Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra Critiques Netflix’s Latest Viral Series Adolescence
Updated on: 03 April, 2025 06:02 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Sudhir Mishra
Veteran filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, known for thought-provoking films like Dharavi (1992), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Chameli (2004), and Serious Men (2020), recently took to social media to express his curiosity—and slight scepticism—about the overwhelming success of Netflix’s latest sensation, Adolescence. The four-part limited series has rapidly climbed to the No. 1 spot in India, a feat that left Mishra questioning the audience’s sudden love for a show that seemingly breaks every traditional storytelling rule.
His comment sparked widespread discussion among cinephiles and critics alike. While some agreed with his surprise, others defended the show’s position, pointing out that its global success and positive Western reviews had likely influenced Indian audiences to embrace it.
Mishra admitted that he wasn’t initially drawn to the series but was eventually persuaded to watch it after seeing glowing reviews from fellow filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur. This highlights a significant trend in today’s streaming landscape—audience preferences are increasingly shaped by critical acclaim and online discourse rather than just traditional storytelling norms.
Also Read: 7 Thrilling Serial Killer Documentaries on Netflix
One social media user echoed this sentiment, responding, "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."
Mishra, however, refuted this claim, clarifying, "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 the way, I liked Better Call Saul even more."
Also Read: Loved Adolescence? Here are some other suspenseful dramas just like that!
It stars the acclaimed actor Stephen Graham alongside breakout star Owen Cooper. The show is collaboratively written and created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne.
The series follows the tragic tale of a family torn apart after 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper) is arrested for the murder of a girl at his school. Adolescence delves into casual misogyny, the influence of social media on youth, and the psychological impact of crime on families.
Each scene is shot in one take, adding an intense, immersive feel to the storytelling. Since its release last month, Adolescence has been met with widespread critical acclaim, eventually clinching the No. 1 spot worldwide on Netflix. Its hard-hitting themes and unique cinematography have set it apart from the conventional binge-worthy content on the platform.
Also Read: "Who Has Questioned Bollywood These Days Apart From Kangana Ranaut And Me?", Asks Vivek Agnihotri
The show’s impact has extended beyond just viewership numbers. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has endorsed an initiative allowing Netflix to stream Adolescence for free in secondary schools across the UK. The move underscores the show’s significance in sparking discussions about teenage behaviour, societal expectations, and the darker aspects of adolescence.
Sudhir Mishra’s Social Media Comment
In a candid post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, 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 taught by bad script writing schools. It spirals down instead of soaring up. It’s the best news in years.”His comment sparked widespread discussion among cinephiles and critics alike. While some agreed with his surprise, others defended the show’s position, pointing out that its global success and positive Western reviews had likely influenced Indian audiences to embrace it.
Mishra admitted that he wasn’t initially drawn to the series but was eventually persuaded to watch it after seeing glowing reviews from fellow filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur. This highlights a significant trend in today’s streaming landscape—audience preferences are increasingly shaped by critical acclaim and online discourse rather than just traditional storytelling norms.
Also Read: 7 Thrilling Serial Killer Documentaries on Netflix
One social media user echoed this sentiment, responding, "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."
Mishra, however, refuted this claim, clarifying, "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 the way, I liked Better Call Saul even more."
Also Read: Loved Adolescence? Here are some other suspenseful dramas just like that!
About Adolescence
Adolescence is a four-part limited series that has taken the world by storm. The drama features a gripping storyline, powerful performances, and a unique filming style that has contributed to its meteoric rise.It stars the acclaimed actor Stephen Graham alongside breakout star Owen Cooper. The show is collaboratively written and created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne.
The series follows the tragic tale of a family torn apart after 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper) is arrested for the murder of a girl at his school. Adolescence delves into casual misogyny, the influence of social media on youth, and the psychological impact of crime on families.
Each scene is shot in one take, adding an intense, immersive feel to the storytelling. Since its release last month, Adolescence has been met with widespread critical acclaim, eventually clinching the No. 1 spot worldwide on Netflix. Its hard-hitting themes and unique cinematography have set it apart from the conventional binge-worthy content on the platform.
Also Read: "Who Has Questioned Bollywood These Days Apart From Kangana Ranaut And Me?", Asks Vivek Agnihotri
The show’s impact has extended beyond just viewership numbers. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has endorsed an initiative allowing Netflix to stream Adolescence for free in secondary schools across the UK. The move underscores the show’s significance in sparking discussions about teenage behaviour, societal expectations, and the darker aspects of adolescence.
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