The Bads of Bollywood Review: Aryan Khan Proves He’s Born to Create Cinema

Aryan Khan has finally arrived- and not in the way most people expected. Instead of stepping in front of the camera like his father, Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan has chosen to step behind it, making his debut as a director with The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. Streaming now on Netflix, the seven-episode series is being marketed as “genre-defying,” but that doesn’t quite capture the madness that unfolds here. It’s a mix of satire, drama, comedy, insider gossip, and full-on masala- all stitched together with sharp writing and fearless direction.

This is not a show trying to play it safe or win brownie points by being politically correct. Aryan, along with co-creators Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, sets out to expose, mock, celebrate, and exaggerate the world of Bollywood- the good, the bad, and the bizarre. And in doing so, he delivers one of the most entertaining and talked-about debuts in recent times.

The Story: Aasmaan Singh’s Wild Ride

At the heart of The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is Aasmaan Singh, played by Lakshya, who gets the kind of breakout role actors dream of. Aasmaan is a Delhi boy, the son of Rajat (Vijayant Kohli) and Neeta (Mona Singh). Both his parents once had dreams of making it in the film industry- Neeta as an actress and Avtar (Manoj Pahwa, Aasmaan’s uncle) as a music composer. Both failed, but the ambition never really left the family.

Aasmaan comes to Mumbai and somehow lands a role in Revolver, produced by the seasoned Freddy Sodawallah (Manish Chaudhari). To everyone’s surprise, the film becomes a hit, turning Aasmaan into an overnight star. But with success comes politics, manipulation, and double deals. Freddy demands that Aasmaan sign a three-film contract, but Aasmaan’s sharp manager and friend Sanya (Anya Singh) advises him to wait. Aasmaan, insecure about losing momentum, secretly signs the contract anyway.

Meanwhile, Sanya manages to get Karan Johar (playing himself, and doing it hilariously) interested in casting Aasmaan in his next big project. Aasmaan accepts without telling Freddy, creating chaos on both ends. As if that wasn’t enough, he starts working opposite Karishma Talvar (Sahher Bambba), the daughter of superstar Ajay Talvar (Bobby Deol). Ajay, fiercely protective of his daughter, does everything possible to sabotage Aasmaan. And looming in the background is Freddy, furious about his broken contract.

What follows is a crazy mix of career highs and lows, ego clashes, power games, PR spin, betrayal, and romance- all while giving the audience a peek into the dark, juicy underbelly of Bollywood.

Aryan Khan’s Direction: Confident, Sharp, and Fearless

For a debut director, Aryan Khan displays surprising confidence. Instead of playing it safe, he chooses chaos- embracing it, celebrating it, and controlling it. The series is filled with rapid-fire events, overlapping storylines, celebrity cameos, and sharp digs at the industry. At no point does Aryan slow down to spoon-feed the audience. He trusts that viewers can keep up with the madness, and that confidence is refreshing.

The writing, co-developed with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, is clever, witty, and often biting. The humour isn’t just surface-level; it cuts into the politics of stardom, nepotism, PR games, and the fickle nature of fame. The dialogues are razor-sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny.

Aryan’s biggest strength, however, is his self-awareness. He knows people are watching this not just as a series but as “Aryan Khan’s debut.” Instead of dodging that, he leans into it. There are jokes about nepo kids, about the industry’s obsession with image, and even subtle nods to his own infamous run-in with the law. When a drug officer shows up looking suspiciously familiar, you know Aryan isn’t afraid to poke fun at his own past.

The direction of the climax, especially, deserves mention. Without spoiling, it’s bold, unpredictable, and will leave audiences stunned. It shows Aryan has the guts to take risks – not just narratively but thematically.

Performances: A Stellar Ensemble with Lakshya at the Helm

If Aryan sets the tone, the cast delivers it with full conviction.

• Lakshya as Aasmaan Singh: The breakout star of the show. Lakshya embodies the role of an outsider with swag, charm, and vulnerability. His stunt introduction scene itself establishes him as a potential superstar. He plays Aasmaan’s journey of arrogance, mistakes, and growth with authenticity.
• Bobby Deol as Ajay Talvar: In full “Lord Bobby” mode, he delivers a performance that’s both menacing and magnetic. His entry scene – tattooed hand, booming aura – is pure goosebumps. Bobby balances intimidation with subtlety, reminding us why he’s having such a strong second innings in his career.
• Sahher Bambba as Karishma Talvar: Playing a star kid caught between privilege and identity crisis, Sahher does well. Her scenes, especially where she tries to assert herself against the “nepo-kid” tag, add emotional depth.
• Raghav Juyal as Parvaiz: The heart of the show. His chemistry with Lakshya is fantastic – their banter, fights, and brotherhood feel real and warm. Raghav also gets some of the funniest lines.
• Anya Singh as Sanya: A strong, no-nonsense manager who holds Aasmaan’s career together. Anya is excellent, portraying both loyalty and frustration beautifully.
• Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Vijayant Kohli: All three shine in their respective roles, adding both humour and heart. Pahwa, especially, nails his role as the uncle who knows the industry’s dirty truths.
• Cameos: This show is packed with them. From Shah Rukh Khan to Ranveer Singh, Salman Khan to Aamir Khan, each cameo is treated with style. Ranveer and Karan Johar’s mock argument over “who made whose career” is an absolute riot. Arshad Warsi also makes a memorable impact.

Overall, Aryan manages to give each actor their moment, which is impressive given the huge ensemble.

What Doesn’t Work

1. Deja Vu Moments – Some parts feel familiar, especially when compared to films like Luck By Chance or shows like Showtime.
2. Overstuffed at Times – With so many subplots, the series sometimes feels stretched. A tighter edit could have elevated it further.
3. Product Placements – The brand promotions stick out awkwardly and can be distracting.

The Verdict: Aryan Khan, The Director to Watch

The Ba**ds of Bollywood* isn’t perfect – but it doesn’t aim to be. It’s loud, messy, indulgent, funny, and unapologetic – much like Bollywood itself. Aryan Khan takes on the film industry with both satire and celebration, giving audiences a ride that’s equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking.

The show’s self-awareness and humour make it stand out in a sea of “serious” OTT dramas. It’s a reminder that cinema isn’t just about polished masterpieces but also about guilty pleasures, outrageous drama, and over-the-top masala.

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For Aryan Khan, this debut is nothing short of spectacular. He proves he has a strong directorial voice, a sharp sense of humour, and the ability to manage a star-studded cast without losing the narrative. The cameos may pull in the eyeballs, but it’s Aryan’s direction that ensures they don’t overshadow the story.

A confident, stylish, and wickedly entertaining debut. Aryan Khan arrives not with a whimper but with a bang – and Bollywood better watch out.