Netflix's latest crime drama Adolescence is currently the talk of the town as it has impressed the Indian audience including celebs like Alia Bhatt, Anurag Kashyap, and Hansal Mehta to name a few. The drama depicts the disturbing consequences of online influence on teenagers. Now, actor and co-writer Stephen Graham has reacted to the show’s popularity in India. Stephen Graham on Indians loving Adolescence In an interview with Rolling Stone, Stephen shared, “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?’ Apparently, it’s really striking a nerve there.” He added, “The thing you have to understand when we set out to do this… it was very colloquial. But it’s like we dropped a stone into this pond, and the ripple effect it’s produced has been unbelievable.” Celebs praising Adolescence Anurag Kashyap wrote, “I am numb and envious and jealous that someone can go and make that. The performances from the Child actor Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham, who is not just playing the father but is also the co-creator of the show. The amount of hard work that has gone in the show. I can’t even imagine the rehearsals and prep they did, so they could shoot every episode in a single shot.” Alia Bhatt shared, "This show is truly perfection. From the writing to the staging to the EXCEPTIONAL cinematography I wonder what it felt like when after an hour of calling action to finally calling cut... how did the entire cast and crew feel???? The performances by each and every person that has walked into frame and out was ALIVE, real raw and so hot in the moment that the energy is very very palpable! & so moving. The magic of storytelling and an entire crew coming together to deliver, every department giving nothing but their heart and soul to every second on screen. I'm in awe!!!" About Adolescence The series tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who is arrested for the murder of a teenage girl at his school. As the plot unfolds, the show delves into the dark side of social media, focusing on how internet subcultures, particularly incel culture, can shape the behaviour of impressionable adolescents. The series has garnered critical acclaim and become a global hit, topping Netflix's charts
23 March,2025 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith her acting prowess in 'Delh Crime', Shefali Shah left people impressed. As the first season of the Netflix show clocked six years on Saturday, Shefali took to Instagram and expressed her gratitude. "6 YEARS, 2 SEASONS and 1 MADAM SIR! Couldn't be more grateful. #DelhiCrime," she captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shefali Shah (@shefalishahofficial) The first season, based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, showcased the tireless work of the police in bringing justice to the victims. It was the first Indian web series to win an International Emmy Award. Season two, released in 2022, tackled another challenging case, shedding light on the struggles of law enforcement beyond just solving crimes. For Shefali, Delhi Crime has been more than just a role--it has been a journey. The show brought her immense critical acclaim, awards, and global recognition. She is now gearing up for the release of the third season. The release date of the upcoming season has not been disclosed yet. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2025 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIFrom glam doll to Chambal queen, Parul Gulati takes a 360-degree turn from her usual onscreen roles for the upcoming series, Donali, helmed by E Niwas. The actor steps into the rugged world of Chambal’s dacoits for the Divyenndu and Barun Sobti-starrer. In the first look of the character, Gulati appears as an unpolished, fierce outlaw, wielding a desi katta. “Playing a dacoit in Donali has been one of the most thrilling experiences of my career. This character is raw, gritty, and unapologetic—very different from anything I’ve done before. The look itself speaks volumes; it’s stripped down, real, and full of intensity,” shares Gulati, adding that she not only tried to look the part but also embodied the character’s traits. She claims the entire process was both challenging and exhilarating. Barun Sobti To get under the skin of the character, Gulati had to “unlearn a lot.” “[I changed] my body language, posture, and the way I speak. These women carry the weight of survival on their shoulders. That had to come through in every scene. I spent weeks training to handle weapons and ride horses. The idea was to embody the fearlessness of someone who has lived and fought in the badlands of Chambal.”
