Shantaram – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Shantaram

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2022

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

An Australian fugitive finds himself deep in Mumbai's criminal underworld in this gritty, uneven Apple TV+ drama that adults liked way more than critics.

57%

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Shantaram

show

TV-MA, 2022

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

An Australian fugitive finds himself deep in Mumbai's criminal underworld in this gritty, uneven Apple TV+ drama that adults liked way more than critics.

57%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: Shantaram is absolutely not for kids or even most teens. It's a gritty crime drama set in Mumbai's underworld with all the violence and moral ambiguity that implies.

The interesting split here is that critics were lukewarm (57%) while regular viewers really liked it (86% audience score). That usually means it's entertaining enough but maybe tries too hard or stumbles on execution. Think: good popcorn drama that doesn't quite nail the prestige TV vibe it's going for.

For parents: this isn't remotely family content. If you're looking for something to watch after the kids are in bed and you want an exotic crime drama with some depth, it might hit the spot. Just know you're getting Apple TV+'s attempt at a sweeping international epic that's more 'pretty good' than 'must-watch.'

Age Fit

This is strictly adult content, realistically 17+ despite the 15+ rating. The criminal underworld setting, violence, and morally complex situations make it inappropriate for teens. Best for adults who enjoy international crime dramas and don't mind uneven pacing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on the novel about a fugitive in Mumbai's criminal underworld, this series deals with heavy themes including crime, violence, and morally complex characters. Common Sense Media's age 15+ rating suggests content that isn't modeling positive behavior or age-appropriate emotional health for younger viewers. The tone is gritty and adult-oriented.

Imaginative

Set in 1980s Mumbai with a fugitive Australian bank robber navigating the criminal underworld, the show offers an exotic setting and complex narrative. The premise itself—Western fugitive immersed in Indian culture and crime—provides imaginative storytelling potential. However, without more details on execution, it's hard to assess how creatively it delivers on this premise.

Safe

Age 15+ rating from Common Sense Media indicates significant mature content. The criminal underworld setting implies violence, potentially drug use, and morally ambiguous situations. Apple TV+ original content at this rating typically includes violence, some sexual content, and strong language. Not appropriate for unexpected viewing by children.

Enriching

The 86% audience score and 7.4 IMDb rating suggest viewers found it engaging. Cross-cultural narrative set in India could offer perspective on different societies and moral complexity. However, the 57% critic score suggests uneven execution. Entertainment value appears solid for adult audiences interested in crime dramas with international settings.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong audience appeal (86% RT audience score, 7.4 IMDb) suggests it's entertaining for viewers who stick with it
Exotic 1980s Mumbai setting offers a window into Indian culture and a different world than typical Western crime dramas
Complex moral questions about redemption, identity, and survival in extreme circumstances
Based on a beloved cult novel, so there's rich source material driving the narrative

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What to Watch For

Violence and criminal activity throughout—this is about the underworld, not a tourist's Mumbai
Age 15+ minimum, realistically better for 17+
Critics weren't impressed (57%) even though audiences were—it's apparently uneven in quality
Heavy themes including fugitive life, moral compromise, and survival

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you had to start over in a completely foreign country with no safety net?"
"The main character is running from his past crimes—do you think people can truly change, or does your past define you?"
"How does poverty and desperation change what people consider right and wrong?"

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