The Ba*ds Of Bollywood Review (Netflix): Aryan Khan’s Bold Spoof On Stardom, Nepotism & The Dark Glamour Of Hindi Cinema**
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
Director: Aryan Khan
Creator: Aryan Khan
Cast: Laksya, Sahher Bammba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Rajat Bedi, and others
Platform: Netflix
Language: Hindi
Episodes: 7 (Approx. 50 mins each)
Genre: Satire, Drama, Comedy
Introduction: Aryan Khan Makes a Daring Debut
Finally, the much-talked-about series The Ba*ds Of Bollywood** has dropped on Netflix — and it’s nothing like what we’ve seen before in Indian OTT space.
Directed and created by Aryan Khan, this 7-episode satire takes a bold dig at the Bollywood film industry — from nepotism and media politics to underworld connections and the emotional cost of stardom.
And the most shocking part? It’s made by someone from Bollywood itself!
Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, could have easily played safe with a romantic drama or high-budget thriller. But instead, he chose to make a meta-satire that exposes Bollywood’s underbelly — with wit, courage, and a lot of insider understanding.
The question is: Does this Netflix series hit hard or go overboard?
Let’s find out in this detailed review.
Story Overview: Glamour, Darkness & a Dash of Madness
The story follows Asman (played by Laksya), an outsider trying to make it big in the ruthless film industry. After delivering a hit debut film, he becomes the new talk of the town — the “next big thing” in Bollywood.
On the other side is Ajay Talwar (Bobby Deol), a superstar who’s been around for over two decades and is now trying to launch his daughter in a major film.
When these two worlds — the outsider and the “nepokid” — collide on one film set, what follows is chaos, ego clashes, manipulation, and a darkly funny reflection of the industry itself.
Throughout the seven episodes, Aryan Khan unpacks Bollywood’s hidden politics — from PR manipulation, casting couch, and drug scandals to media hypocrisy and fake friendships at success parties.
It’s not just gossip — the series explores how dreams are built and destroyed behind the camera lights.
Performances: A Power-Packed Ensemble Cast
If one thing makes The Ba***ds Of Bollywood truly worth watching, it’s the performances.
Laksya as Asman
Laksya delivers a breakout performance as the struggling yet spirited outsider. His journey feels real, and his emotional scenes carry genuine pain and determination. There’s honesty in his performance that connects deeply with the viewer.
Bobby Deol as Ajay Talwar
Bobby Deol once again proves he’s one of Bollywood’s most unpredictable actors. As a fading superstar trying to stay relevant, he brings both arrogance and vulnerability. His body language, his silence, and those powerful breakdown scenes remind us of why Bobby has become such a cult favorite in recent years.
Raghav Juyal
Raghav, playing Asman’s best friend, is the surprise package. His chemistry with Laksya adds emotional depth and even some comic relief. The brotherhood between them reminds you of Munna and Circuit from the Munnabhai series — raw, genuine, and heartwarming.
Manoj Pahwa and Rajat Bedi
Manoj Pahwa’s seasoned acting brings gravitas to the series. His portrayal of a forgotten actor is both tragic and touching. Rajat Bedi too stands out, delivering one of his career-best roles. The way their characters talk about fame, failure, and loneliness will hit you hard.
Cameos Galore
As expected, the show is filled with celebrity cameos — over 40 of them! From filmmakers to actors to musicians — everyone adds a flavor of authenticity.
Karan Johar’s extended cameo, in particular, adds both humor and irony to the narrative.
Direction & Writing: Aryan Khan’s Bold Voice
Let’s address the elephant in the room — Aryan Khan’s direction.
For a debut project, this is shockingly mature.
Aryan doesn’t sugarcoat Bollywood’s hypocrisy. Instead, he uses satire and dark humor to highlight issues that people often whisper about but never say aloud.
From scenes showing fake award shows to PR-driven controversies, the writing smartly mirrors real incidents without naming anyone directly.
That’s what makes the satire hit harder — it feels uncomfortably real.
The dialogues are crisp, the tone witty, and the pacing sharp — except for a few moments in the last two episodes where it gets heavy and confusing.
Still, Aryan deserves full marks for guts — he has dared to mock the very system he belongs to, and he does it intelligently, not insultingly.
Screenplay & Editing: Fast, Smart & Engaging
Each episode runs about 45–50 minutes, and almost all of them end with a strong cliffhanger.
The first four episodes are particularly binge-worthy — they mix entertainment with insight beautifully.
Episode 5 and 6 slow down a bit as the story tries to dig deeper into emotional trauma and industry politics, but the finale (Episode 7) brings everything together with a shocking twist that will leave you speechless.
The editing is tight, and transitions between “reel life” and “real life” scenes are creatively done — blurring the line between fiction and truth.
Music & Background Score
The background music complements the chaos of Bollywood perfectly — dramatic, flashy, yet emotional at the right moments.
The songs aren’t overused, which is refreshing for a show about the film industry.
One standout track in the mid-season montage, composed by a new indie artist, perfectly captures the loneliness of fame — a brilliant creative choice.
Cinematography & Production Design
Visually, The Ba*ds Of Bollywood** looks stunning. The cinematography captures both sides of Mumbai — the glitzy studios and the dimly lit corridors where deals are made.
Each frame feels authentic, showing the contrast between spotlight glamour and behind-the-scenes darkness.
Aryan Khan and his team clearly took inspiration from shows like The Boys and BoJack Horseman, blending realism with surreal exaggeration.
The production design is detailed — you can almost smell the perfume and pressure inside those lavish film parties.
What Works Well
- Bold & Fresh Concept: A Bollywood insider openly mocking its own system is brave and refreshing.
- Powerful Performances: Laksya, Bobby Deol, and Manoj Pahwa shine bright.
- Authentic Writing: The satire feels real, not exaggerated.
- Clever Cameos: They add layers instead of just being fan service.
- Emotional Core: Beneath all the chaos, it’s still about dreams, friendship, and heartbreak.
What Doesn’t Work
- Too Much Profanity: The series is filled with expletives, which might alienate family audiences.
- Some Confusing Moments: The last episode feels rushed and symbolically heavy.
- Inconsistent Tone: Switches between comedy, tragedy, and realism might not appeal to everyone.
Final Verdict: A Gutsy, Self-Aware, and Wildly Entertaining Ride
The Ba*ds Of Bollywood** isn’t perfect — but it’s powerful, unapologetic, and immensely entertaining.
It’s rare to see a show that laughs at itself, questions its own world, and still manages to engage the audience emotionally.
Aryan Khan proves he has a unique cinematic voice — sharp, self-aware, and fearless.
The series isn’t just a satire; it’s a mirror to the audience too — showing how we consume gossip, scandals, and celebrity drama.
Watch it for Bobby Deol’s brilliance, Laksya’s fresh energy, and Aryan Khan’s fearless storytelling.
But remember — it’s not for family viewing. Enjoy it with friends who can handle bold humor and strong language.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Verdict:
A daring, witty, and occasionally uncomfortable take on Bollywood’s reality. Aryan Khan shines bright with confidence and creativity in his directorial debut.
