The Ba***ds of Bollywood Review: Bollywood Secrets Laid Bare in Hilarious, Bold Debut By Aryan Khan

The Ba***ds of Bollywood review: Aryan Khan directorial is a bold, entertaining Netflix debut that skewers Bollywood’s nepotism, politics, and glitz, delivering sharp satire, star cameos, and a fresh, self-aware take.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood Review: It is cheeky, entertaining, and daring — a fresh take on the industry that is as self-aware as it is enjoyable.

Source : Netflix

The Ba***ds of Bollywood review: When Aryan Khan announced his directorial debut, expectations were sky-high. With The Ba***ds of Bollywood, streaming now on Netflix, he delivers a gutsy, irreverent, and surprisingly sharp series that blends satire with drama — and isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers.

From the very first episode, Aryan sets the tone with bold punches. There’s a dig at Samir Wankhede, a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of paparazzi being paid to show up, and Karan Johar casually calling himself a “movie mafia” while claiming affection for outsiders. Nepotism is tackled head-on, Shah Rukh Khan is dubbed the “Baadshah of the Hour,” Salman Khan jokes that fatherhood is his greatest fear, and Emraan Hashmi is hilariously reinvented as an intimacy coach. Aryan even pokes fun at himself, with Arjun Kapoor joining in on the self-mockery.

It’s the kind of insider roasting and candid commentary that Bollywood rarely allows on screen — and Aryan goes all in.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood story

The narrative follows Aasmaan (played by Lakshya), a newcomer trying to cement his place in the industry. After one successful film, he lands a three-movie deal with producer Freddy Sodawala. But when Karan Johar offers him a coveted project opposite Karishma, daughter of superstar Ajay Talwar, the young actor faces a dilemma. Ajay is dead set against the pairing, while Aasmaan struggles with personal challenges — including a sick father who needs treatment.

Across seven episodes, the show unpacks Bollywood’s many underbellies: nepotism, industry politics, fading stardom, the underworld’s shadow, and the harsh divide between glitz and darkness. The final twist? A tongue-in-cheek family drama within the show itself, cheekily titled The Ba***ds of Bollywood.

What works in The Ba***ds of Bollywood story

Aryan Khan deserves credit for not playing it safe. His direction is confident, his writing sharp, and the satire well-aimed. The series never drags — each episode carries its own punch, with cameos keeping the momentum alive. From star kids flaunting privilege to outsiders battling for survival, the commentary lands hard but remains entertaining.

The show also gives a glimpse into the forgotten stars of yesteryear through Rajat Bedi’s poignant track, a reminder of how unforgiving the industry can be.

Performances

Lakshya impresses as the ambitious rookie, striking the right balance of innocence and determination. Bobby Deol is pitch-perfect as a fading superstar, while Sahher Bambba and Anya Singh bring freshness and confidence. Raghav Juyal steals scenes with his effortless charm — the kind of actor who could even make a corpse role in CID memorable. Manoj Pahwa nails the part of a failed singer, Mona Singh delivers with ease, and Vijayant Kohli shines as Aasmaan’s father. Rajat Bedi, as a star lost to obscurity, is excellent, while Gautami Kapoor, though limited by screen time, makes her mark. Manish Chaudhari, as the sharp producer Sodawala, fits like a glove.

Direction & writing

Aryan shows surprising maturity for a first-time director. Yes, being Shah Rukh Khan’s son may have opened doors, but the vision and execution are entirely his own. He takes on topics that Bollywood usually brushes under the carpet, handling them with wit and courage. Not every gag lands, and a few plot points feel a little illogical — the climax, in particular, could have been stronger. But viewed as a spoof, the absurdity adds to its charm.

Verdict

The Ba***ds of Bollywood is cheeky, entertaining, and daring — a fresh take on the industry that is as self-aware as it is enjoyable. Aryan Khan proves he’s not here to play it safe, and while this debut isn’t flawless, it’s a promising start.