Years before 'Adolescence,' 'CID' scripted history with 111-minute single-take episode
What's the story
Netflix's latest crime drama, Adolescence, has taken the world by storm with its unprecedented one-take episodes.
Each episode is shot in a single continuous take, across several locations.
This unique technique has left audiences and industry professionals mesmerized.
But, what many may not know is that the Indian crime drama CID had already pulled off something similar two decades ago!
Record-breaking episode
'CID' set Guinness World Record in 2004
In 2004, CID (still a hit crime drama) created history with an episode titled Inheritance.
Directed and filmed by showrunner BP Singh, this special episode was shot in one single continuous take lasting 111 minutes.
It aired on Sony TV on November 7, 2004.
Set in one location, the episode saw the CID team investigating a murder at a mansion where all suspects were still present.
The show is now streaming on SonyLIV.
Official recognition
'Inheritance' recognized by Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records recognized the episode as "the longest television shot."
The citation said, "The longest continuous camera shot in a TV show was 111 minutes, lasting the entire episode of C.I.D (Fireworks Productions, India) filmed by director B.P Singh in Mumbai, India on 8 October 2004 and subsequently broadcast by the Sony Entertainment Television Network (India) on 7 November 2004."
The episode featured Shivaji Satam, Aditya Srivastav, Dayanand Shetty, Dinesh Phadnis, Mona Ambegaonkar, Manav Gohil, and Smita Bansal.
Cast's statement
Cast reactions on the incredible feat
Reflecting on the episode, Shetty told Pinkvilla, "There were more than 100 people there when this episode was shot."
"Humlog toh sirf actors the. Ye cheez jinhone conceive kiya hain, Singh sahab. Unhone socha hain ki humko kuch ayesa karna hain and 111 minutes, matlab almost 2 ghante ek cheez ko without cut karna, you need a cameraman."
Satam added, "It's not only that we are individually proud; we are proud of being Indians who have set a record."
Technical comparison
'Inheritance' vs 'Adolescence': A comparison of single-shot episodes
While CID's 111-minute episode was a game-changer for its time, critics had noted that it had a play-like quality with some shots appearing slightly gimmicky.
In contrast, Adolescence is being lauded for its clever shot staging where character and scenery changes happen seamlessly.
One such particularly praised scene involves nearly 500 extras and crew members synchronizing perfectly for a single take.
The show was released on March 13.
Show synopsis
'Adolescence' plot and cast details
Adolescence is about a British family's life being turned upside down after 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for murdering a schoolmate.
The show is directed by Philip Barantini and stars debutant Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Ashley Walters.
With its unique storytelling and innovative filming techniques, Adolescence is taking the world of crime dramas by storm.
The series has four episodes.