23 March,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuStrangely, it took a Bollywood filmmaker to bring two of Bengal’s superstars, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Jeet, together on screen. The duo headlines creator Neeraj Pandey’s Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, which explores the underbelly of the state’s political landscape of the 2000s. “For years, Bengal has had stories that deserved to be told on a national platform. Khakee: The Bengal Chapter finally does that,” says Prosenjit, as we sit down for a chat in a five-star suite overlooking Kolkata’s iconic Victoria Memorial. Helmed by Tushar Kanti Ray and Debatma Mandal, the Netflix series boasts an ensemble cast that includes Saswata Chatterjee, Chitrangda Singh, Parambrata Chatterjee and Ritwik Bhowmik. For Prosenjit, the series is a means to introduce the entire country to the Bengali film industry’s talent. “A show like this offers a massive opportunity not just for actors, but also for the entire industry. The storytelling is different, the characterisations are unique, yet everything is deeply rooted in Bengal. This is a huge exposure for our talent on a national stage. People often categorise projects as ‘mainstream’. I personally don’t believe in those rigid definitions, but if you consider this a mainstream venture, then yes, it was necessary for Bengal’s actors and storytellers to find national access,” states Prosenjit. While the senior actor has fronted acclaimed Hindi OTT shows like Scoop (2023) and Jubilee (2023), this marks Jeet’s Hindi debut. What took him so long to cross over? Jeet as IPS officer Arjun Maitra I have always [maintained] that if there is good content, be it in any space or platform, if it gives me a kick, I’ll do it,” Jeet smiles. Bollywood actors often struggle to make the OTT leap, but Jeet harbours no such notion. To him, experimenting in different languages and platforms is a way to expand his horizons. “I don’t want to think about success or failure. I don’t have any tension on a Friday. If you talk about success and failure in the larger context of life, our work is a small part of our life. Somebody sitting on crores of money can feel successful, while somebody sitting with their family can feel successful. Success does not mean wealth or what you do. For me, success is laughing with my family, spending a great time with them, without thinking much about the present, past or future.” In Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, the second instalment after Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), Prosenjit plays politician Sushendu Babu, who, he mentions, cannot be bracketed as black or white. “I find it thrilling to explore a character’s psyche. It depends on the story or the character how long they stay with you. This one stayed with me. Similarly, when I played Subhas Chandra Bose [in Gumnaami, 2019], it took six to eight months to emerge out of it. As an actor, you internalise so much of the person you’re playing,” he reflects. Jeet, who steps into the role of no-nonsense IPS officer Arjun Maitra, says it was different from his previous action roles. “This character’s complexity, his moral dilemmas and risks made it a treat for me,” he says. The union of Prosenjit and Jeet is a highlight of the series. While Jeet had previously produced Aay Khuku Aay (2022), which starred Prosenjit, the two actors have never shared screen space before. While Jeet admits it will be “exciting for the audience to see us together for the first time”, the two actors want Khakee: The Bengal Chapter to set a precedent. “We hope this opens doors for more stories from Bengal to be told on this scale because there are stories in every nook and corner waiting to be tapped,” says Prosenjit. Or there will be a follow-up to this season, we suggest. Dada can act, too! A show set in Bengal is incomplete without a mention of its beloved Dada. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly featured in a hilarious promo, which sees him hoping to play a Bengali cop in the series. Depicting politics The series spotlights the sensitive subject of Bengal’s political history. Some actors avoid political stories, but Prosenjit says he had no inhibitions, thanks to the creator’s nuanced approach. “We aren’t presenting crime and politics as black and white; we’re showcasing a layered narrative. That’s what makes Neeraj Pandey’s storytelling so powerful. The characters have an arc, there are back-stories to why they are the way they are,” says the actor.
21 March,2025 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuBobby Deol and Chandan Roy Sanyal have gone from being tight friends to arch rivals, not in real life but as their characters—Nirala Baba and Bhopa Swami, respectively—in Prakash Jha’s series Aashram. While Deol’s character has ended with the recently released second part of the third season, Sanyal says that the story may take his character forward if there is another instalment. When he read the script, Sanyal found it interesting but never expected it to grow so much. He shares, “The last season has become the best [edition] for the people. [Initially], I was not sure that the show would become what it has become today; it has a cult following. I knew that it was a great story and script, and it was being directed by Prakash Jha and had Bobby Deol.” With season three catching the attention of the audience, Sanyal is itching to see how his character progresses. (From left) Chandan Roy Sanyal and Bobby Deol in Aashram There has been ample chatter about his character taking over the throne of the self-appointed godman. He hopes the writers will add interesting twists to the role. “It depends on the writer. I am also in the dark right now. I am sure the writers will create more magic as this season has ended on quite a high,” says the actor. Directorial debut After directing plays, Chandan Roy Sanyal has now ventured into filmmaking. He shares, “I have directed two feature films, both of which are in post-production. One is called Suzie Q; it is a psychological thriller. It is about a woman who can see ghosts and demons of the past. The other film is a musical called The Playback Singer. Set in 1990’s Bihar, the film is about a woman aspiring to be a playback singer.”
