinity, social media’s dark influence, and adolescent mental health—topics that have resonated globally, amassing over 66 million views.
Mishra’s critique isn’t a dismissal but a celebration of this shift. He later clarified that he watched Adolescence after recommendations from fellow filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur, emphasizing its universal appeal. “I saw it because @mehtahansal and @shekharkapur were raving about it. It’s one of those rare shows loved simultaneously across the Netflix universe,” he added, distancing his view from claims that its success in India stemmed solely from Western hype.
The filmmaker’s comments have divided opinions. Some fans on X argue that Adolescence’s success signals a maturing Indian audience hungry for nuanced storytelling, while others see it as an anomaly driven by global buzz. Mishra, however, views it as a hopeful sign for creators. Responding to a user, he wrote, “Good taste should not be discarded… Don’t dumb it down, bring the public up. If you want to compete with the rest of the world, that is.”
As Adolescence continues to dominate Netflix India’s charts, Mishra’s remarks highlight a broader conversation about the future of Indian cinema and OTT content. Could this be a turning point for slow-burn narratives in a market dominated by high-octane dramas? For now, the series—and Mishra’s bold take—are keeping the spotlight firmly on Netflix.
Where to Watch: Adolescence is streaming exclusively on Netflix, available to subscribers worldwide.
Keywords: Sudhir Mishra, Adolescence Netflix, Netflix India, Stephen Graham, Jack Thorne, Philip Barantini, slow-burn drama, Indian audience, storytelling norms, OTT trends.
Leave a Reply