Sudhir Mishra Reacts to Adolescence Becoming the Top Show on Netflix India

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who is known for his films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Serious Men, recently shared his surprise about the Netflix series Adolescence becoming the number one show in India. Mishra, who has a reputation for making realistic and impactful films, posted on social media questioning why the show had become so popular in India. According to him, Adolescence doesn’t follow the usual storytelling rules that many Indian audiences prefer. (ALSO READ: Elon Musk Responds to Claims of “Anti-White Propaganda” in Netflix’s Adolescence Series)

Sudhir Mishra’s Reaction to Adolescence’s Success

Sudhir Mishra’s reaction came after the series took the top spot on Netflix India. He pointed out that the show’s slower pace and unconventional style go against what Indian viewers typically enjoy. On April 1, 2025, Sudhir Mishra made a tweet on X questioning the unexpected success of the Netflix series Adolescence, which had become the number one show in India. He expressed surprise that the show, which doesn’t follow conventional storytelling rules, had gained such popularity among Indian audiences.

Adolescence is a four-part limited series directed by Philip Barantini, starring Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper. The story follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a schoolmate, and looks at how this affects his family. The show has been praised for its unique cinematography, where each scene is shot in one continuous take. This style of filming is one of the things that sets Adolescence apart from other shows.

Despite his surprise, Sudhir Mishra acknowledged the show’s quality and praised it, especially after seeing glowing reviews from other filmmakers like Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur. Sudhir Mishra clarified that he didn’t watch the show just because of positive reviews from the West, but because his fellow filmmakers were recommending it. He even said that while he liked Adolescence, he enjoyed Better Call Saul even more.

Sudhir Mishra’s surprise at the success of Adolescence is an important point in the ongoing conversation about changing tastes in Indian entertainment. Traditionally, Indian audiences have preferred shows and films with fast-paced plots, action, and dramatic moments. But Adolescence is a slower, more thoughtful show that focuses on character development and emotional depth. This is a big shift from the usual entertainment Indian viewers are used to.

The success of Adolescence suggests that viewers in India might be ready for something different. With more people watching content on streaming platforms like Netflix, there is an increasing interest in shows that offer slower, deeper narratives rather than the quick thrills of mainstream cinema and TV. Shows like Adolescence are proving that audiences are open to more complex storytelling.

Sudhir Mishra’s comments also hint at a change in how people in India are consuming content. As platforms like Netflix continue to grow, they give Indian viewers access to shows from all over the world. This has allowed shows like Adolescence to reach a wide audience, even in India. It’s a sign that the types of stories Indian viewers are interested in are becoming more varied and diverse.