18 March,2025 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ PanchalTypicality has never attracted Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. So, when the role of an atypical cop came his way, thanks to the upcoming series, Kanneda, he jumped at it. “Generally, cops are shown as strong. The novelty of playing a vulnerable cop excited me,” says the actor. His 14-year filmography is laced with such unusual characters—from Article 15 (2018) to Scoop (2023). But Ayyub admits that he is often offered parts that aren’t fleshed out. “The character isn’t strong, but I see that we can build it while performing. In Scoop, I enjoyed exploring my character as it was well-written. The problem is when your role has nothing, but you are told, ‘You’re a good actor, do something with it.’” In such cases, what makes him pick the project? “I don’t come from a background, where I don’t have to worry about financial security,” he says candidly, admitting that sometimes the kitchen takes precedence over the craft. “It’s only after a 14-year run that I feel I’ll be financially settled in the next few years. Then I’ll tell people, ‘Excite me with the script, or I won’t do it.’ You have many reasons to say yes to a project; sometimes you’re getting paid well for a 10-day shoot. I choose it so that I can do an indie film like Joram [2023].”
18 March,2025 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaHow do you raise the stakes after success? By biting into an even more sumptuous world. With Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, the standalone sequel to Neeraj Pandey’s Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, that is the attempt. The series explores the crime-infested landscape of early 2000s Bengal, with an IPS officer tearing through a web of political power and law enforcement roadblocks. This crime drama boasts an ensemble cast led by Jeet, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, and Parambrata Chatterjee. Jeet as IPS Arjun Maitra and director Debatma Mandal While Pandey continues as the showrunner, directorial responsibilities are shared by Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray. The series is set to stream in both Hindi and Bengali, making it Netflix’s first dual-language Indian crime show. Mandal tells us, “The basic idea was from Neeraj. The idea that we could tell a story representing Kolkata a little better was always the endeavour. There were things about Kolkata that had not been explored earlier, which was an exciting premise to take up. We know how crime, politics, and violence work here because we’ve all grown up here. I think violence in Kolkata has been the best-kept secret for the longest period of time.” Neeraj Pandey When the Bihar chapter came out, Pandey had envisioned the Khakee franchise as a multi-series, each instalment focusing on a new state. The showrunner added, “At that point in time, we were clear that the vision was to take it to different states. During the promotion of Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, somebody told me not to talk about the possibility of a season two right now. But we went ahead and said that this is supposed to be a multi-season show. If it doesn’t work out, no problem. But there’s nothing wrong with thinking of it, right? So we dreamt big from day zero. I’m happy that we’ve managed to tell a second season of this and am looking forward to many more.” What’s the pada culture? ‘Pada’ means neighbourhood club/adda, a culture long practised in Kolkata. Initially, the members of the club were restricted to organising blood donation camps, hoisting the party’s flag, and conducting political rallies. They have now become the foot soldiers of the state government. Pandey, who spent a lot of time in Kolkata, explained, “We were just discussing the pada culture in Kolkata and how different it is from any other state. While the Bihar chapter was adapted, this is a fictional story, but we went back and referenced a lot of incidents we knew [beforehand].”
