British actor and writer Stephen Graham never expected his latest Netflix series, Adolescence, to make such a strong impact worldwide, let alone in India. The gripping crime drama, which debuted on March 13, has not only dominated Netflix’s global charts but also sparked intense discussion among Indian audiences, leaving Graham surprised.
The four-episode series, shot entirely in single takes, follows the chilling case of 13-year-old Jamie Miller played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a classmate. The show’s raw storytelling and emotional depth have earned praise from critics and viewers alike, but it was the overwhelming response from India that truly caught Graham off guard.
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“I got a text from a mate of mine, telling me how big Adolescence is in India. And my first response was, ‘Hold on… did you say India?! Did I hear you correctly?’” Graham told in an interview. “Apparently, it’s really striking a nerve there.”
Since its release, Adolescence has been widely discussed in India, with renowned filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap, Hansal Mehta, and Sudhir Mishra, along with Bollywood stars including Alia Bhatt, openly applauding the series. Social media is flooded with reactions, with many viewers pointing out its honest portrayal of troubled youth and the societal pressures that contribute to their downfall.
While the show’s creators initially set out to tell a story rooted in British culture, its themes of violence, family, and adolescent struggles have truly resonated across borders. “We never expected this kind of global reaction,” Graham admitted. “It’s like we dropped a stone into a pond, and the ripple effect has been unbelievable.”
Alia Bhatt about Adolescence Instagram Screengrab/ AliaBhatt
Graham, known for his roles in Boiling Point and This Is England, co-created Adolescence with writer Jack Thorne. The idea came to him during a car ride with director Philip Barantini, as they discussed the growing crisis of young boys engaging in violent crimes. “These aren’t hardened criminals, they’re just kids,” Graham said. “We need to start talking about this.”
With Adolescence sparking global conversations, especially in India, Graham hopes this is just the beginning. “If the show is making people think, if it’s making them talk, then we’ve done something right” and we agree!
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.