A Show That Doesn’t Play Safe
The Bads of Bollywood (2025) is not your typical star-kid debut. Aryan Khan, stepping into the director’s chair for the first time, delivers a series that doesn’t flatter the industry. It exposes it. The show, released on Netflix, is loud, messy, and brutally honest. It follows the journey of Aasmaan Singh, a struggling actor who finds himself entangled in the politics, manipulation, and absurdity of the Hindi film world. From casting couch whispers to award show rigging, Aryan doesn’t hold back. He turns the camera on the very system that shaped him and dares to laugh at it.
The Premise Feels Personal
Aasmaan Singh, played by Lakshya Lalwani, is introduced as a newcomer whose first film flops. Desperate to stay relevant, he lands a role opposite Karishma Talvar, the daughter of superstar Ajay Talvar. But Bollywood doesn’t make things easy. Aasmaan is forced to navigate a maze of PR games, fake friendships, and social media pressure. The satire is sharp, but what makes it hit harder is how real it feels. Aryan Khan clearly knows this world and he’s not afraid to show its cracks.
Read also: Mirai vs HanuMan: Which Teja Sajja Film Dominates the Box Office and OTT?
The Bastards of Bollywood Cast
The cast of The Ba***ds of Bollywood is one of its biggest strengths. Lakshya Lalwani brings depth and vulnerability to Aasmaan, making him instantly relatable. Sahher Bambba plays Karishma with quiet intensity, balancing privilege with empathy. Bobby Deol is a standout as Ajay Talvar, the manipulative superstar father whose charm masks a ruthless streak. Raghav Juyal, as Parvaiz, adds comic relief and emotional weight, often stealing scenes with his unpredictable energy.
Supporting roles from Mona Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Gautami Kapoor, Manish Chaudhari, Rajat Bedi, Vijayant Kohli, and Arshad Warsi add texture to the narrative. But it’s the cameos that truly elevate the show. Shah Rukh Khan appears as himself and also narrates the series. Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Emraan Hashmi, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ibrahim Ali Khan, SS Rajamouli, Disha Patani, Badshah, Orry, Rajkummar Rao, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Neelam Kothari, Bhavana Pandey, Seema Sajdeh, Shakti Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, and Ranjeet all make appearances. The most controversial cameo is a lookalike of Sameer Wankhede, the NCB officer involved in Aryan’s real-life case. It’s a bold move that lands with impact.
What Works and What Doesn’t
The series isn’t flawless. Some episodes feel rushed and a few jokes miss the mark. But the overall tone is consistent and the writing is sharp. Aryan Khan’s direction is confident and the show’s pacing keeps viewers engaged. The satire is layered, not just surface-level mockery. One standout moment involves Aasmaan being offered an award based on his Instagram engagement rather than his acting. It’s both hilarious and painfully accurate.
- Emraan Hashmi’s cameo as an intimacy coordinator blends humor with commentary and is pitch-perfect.
- Raghav Juyal’s monologue in episode six delivers emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll.
Episode Highlights
The show spans eight episodes, each exploring a different facet of the industry. “Revolver” sets the tone with Aasmaan’s failed debut. “Casting Couch” dives into the politics of landing a role. “Award Show Shenanigans” mocks the transactional nature of Bollywood’s biggest nights. “The Khan Conspiracy” features a surreal dream sequence with Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir. “The Wankhede Episode” turns personal scandal into biting satire. “The Breakup” and “The Comeback” bring emotional weight, while “The Climax” goes full Bollywood with dramatic chaos and a strangely satisfying finish.
Audience Reaction
The response has been loud and clear. Within hours of release, The Bads of Bollywood started trending across Netflix India and social media. Fans praised Aryan’s boldness, Lakshya’s performance, and the show’s unapologetic tone. Critics called it a chaotic triumph while viewers labeled it the most fun Bollywood has had with itself in years. Meme threads, fan edits, and reaction reels flooded Instagram and X. The show didn’t just entertain. It sparked conversations.
Read more: Top 10 Horror Movies of 2025 That Redefined Fear | Must-Watch Scary Films This Year
Final Thoughts
The Bads of Bollywood (2025) is messy, loud, and far from perfect. But it’s also brave, funny, and refreshingly honest. Aryan Khan proves he’s not just a star kid riding on legacy. He’s a creator with something to say and he’s not afraid to say it. In an industry that often takes itself too seriously, this show is a much-needed breath of fresh air. It’s not just entertainment. It’s introspection wrapped in chaos. And if this is the kind of storytelling Aryan wants to pursue, Bollywood better be ready for more uncomfortable truths.