16 March,2025 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuIf he can visualise the story, he does it. That’s how actor Arunoday Singh decides to say yes to a project, and that is what happened when he was offered director Chandan Arora’s upcoming show, Kanneda. “I could picture the story and see the characters. I then decided that I needed to be a part of the narrative. The story needed to be told,” he asserts. Also starring Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, the JioHotstar series revolves around a Punjabi immigrant in Canada who is rebuilding life after escaping the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Kanneda holds a unique place in Singh’s 15-year career. Reason: His co-stars. “I have worked with a lot of lovely people, but this cast was special. Everyone is someone you want to bring your best to,” he says. Reflecting on his journey, Singh says that even though he has seen long waiting periods in his career, he has been able to keep the actor in him hungry. So, how does he do it? “I sketch, write, and travel. I am never still. I have had months and years between projects. I have also done two projects at the same time. So, this drill isn’t new to me. If I suddenly get wildly successful, that will be new to me,” he laughs.
16 March,2025 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaAnyone who has worked with filmmaker Ram Madhvani says that his way of working is different from other filmmakers. From workshops to shooting 360 degree-style, from no lighting to no make-up, it’s all an experience, say his actors. With The Waking of a Nation, the National Award-winning director tells the story of the Hunter Commission, which investigated the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that claimed the lives of many and left over a 1,000 injured. The black day in the history of India’s independence is marked with several conspiracies. In conversation with mid-day, Madhvani breaks down creating the six-episode series, exploring themes of racism and colonialism, and the research involved in making the period drama. Edited excerpts from the interview. What made you pick the subject of the Hunter Commission?I’m interested in what happened to us over the last 250 years, particularly pre-independence and how India became India during the British Raj. I’m interested in that part of our lives when we got culturally colonised, from our language to clothing to food habits. The Hunter Commission is the investigation into the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the fact that the investigation is a conspiracy. It was pre-planned. [We were] interested in why it was pre-planned. Why did they do this to us? Everybody thinks that General Dyer [Colonel Reginald Edward Harry Dyer] [was responsible] for the massacre. But our series says there was a bigger master plan. So, it’s really about colonialism, racism, prejudice, and the colour of your skin. Ram Madhvani Has there been an extensive discussion on the Hunter Commission?If you search on YouTube or Google, there is a lot of information on it. There are 500 pages of the Punjab Disorders Committee, which is also known as the Hunter Commission. People should Google a man called Hans Raj, who was part of the conspiracy. If people can look up for it before they see the show, they will begin to learn more as to what happened. Do you feel history is somehow distorted for the larger audience who rely on what’s taught to them in schools and colleges?Winston Churchill said that history is written by the people who won. Therefore, a lot of it is following a certain narrative. So, we are sometimes fed a narrative that has been chosen to be fed. In this case, there was a narrative where General Dyer became the fall guy. Of course, he went out there and did what he did, but it was not just him. (Right) Bhawsheel Singh as Hari Singh Aulakh What did your research entail?We’ve researched everything that is in the public domain. We looked at archival footage, [material] at various archives in London, Amritsar, and Mumbai. My co-writers Shantanu Shivastava and Shatrujeet Nath, and researcher Meghna Talwar were involved in the [decision-making]. Everything has been thoroughly documented. We have taken the liberties to [include] the story of four friends; that is the fictional part of the show. Of course, there are some characters based on truth like General Dyer and Michael O’Dwyer. What was the idea behind telling the tale of four friends in a larger story of independence?It was to showcase the youth caught up in the circumstances of their time and to see what really happened to those who were barely 25 or 28 years old, including [soldiers] who’ve just come back from World War I, it was then called the Great World War. We had so many of our people fighting on Britain’s behalf. [We’ve told] a lot of personal stories because eventually that’s what people are interested in. [It was] to give it that emotional and soulful connection. Sahil Mehta as Ali Allahbaksh Do you think telling stories of the youth makes it more relatable to the current generation?Clearly. I want to reach out to the youth. Whatever [the characters] are going through in terms of their problems, conversations and circumstances, it’s