Netflix's Super Subbu is an Indian series that offers comedic takes on sensitive subjects like sex education through compelling, engaging stories about people dealing with discomfort in discussing sex. With seven episodes, this Telugu-language program stars actors Sundeep Kishan, Mithila Palkar, and Murali Sharma.The series offers comedic interaction with social commentary regarding the lack of sex education awareness in Indian culture, while also using a comedic lens to illustrate the taboo subject of sex education.

Storyline

The storyline centres around Subramanyam "Subbu" Chillukuri Rao, a simple and naïve Indian man who, due to unforeseen circumstances, finds himself appointed as the Sex Education Officer in the fictional village of Maakipur, which has a significantly high childbirth rate compared to other Indian villages, and still there is a strong stigma against openly discussing sex in this village even today. It is ironic that Subbu is going to teach a subject for which he has little or no experience. To further complicate things, Subbu has to keep his father, who is very conservative, from knowing the truth about his occupation (as a Sex Education Officer) and thinks he is working for a government agency. The series combines various comedic moments with serious elements such as family dynamics and cultural issues while Subbu attempts to educate the people of Maakipur about sex while keeping his family secret safe.

Positive Points

This is a good idea that is not often found in entertaining areas in India. The central character is constructed well by Sundeep Kishan, who does a very good job making Subbu someone you can identify with and pull for. Mithila Palkar is both charming and has a natural ease on screen and the role of the strict but believable father, played by Murali Sharma, is also admirable. There is a great deal of comedy created from the awkwardness and discomfort that villagers have when discussing sex education. This show goes far in communicating the importance of being aware, communicating about the issue in a positive light, and breaking stigmas, but it is not preachy.

Negative Points

The show loses momentum during the second half and lacks a lot of the impact that was evident in earlier episodes. There are many emotional and societal conflicts introduced in the second half that are not fully developed. The hardcover between father and son could have been concluded much stronger and should have provided closure for both characters. The village transitions are far from complete and the message to complete the overall theme has only been conveyed partially. Many subplots presented in the show have a quick resolution and as such, leave the overall storyline with an incomplete feel.

Overall: Super Subbu deserves credit for attempting a difficult subject in a new and relevant manner using comedy and having a strong cast perform well. The story has a good premise and characters that are enjoyable to watch, particularly in the first half of the show. The series does not provide satisfactory closure to any of the emotional or societal conflicts introduced during the first half, but at least plays a part in opening up the discussion of an important life experience.