Netflix’s latest drama series “Adolescence” has quickly garnered significant attention across India, making its way into the streaming platform’s Top 10. However, while viewers praise its raw storytelling and realistic portrayal of teenage experiences, the show has also sparked controversy in Bollywood circles. The debate revolves around its sensitive themes, bold narratives, and the representation of modern Indian youth.
A Bold Narrative on Teenage Life
The Story follows the tumultuous journey of a group of teenagers navigating friendships, family expectations, academic pressure, and personal growth. Set against an urban Indian backdrop, the show presents a candid exploration of topics like mental health, peer pressure, identity struggles, and first love.
The creators aimed to shed light on issues often overlooked in mainstream Indian media. Critics have praised the show for its honest approach, while others argue that its explicit storytelling could be harmful to younger audiences.
Bollywood’s Mixed Reactions
The Bollywood fraternity remains divided over the show. Veteran actors have expressed concerns about the show’s influence on impressionable viewers, emphasizing the need for responsible storytelling. On the other hand, younger artists and filmmakers have applauded its courage in addressing uncomfortable realities.
Prominent Bollywood actor and youth icon Ayushmann Khurrana called the show “a wake-up call” for Indian content creators. Meanwhile, actress Kangana Ranaut criticized it for “glamorizing rebellion” and undermining traditional values.
Success on Netflix India
Despite the controversy, the show has resonated with a large section of viewers. Within days of its release, it climbed into the Netflix India Top 10 list, reflecting its immense popularity. Social media platforms are flooded with discussions about the show’s characters, plot twists, and emotional moments.
Netflix’s data reveals that the series is particularly popular among Gen Z and millennial audiences, who appreciate its relatability and rawness.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap praised the show for its daring storytelling and nuanced execution but criticized Netflix India’s reluctance to support bold projects. He accused Netflix India of hypocrisy and moral corruption, stating that such a series would likely be rejected by the platform’s Indian division
Bollywood Praise:
Actress Alia Bhatt expressed admiration for the show, calling it “perfection” and praising its exceptional storytelling, cinematography, and performances. She shared her thoughts on Instagram, highlighting the palpable energy and emotional impact of the series.
Other Bollywood personalities like Masaba Gupta and Vedang Raina also lauded the show for its inspiring execution and seamless performances
Alia Bhatt’s Impact
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Public Praise for Storytelling: Alia Bhatt expressed her admiration for the series on Instagram, calling it “perfection” and highlighting its exceptional writing, staging, and cinematography. She emphasized the palpable energy and emotional depth of the performances, which she described as “alive, real, raw, and moving”
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Focus on Collaboration and Execution: Her comments celebrated the collective effort of the cast and crew, noting how every department contributed their heart and soul to the project. This acknowledgment has sparked conversations about the importance of teamwork in achieving such high-quality storytelling.
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Feasibility in India: Alia’s praise indirectly fueled debates about whether Indian filmmakers and platforms could produce similarly bold and innovative projects. Her reflections on the show’s execution have led to broader discussions about creative freedom and technical challenges in Bollywood
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Broader Influence
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Other industry figures, like Masaba Gupta, echoed Alia’s sentiments, emphasizing the seamless execution of one-shot episodes and the show’s ability to captivate audiences without relying on conventional or “cringe” content. This collective admiration has amplified discussions about elevating creative standards in Indian cinema
Alia Bhatt’s enthusiastic endorsement has not only highlighted Adolescence as a benchmark for storytelling but also challenged Bollywood to rethink its approach to bold narratives and experimental filmmaking.
The Netflix series Adolescence has ignited a significant debate within Bollywood, primarily due to its exploration of sensitive themes and its innovative storytelling techniques. Here are the specific elements that have sparked discussion:
Themes of Misogyny and Violence
The show delves into the impact of toxic masculinity and misogyny, particularly through its portrayal of young male characters influenced by harmful online ideologies. A notable scene depicts a boy resorting to violence after rejection, which has raised concerns about the normalization of such behavior among impressionable youth in India.
Innovative Storytelling Techniques
Adolescence employs a unique format, with each episode shot in a single continuous take. This artistic choice has been widely praised for enhancing the emotional intensity and realism of the narrative. However, it has also led to discussions about whether Indian filmmakers could replicate such bold storytelling within the constraints of the local industry.
Industry Critiques
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has voiced his admiration for the series while criticizing Bollywood’s focus on commercial success over artistic integrity. He argues that such creative freedom is often stifled in India, suggesting that projects like Adolescence would struggle to find support from major studios. This sentiment was echoed by other industry figures who believe that independent filmmaking may be necessary to achieve similar artistic expression in India.
Read it:
Adolescence (TV Mini Series 2025) – IMDb
Cultural Reflection
The series has prompted reflections on the broader cultural implications of cinema in India, particularly regarding how films influence societal attitudes towards gender and violence. Critics argue that while Adolescence serves as a wake-up call about these issues, it also highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers who wish to address them authentically in an industry often resistant to such narratives.
These elements combined have made Adolescence not just a popular series but also a catalyst for important conversations about the future of storytelling and societal values in Indian cinema.
Looking Ahead
With the show’s success and the ongoing debate, it remains to be seen how creators will address the feedback in potential future seasons. Will Bollywood adapt to this new wave of authentic storytelling, or will the backlash influence upcoming content?
Regardless of the opinions it generates, “Adolescence” has undeniably ignited conversations about the realities of growing up in modern India. As viewers continue to engage with the show, its cultural impact will likely be felt for years to come.
Stay tuned for further updates on the reactions, behind-the-scenes stories, and possible announcements from the creators of “Adolescence”.
