Karan Johar calls Adolescence a ‘blasterclass’ on parenting, a ‘wake-up call’ in the digital age

Filmmaker Karan Johar has praised the British crime drama miniseries Adolescence, calling it a “gut-wrenching” experience and a “blasterclass” for parents. In an Instagram post, Johar described the four-episode series as a wake-up call for those raising children in the social media era. The show, directed by Philip Barantini, follows the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, accused of murdering a female classmate. Each episode is filmed in a single continuous take, earning widespread acclaim for its execution and storytelling.

Johar, who is a single father to twins Yash and Roohi, reflected on the changing nature of childhood. “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,” he wrote. He emphasized that parenting is not just about guidance but self-awareness, stating, “What you say, how you say it, what you feel and how you express it… EVERYTHING is eventually going to rub off on your child.”

Discussing the themes of Adolescence, Johar pointed out its focus on bullying, masculinity, and the dangers of ignoring behavioral patterns in children. He described the series as “more than a show” and said it deeply impacted him as both a filmmaker and a parent. “The technical marvel of four groundbreaking long shots moved me as a filmmaker but broke me as a parent,” he stated.

Since its premiere on March 13, Adolescence has received critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and performances. The show explores the role of online subcultures, particularly incel culture, and the psychological effects of social media on adolescents. Several public figures, including Alia Bhatt, Anurag Kashyap, and Hansal Mehta, have praised the series for its unfiltered portrayal of modern teenage struggles.

Johar concluded his review by acknowledging the series' impact on his approach to parenting. “I am raising twins … and I thank this show for building my awareness and my responsibility quotient even more. This is more than a series; it’s a forever lesson,” he wrote. He also credited the creators of Adolescence for shedding light on critical issues affecting young minds today.

The series has also gained significant viewership, topping streaming charts and generating discussions about the influence of social media on teenagers. With its unbroken single-take storytelling and hard-hitting themes, Adolescence continues to be a subject of conversation among audiences and industry professionals alike.