Indian Filmmakers Can’t Stop Praising This New Netflix Series
Among Netflix’s latest releases, a British miniseries has captured widespread attention, drawing praise from critics and audiences alike. The show has also struck a chord with Indian filmmakers.
Among Netflix’s latest releases, a British miniseries has captured widespread attention, drawing praise from critics and audiences alike. With its unconventional narrative style and deeply immersive storytelling, the show has sparked discussions about pushing creative boundaries in television. The show has also struck a chord with Indian filmmakers, who admire its audacity yet lament the creative constraints they face in their own industry. ‘Adolescence’, the British crime drama, has received glowing endorsements from veteran Indian filmmakers including Shekhar Kapur, Sudhir Mishra and Hansal Mehta.
Shekhar Kapur praises Adolescence
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur took to social media to commend Adolescence, calling it a game-changer in the world of television storytelling. “I’m not the first one to say this but Adolescence from Netflix redefines what a truly great series can achieve. It defies the regular 3-act structure of cause and effect and plunges you deeply into the minds of the characters and allows you to reflect upon yourself. It’s next-level storytelling. Watch it,” Kapur wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
I’m not the first one to say this but #Adolescence from #Netflix redefines what truly great series can achieve. Its defies the regular 3 act structure of cause and effect and plunges you deeply into the minds of the characters and allows you to reflect upon yourself ..
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) March 18, 2025
It’s…
Sudhir Mishra echoed Kapur’s praise but also pointed out a crucial distinction—such experimental storytelling is rarely permitted in the Indian entertainment industry. He argued that for Indian filmmakers, the only viable avenue for such creative freedom is through independent films.
“Nobody will let us do something like that . One should do it as an independent film . Something of our own which is wanders , then stops , digs and goes where the smell takes us.”
Debate over OTT censorship in India
Kapur further fueled the conversation by questioning whether contemporary streaming platforms in India would allow him to make a film like Bandit Queen under the same conditions he had decades ago. He also criticised Amazon Prime Video for censoring and altering the OTT version of Bandit Queen without his permission. “I wonder, Sudhir Mishra, if OTT platforms would let me make Bandit Queen the way I made it years ago. Bandit Queen on Amazon Prime is unrecognisable from my film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. And yet it carries my name as director. And no one asked me! Are we lesser beings than Western directors? Would they have the guts to cut a Chris Nolan film without his permission?” he questioned.
I wonder @IAmSudhirMishra if OTT platforms would let me make #BanditQueen the way I made it years ago. The Bandit Queen on #AmazonPrime is unrecognisable from my film. Someone has cut it beyond recognition. And yet it carries my name as Director. And no one asked me! Are we… https://t.co/LoYtkddlvp
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) March 18, 2025
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta joins the conversation
Adding his voice to the debate, filmmaker Hansal Mehta expressed similar frustrations over the lack of space for bold storytelling in India. “That is the point I’ve been trying to make @shekharkapur. Are we here to foster superior storytelling or to produce cattle-feed ? Leave the good stories, the innovative storytelling, the silences, the slow burn, the experiments, the audacity, the budgets to the superior minds from the west. Welcome back to the days of colonisation.”
That is the point I’ve been trying to make @shekharkapur . Are we here to foster superior storytelling or to produce cattle-feed ? Leave the good stories, the innovative storytelling, the silences, the slow burn, the experiments, the audacity, the budgets to the superior minds… https://t.co/1hO7opcxs5
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) March 18, 2025
Hansal Mehta praises Adolescence
Previously, Mehta had posted a long note praising 'Adolescence', calling it “perhaps the best TV show I’ve seen in years.” He described it as a gripping exploration of crime, misogyny, bullying, and the human condition, disguised as a procedural drama.
“The execution is beyond awe-inspiring, and the casting is impeccable. In a country like India, the idea of such a show would likely be deemed unsuitable for commissioning—considered too niche, something that wouldn’t have wide appeal. As a result, it would never get made,” Mehta noted.
‘Adolescence’ on @NetflixIndia is perhaps the best TV show I’ve seen in years. An exploration of men, misogyny, and murder. Of boys, bullying, and beyond. Of crime and misdemeanour. Of family and failure. It is a universal story of our times. It scares you, shakes you up, and… pic.twitter.com/0klCgRQ0iB
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) March 16, 2025
The filmmaker later followed up with another post, expressing how deeply the final two episodes had affected him, particularly from the perspective of a parent.
“I was devastated by Adolescence on @netflix —so much so that I had to write this follow-up post about it, particularly about the final two episodes, Episodes 3 and 4. They leave an impact beyond the procedural, outside any semblance of mystery, and beyond any genre-defined cliché. As a parent, it left me terrified, concerned, and introspective—all at once and for a long time to come. As a filmmaker, it made me look up in awe at the creators of this show, including the writers, director, actors, grips, gaffers, sparks, and so many others who made this absolute banger even possible. It left me envious, nervous, and energized. As a parent, it had me terrified. As a human being, it compelled me to look at people with greater empathy, to understand life with greater nuance, and to see beyond the black and white. I wanted to hug my kids. To tell them it’s alright. To tell myself I can do better. Adolescence is truly an achievement. Just give it every award this season already.”
About Adolescence
Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, 'Adolescence' features a stellar cast, including Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Owen Cooper, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley, and Jo Hartley. Directed by Philip Barantini, the four-part miniseries premiered on Netflix on March 13 and has since been lauded for its daring storytelling, intricate character work, and unique single-shot execution.
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