Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, the 7-episode Netflix series — The Bads of Bollywood, has arrived with the weight of massive anticipation and delivers not just on the hype but with a surprising shot of creative courage. This isn’t a cautious first step; it’s a confident, irreverent cannonball into the industry his family defines. The show is a satirical, over-the-top, and unapologetically “filmy” look at the machinery, ego, and sheer drama of the Hindi film industry, positioning itself as an essential, high-energy binge-watch that both celebrates and ruthlessly roasts the world of movies.
Direction — The Confidence of an Insider
The true star of the series is Aryan Khan’s directorial vision. He displays remarkable confidence in handling a massive ensemble cast and a narrative that constantly pivots between razor-sharp satire and high-voltage melodrama. What sets his direction apart is the sheer level of self-awareness.
As an ultimate “insider”, Aryan Khan uses his access not to sanitize Bollywood but to playfully skewer its absurdities. He weaves real-life controversies, from nepotism debates and three-film contracts to drug scandals, directly into the fictional plot, often with a cheeky wink. The ultimate display of this meta-humour is the recurring, self-deprecating punchline about his own notorious past, which not only earns laughs but immediately disarms the audience. His style is fast-paced and slick, with polished visuals and smart editing that perfectly capture the sensory overload of a masala entertainer, making the series feel like a genuine, chaotic love letter to the industry’s messiness.
The Spotlight Performers
While the series features a dense cast, two performances stand out as the true backbones of the show’s success — Raghav Juyal and Bobby Deol.
Raghav Juyal (as Parvaiz, the loyal best friend) is nothing short of phenomenal. His natural, flawless comic timing provides the much-needed warmth and grounding energy amidst the chaos. He effortlessly shifts between being a sincere buddy and a hilarious source of comic relief. His scenes, particularly an improvised, viral encounter with actor Emraan Hashmi playing an intimacy coach, are highlights that showcase his brilliant spontaneity and are already the stuff of Internet legend.
Bobby Deol (as veteran superstar Ajay Talvar) delivers a power-packed performance that solidifies his cinematic resurgence. As the antagonist, a volatile, ego-driven star fiercely protecting his turf, Bobby Deol finds a perfect balance between menacing and tragic. He embodies the old-school star’s struggle for relevance, bringing a palpable intensity and finding a natural emotional register which elevates the predictable elements of the rivalry.
Lakshya Lalwani, as the lead Aasmaan Singh, capably carries the hero-arc, playing the cocky yet vulnerable outsider with conviction.
Story, Satire and Star Power
At its core, The Bads of Bollywood is a sharp-witted drama about the outsider vs. insider conflict in a nepotism-riddled industry. The story follows ambitious actor Aasmaan Singh, whose success puts him directly in the crosshairs of veteran star Ajay Talvar. This conflict allows the narrative to explore the shadowy world of exclusive contracts, manipulated award shows, PR spin and media exploitation.
The series’ biggest draw, however, is its unprecedented barrage of A-list celebrity cameos. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor and SS Rajamouli all appear, not just as props but as integral parts of the satirical fabric.
These appearances turn the series into a fascinating meta-commentary, it is an open-secret world where the industry is laughing at its own image, and the audience gets to laugh along with them. The narrative takes gossip and blind items and converts them into plot, creating an inside joke that everyone is invited to share.
Why Should Audiences Watch It At Least Once?
The Bads of Bollywood is not attempting to be profound art; it is designed to be pure, unadulterated entertainment. You should watch it because it successfully revives the lost art of the Bollywood satire, blending commercial elements — action, music, romance and melodrama — with a surprisingly intelligent, contemporary edge. It’s the most candid look at the glamorous-but-gritty Hindi film world told by someone who grew up in its very heart. The Bads of Bollywood is loud, colourful, sometimes messy, but consistently hilarious and engaging. It’s a riotous, necessary watch for anyone who loves Bollywood enough to occasionally mock it.
This series is an unmissable, self-aware carnival of celebrity chaos.
