Actor Emraan Hashmi recently opened up about his admiration for the hit Netflix show Adolescence, while also reflecting on the challenges of creating something similar in India. Known for his bold film choices and candid opinions, Emraan didn't hold back in praising the show's audacious storytelling while simultaneously highlighting the hurdles a project like this would face in the Indian entertainment industry.
Emraan Hashmi on the Brilliance of Adolescence
In an interview with News18, Emraan Hashmi praised Adolescence for its bold narrative and risky filmmaking techniques. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, Adolescence revolves around the story of a teenager accused of murdering a classmate. Since its release in March, the series has been lauded worldwide, becoming Netflix’s number one show globally.
Talking about the show, Emraan said, “Adolescence has worked mostly because of its subject matter – the pitfalls of growing up in these times and social media. But inherently, it’s such a risky project because it’s just four episodes where each one is shot in a single take.”
The four-episode series stands out for its unique storytelling method. Each episode is filmed in a continuous single shot, without any cuts, demanding intense rehearsals and intricate planning. This daring approach adds a raw, immersive feel to the narrative, making viewers feel as if they are right there with the characters during the tense unfolding of events.
The Challenges of Bringing Adolescence to India
While Emraan couldn’t stop praising Adolescence for its innovative style, he also pointed out that replicating such a project in India would be nothing short of a “logistical nightmare.”
Explaining further, he said, “If you put that across to a producer over here, I would say that nine out of ten of them would tell you, ‘Are you out of your mind?’ It would be a logistical nightmare. 13 minutes into a shot, someone may goof up, and we would’ve to do the entire thing again. What would happen to the budget?”
In India, where filming schedules, tight budgets, and high-pressure production environments dominate, shooting long single-take scenes presents a considerable risk. A minor error by an actor, crew member, or technical glitch could mean restarting the entire scene, costing valuable time and money.
Moreover, the culture of filmmaking in India often prioritizes fast turnarounds and quantity over experimental storytelling. Emraan emphasized that undertaking a project like Adolescence here would require not only a visionary director but also a team brave enough to handle the challenges head-on.
“We would need a director, who leads the team, to be audacious and mad enough to make a show that way,” Emraan added, appreciating the visionaries behind the original project.
The Story Behind Adolescence
Adolescence tells a gripping story rooted in the complexities of teenage life and the growing influence of social media. With the story of Jamie Miller, a 15-year-old boy accused of murder, the show delves deep into themes of peer pressure, mental health struggles, and the judicial system’s handling of young offenders.
The show stars seasoned actors like Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Faye Marsay, alongside newcomer Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie. Critics have praised Cooper’s performance as raw and emotionally charged, a remarkable feat considering it’s his debut.
Another notable aspect of Adolescence is its ability to maintain suspense and emotional depth while adhering to the challenging one-shot filming technique. The method intensifies the storytelling, making the audience feel the tension, fear, and uncertainty faced by the characters.
Emraan Hashmi’s Latest Venture: Ground Zero
While discussing his thoughts on Adolescence, Emraan is also in the spotlight for his latest release, Ground Zero. The film hit theatres on April 25 and is based on the true story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey.
Set against the backdrop of counter-insurgency operations, Ground Zero explores the life, struggles, and heroic deeds of Dubey, offering audiences a realistic glimpse into the lives of soldiers defending the nation. Emraan's performance in the film has been praised for its intensity and commitment, further establishing him as one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
Ground Zero marks a significant shift in Emraan’s career, known earlier for his romantic thrillers and commercial entertainers. With this film, he steps into a more serious, real-world narrative, reflecting his evolving artistic choices.
The Broader Context: Indian Content and Creative Risks
Emraan’s comments highlight a larger issue faced by Indian filmmakers: the risk-averse nature of mainstream production houses. While Indian cinema and web content have made significant strides in recent years, experimental formats like the one-shot storytelling of Adolescence are still rare.
Audiences are evolving, with many now exposed to global content on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. However, producers and studios often hesitate to invest in projects that deviate from proven formulas, fearing financial losses.
Shows like Delhi Crime, Paatal Lok, and Scam 1992 have shown that there is an appetite for more nuanced, daring storytelling in India. Still, a full-fledged, one-shot series akin to Adolescence would require a team willing to embrace both creative and logistical challenges.
Emraan Hashmi’s candid thoughts about Adolescence shed light not only on the brilliance of the Netflix show but also on the existing gap between global content trends and the Indian entertainment industry’s risk appetite. His admiration for the show and realistic take on the hurdles faced in India open up an important conversation about the future of storytelling in the country.
As audiences continue to demand fresher narratives and bolder formats, it remains to be seen whether Indian creators will take on the challenge — perhaps inspired by actors like Emraan Hashmi, who are ready to champion audacious, path-breaking stories.
Until then, viewers can catch Adolescence streaming on Netflix and watch Emraan Hashmi in his latest role in Ground Zero, now playing in theatres.