Mumbai: Aryan Khan’s much-anticipated directorial debut The Bads of Bollywood has finally landed on Netflix and with it comes a flood of conversations about what really happens behind the silver screen. The series strips away the glittering facade of the Hindi film industry to reveal the politics of power, nepotism, and the struggles of outsiders all told with a mix of satire and style.
Spanning seven episodes, the series opens with high energy, pulling viewers into the glamorous yet cut-throat world of Mumbai cinema. The narrative follows an ambitious protagonist fighting for recognition in an industry dominated by legacy families. While the pace is sharp in the early episodes, certain subplots feel stretched, diluting the dramatic tension.
Performances from newcomers like Lakshya and Sahher Bambba bring freshness to the story, while cameo appearances from some of Bollywood’s biggest stars deliver crowd-pleasing moments. These cameos, though exciting at times seem more ornamental than essential to the narrative.
Visually, the show scores high. Glossy sets, vibrant frames and sleek production design showcase Aryan Khan’s cinematic eye. The dialogues balance wit and satire poking fun at familiar Bollywood clichés though occasionally the humor overshadows the seriousness of the themes.
What makes The Bads of Bollywood stand out is its willingness to reflect on the industry’s own power structures. It exposes the sharp divide between privilege and merit questioning who truly gets a fair chance in the dream factory. At the same time, the show’s reliance on spectacle sometimes prevents it from going deeper into its characters’ psychological layers.
Overall, The Bads of Bollywood is an entertaining and thought-provoking debut. It blends satire, glamour, and social commentary, offering viewers both laughter and reflection. For those curious about the reality beneath Bollywood’s neon lights, this series is worth a watch and it marks a bold beginning for Aryan Khan as a filmmaker.
