Anurag Kashyap Praises Netflix’s Adolescence While Criticizing Netflix India calling it "Hypocrite"

Anurag Kashyap, Indian renowned filmmaker well known for his candid storytelling and bold choices in cinema, has expressed deep admiration over British Netflix drama Adolescence. Kashyap heaped praises over the series through a heartfelt post on Instagram, appreciating how it took its daring narrative and performances by actors Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham. He particularly pointed out the extent of preparation that has allowed the shooting of each episode in a single take, which he believes is enviable regarding the level of commitment.

However, he included the accolades with a scathing critique of Netflix's approach to content in India. He accused Netflix India of hypocrisy, implying that Netflix-top brass lacked the courage to sign up for bold and honest telling within the Indian market. He added that such bold work is baited for more commercially viable and audience-friendly material in the country, killing creativity. 

Not the first time, he raised voice against the direction, in which Indian film is moving. Earlier this month, he took a public swipe at the industry for being obsessed with high-budget fantasies while claiming that the deterioration of the industry was due to insecure actors and lack of creativity. Sick of this environment, he finally moved to South India in search of creative space. 

Kashyap has his adolescent days filled with upheaval. He has revealed at various points about traumatic incidents from school years concerning being sexually abused by seniors. These occurrences have had a strong effect on his storytelling as it often reflects rebellion and various aspects of youth. In addition, he is involved in producing movies like Udaan, which narrates the plight of a teen against authoritarian parenting, thus showcasing his dedication towards real stories happening around adolescents. 

Kashyap's statements made at such times also highlight how much those cages trouble filmmakers in India. He still dreams of the day when their imagination might run riot through the telling of very difficult topics without being viewed through the lens of censorship or commercial failure. His praises for "Adolescence" remind exactly that kind of storytelling which is both fearless and human, and perhaps someday will find a way for such Indian platforms to follow.