Filmmaker Karan Johar recently shared his thoughts on the British crime drama series Adolescence, calling it a “gut-wrenching” show that serves as a wake-up call for parents raising children in the era of social media. Taking to Instagram, Johar praised the Netflix miniseries and reflected on how parenting has evolved over generations.
Karan Johar Praises Adolescence
Karan Johar, who is a father to twins Yash and Roohi, expressed how deeply the series impacted him. In his Instagram post, he highlighted the immense responsibility that comes with parenting and how children mirror their parents’ behaviors and ideologies.
He wrote, “To be a parent … I have always known that raising a child is as much a blessing as it is an arduous responsibility… No book or podcast can prepare you or teach you to be the best version of yourself as a parent… What you say, how you say it, what you feel, and how you express it … everything eventually rubs off on your child.”
Social Media and Parenting Challenges
Johar drew a stark comparison between his own upbringing and the way children are growing up today. He remarked, “I grew up on conversations; they speak in emojis. I grew up on books; they scroll reels. I grew up on self-discovery; they are surrounded by comparisons. The pandemic is NOW! We just don’t see it.”
He described Adolescence as more than just a series, calling it “a mirror to parenting and social media commentary.” He emphasized how social media has fundamentally altered childhood, leading to increased pressure, comparisons, and identity struggles for today’s youth.
A Lesson for Parents
Johar also spoke about the series’ themes, including toxic masculinity, bullying, and parental negligence. He lauded the technical brilliance of the show, which is filmed using long, continuous shots, but admitted that the story left him shaken as a parent.
“The gaze of perceived masculinity, the impact of bullying, the turning a blind eye to child habits and patterns… This four-episode mini-series is a ‘blasterclass’ for parents,” he wrote, adding, “I am raising twins, and I thank this show for building my awareness and responsibility quotient even more.”
About Adolescence
Directed by Philip Barantini, Adolescence is a four-episode British crime drama that follows the story of a 13-year-old schoolboy, Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), who is accused of murdering a female classmate. The show is acclaimed for its gripping narrative and unique storytelling technique, with each episode being filmed in a single, continuous take.
The series premiered on Netflix on March 13 and has received widespread praise for its direction, writing, and performances. Bollywood celebrities such as Anurag Kashyap and Alia Bhatt have also praised the show for its hard-hitting themes and execution.
Final Thoughts
Karan Johar’s emotional reaction to Adolescence highlights the growing concerns about raising children in a digital age. His message serves as a reminder to parents about the unseen challenges of social media and the importance of being fully present in their children’s lives.
Sources By Agencies
