Netflix’s “Adolescence”in India: A Darker Twist?
Netflix’s latest Indian original, Adolescence, has stirred the pot with its bold and unflinching take on the teenage experience in modern India. Far from the sugar-coated, pastel-tinted coming-of-age stories audiences are used to, this gritty drama dives headfirst into the underbelly of youth — revealing a much darker, and arguably more realistic, portrayal of growing up.
Directed by emerging filmmaker Anvita Deshmukh and produced by the creators of Delhi Crime, Adolescence is a multi-episode series set in the bustling yet claustrophobic lanes of a tier-two city. At the center are five teenagers — each dealing with a heavy mix of peer pressure, family dysfunction, substance use, sexuality, gender identity, mental health, and a broken education system.
What has captured viewers and critics alike is not just the show’s rawness, but its refusal to romanticize trauma. The series explores issues that are often taboo or brushed under the carpet in Indian society. From self-harm to online bullying, from caste-based discrimination to suppressed queer identities, Adolescence opens up conversations that many still find uncomfortable.
Each episode is told from the point of view of one character, weaving a mosaic of pain, rebellion, and quiet resilience. One of the most talked-about episodes follows a 16-year-old boy grappling with the pressure to become the “man” of the house after his father’s suicide, while another focuses on a girl whose aspirations to become a dancer are crushed by her mother’s insistence on an arranged marriage. These stories are told with brutal honesty and cinematic flair, enhanced by the haunting score and evocative cinematography.
Critics have praised Adolescence for its layered storytelling and nuanced performances, particularly by its young cast — most of whom are newcomers. The show also features seasoned actors like Shefali Shah and Manoj Bajpayee in mentor and parental roles, grounding the narrative in powerful emotional gravitas.
However, the show has not escaped controversy. Some viewers have taken to social media to accuse the series of “overexaggerating” the negative aspects of youth. Others argue that it glorifies rebellion and depicts teachers and parents in too harsh a light. A few conservative groups have even petitioned Netflix India, demanding that the show be taken down for “damaging traditional Indian values.”
But for many, especially Gen Z viewers and mental health advocates, Adolescence is a necessary wake-up call. “This is the most honest depiction of what it feels like to be a teenager today,” tweeted one user. “It’s painful, yes. But it’s real.”
Film analyst Ruchi Sinha sees this as a significant turning point for Indian storytelling on global platforms. “We’re seeing a shift from idealism to realism,” she says. “Shows like Adolescence reflect the complexities of Indian society rather than offering a filtered version of it.”
While Adolescence might be too intense for some, its impact is undeniable. It forces both parents and policymakers to reckon with the realities Indian youth face every day — often silently and alone.
As the conversation continues to unfold online and in schools, one thing is clear: Netflix’s Adolescence has struck a nerve. And in doing so, it may have just rewritten the rules for coming-of-age storytelling in India.