all relatable. I’m commenting on what happened in 1919, on the empire and on colonialism. That’s what the show is about. If The Waking of a Nation is a success, I’d like for it to continue to explore how India became India. I had also made a short film on the partition; it’s something I’m emotionally moved by. I hope there is a next chapter so that I can continue speaking about what happened to us. Did you face any restrictions when you were making this?The problems were the same that you would face normally on a shoot. It always rains on my shoots. If there is a place in Rajasthan that has not had rain, just send me there with a film crew and it will rain [laughs]. We were shooting in the town hall, production designer Meghna Gandhi and our EPs put mud and dust everywhere [for the] two-day shoot, and of course, it rained. We had to delay the shoot by a day. In terms of research, we’ve tried to get our period correct with the costumes. We’ve tried to be accurate with locations. How did you find your characters in Taaruk Raina and Nikita Dutta?I do a lot of auditioning. Abhimanyu Ray is our casting director. I wanted people who are of the right age, and who were hungry to work with me as per my system. I do long takes. I tested Taaruk, who has been incredible. Sahil [Mehta], Nikita and Bhawsheel Singh Sahni just gave themselves [to the story]. Their camaraderie fit the roles well. We must have tested about 100 to 200 people before we got down to these four. What was the brief for Taaruk’s character?Taaruk’s character was very clear to me. He is a man who goes from a suit to a dhoti, from being innocent to mature. He goes from being somebody who thinks that the British are fair to understanding what is happening to us. So, he becomes rooted and Indian.
11 March,2025 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamActress Sadie Sink revealed that she "cried” a lot when 'Stranger Things' finished filming and has been left "embarrassed" by the last photos on set. The 22-year-old actress played Max Mayfield in the Netflix science fiction series since 2017 but said that when production on the show wrapped at the end of last year, there were "some pretty embarrassing photos" of her because of how emotional she had become. She told The Hollywood Reporter: "I haven’t seen anything from it yet, I’m very curious though. It’s going to be super emotional so I’m ready to cry with everyone. I had cried so much that my eyes were so puffy — they had never been like that before and there are some pretty embarrassing photos of me just with these giant puffy eyes." Meanwhile, Sadie got her big break at the age of 12 when she was cast in the 2012 revival of the classic musical 'Annie' on Broadway, and made a return to singing in the upcoming film 'O'Dessa', an opportunity she said was "scary" but also "perfect" for her. She said: "When I got the script, I was immediately intrigued but I had to listen to the music first. And then I did and I really fell in love with the character and also just the musical world that (writer-director) Geremy (Jasper) had built. So it seemed like the perfect challenge to take on. "It was very different. I hadn’t sang in like 10 years, so it was cool to like come into a new voice through 'O’Dessa'. Scary but rewarding.” Sink previously explained that theatre was where her "passion" had started and was "grateful" for her family's support so she could start a career in the arts. Speaking on 'Today', she said: "That's where my love started and I had that passion from a very, very young age. I'm grateful for my family for lifting that up."
10 March,2025 10:41 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe experience of filming her latest release, Dabba Cartel, has left an indelible mark on actor Shalini Pandey. Reason: Getting to know the person behind the icon that is her co-star Shabana Azmi. “I have understood life better as an artiste and a person through her. We have all seen her brilliance as an artiste, but I had the fortune of knowing her as a human being, closely. The way she carries herself with so much grace, generosity and strength is something I have taken home with me. As I grow in life, I want to treat young women the way she treated me, lifted, inspired and nurtured me,” says the actor. Besides working with talented co-stars, the actor feels blessed for the opportunities in her seven-year career. Pandey began her journey with the 2017 Telugu film, Arjun Reddy, followed by her debut in Hindi with Bamfaad (2020), Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2022) and Maharaj (2024). But popularity is often followed by typecasting, and having featured in consecutive rooted stories, Pandey has faced it too. “I did get similar offers and I have said no to them. Sometimes, it also happens that a part feels similar to what you have done, but you sit with the director and figure out how it can be made different.” Even down south, Pandey says she has tried to be intentional with her choices, rejecting films that don’t offer her more than just song-and-dance. Moving ahead, the actor is excited about her next Tamil feature, Idly Kadai, co-starring and directed by Dhanush.
09 March,2025 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaADVERTISEMENT
