The Bads of Bollywood Review: Breaking the industry's fourth wall with Aryan Khan

Netflix’s "The Bads of Bollywood" is a high-stakes satirical dramedy that offers a sharp, often hilarious peek behind the glitzy, chaotic curtain of the Hindi film industry. Created and directed by Aryan Khan in his directorial debut, the series blends drama, comedy, action, and meta commentary to portray the struggles of outsiders trying to break into Bollywood and the power games within its established royal families.

Plot Overview

The story "The Bads of Bollywood" centers around Aasmaan Singh, played by Lakshya Lalwani, a talented outsider from Delhi whose debut film “Revolver” becomes a surprising hit. This breakthrough earns Aasmaan a coveted three-film contract and entry into the star-studded world of Bollywood. However, his journey quickly intertwines with the glamorous but ruthless industry politics when he is cast opposite Karishma Talvar (Sahher Bambba), a “nepo-baby” and daughter of Ajay Talvar, a reigning Bollywood superstar played by Bobby Deol.

As Aasmaan navigates this intense, often ruthless environment, he must contend with industry heavyweights like his controlling studio head Freddy Sodahwallah (Manish Chaudhari) and influential filmmaker Karan Johar, who plays himself. Caught in a power tussle fueled by nepotism, ego, and media voyeurism, Aasmaan’s rise is anything but smooth; loyalty, betrayal, romantic tension, and public scandals also shape his journey.

"The Bads of Bollywood" is Aryan Khan's directorial debut

Structure & Episode Highlights

The series unfolds with a total of seven episodes released on Netflix, each advancing the complex narrative of ambition and survival:

• The first episode introduces Aasmaan’s rise and his clash with Bollywood insiders at an actors’ roundtable.

• Subsequent episodes explore the pressures to conform, political alliances, and the price of fame as Aasmaan deals with his manager, rival actors, and family drama.

• Romantic and emotional subplots involve Karishma, Aasmaan, and their unfamiliar chemistry.

• The show’s tone shifts effortlessly between fast-paced action, sharp satire, and moments of vulnerable sincerity.

• Highlights include a glamorous film awards night, a secret elopement plan, and unexpected revelations that challenge Aasmaan’s career and personal life.

  
  

Themes and Style

At its core, "The Bads of Bollywood" is a satirical exploration of nepotism, celebrity culture, and the double-edged sword of fame. Aryan Khan employs humor and wit to deconstruct Bollywood’s image as a glamorous dream factory, exposing the fierce competition, manipulative power plays, and fragile egos beneath. The show revels in Bollywood tropes but also subverts them through self-awareness and meta humor.

Some of the biggest cameos from the film industry add authenticity and inside jokes, amplifying the show’s self-aware tone, which in hindsight is the show's biggest strength. The sharp dialogues, flamboyant settings, and stylish costume design enrich the immersive experience, while music blends popular chart-topping tracks with mood-setting numbers.

Performances and Production

The cast, led by Lakshya Lalwani, delivers strong performances, bringing depth to their layered characters. Bobby Deol’s portrayal of the protective Ajay Talvar stands out for its charisma and intensity. Supporting cast members, including Sahher Bambba, Raghal Juyal and Manish Chaudhari, bring nuance to their roles, embodying the push and pull within family and industry politics.

Aryan Khan’s direction balances the series’ playful, irreverent tone with moments of poignancy, though some critics note occasional tonal inconsistencies and melodramatic stretches. It is however an impressive debut for Aryan behind the camera, as there was a lot of expectation of him continuing his father's legacy in the industry. The production quality, from cinematography to set design, showcases a polished and vibrant representation of Mumbai’s film world.

Overall, "The Bads of Bollywood" is an engaging, entertaining, and provocative series that invites viewers to step inside Bollywood’s glossy facade and witness the messy power struggles and dreams behind it. It blends satire, drama, and humor to create a kaleidoscopic portrait of ambition and stardom in modern India, making it a captivating binge for fans of Bollywood and those curious about the realities behind the scenes.