Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra baffled by Netflix's Adolescence topping charts in India: “It breaks every rule”

Dubai: Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has admitted he's completely baffled by the soaring popularity of Netflix’s limited series Adolescence, which recently became the most-watched show in India.

In a brutally honest social media post, Mishra questioned how a slow-burning, unconventional drama managed to captivate audiences in a country that typically prefers faster-paced, formulaic storytelling.

Mishra—celebrated for films such as Dharavi (1992), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Chameli (2004), and Serious Men (2020)—revealed that he only tuned into Adolescence after glowing recommendations from fellow filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur. But despite the buzz, the series left him puzzled.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mishra wrote: “How is Adolescence the No. 1 show on Netflix in India? Everything we’ve been taught about storytelling goes against it. Indians aren’t generally fans of slow-burners, and this show breaks almost every rule taught in bad scriptwriting schools. It descends rather than elevates. Still, this is the best news in years.”

While his remarks appear critical, Mishra also seemed to appreciate the show’s boldness and its ability to defy expectations. He acknowledged its global success, calling it “one of those rare shows that garnered love from viewers across the entire Netflix ecosystem.” He added that while Adolescence didn’t work for him personally, he found Better Call Saul far more compelling.

Directed by Philip Barantini, Adolescence is a four-part limited series starring Stephen Graham and newcomer Owen Cooper. It follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Cooper), who is arrested for the murder of a schoolgirl, leading to a powerful exploration of toxic masculinity, casual misogyny, and the dark influence of social media on teens.

What sets the series apart is its daring cinematic technique—every scene unfolds in a single, continuous take, a stylistic choice that’s earned it widespread acclaim.

Its cultural impact extends beyond streaming charts. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed an initiative to stream Adolescence for free in secondary schools across the UK, ensuring teenagers can access and engage with its thought-provoking themes.

As Adolescence continues its meteoric rise, Mishra’s reaction has sparked broader conversations about shifting viewer sensibilities—and what today’s audiences are truly looking for in a story.