Netflix India’s new original show, The Bads of Bollywood, has made waves in the world of streaming. Directed by Aryan Khan on his highly awaited debut, the series is a fearless, satirical portrayal of the mayhem, paradoxes, and star culture that characterize the Hindi movie world. Out on September 18, 2025, the series is already all over the maps due to its biting script and high-profile cast.

With Aryan Khan entering the scene as a writer-director, The Bads of Bollywood is a fresh chapter in Indian OTT narrative—one that fuses dark humor, drama, and meta references into a binge-watch gem.

What Is The Bads of Bollywood About?

The seven-episode Netflix show explores Aasmaan Singh, a young actor played by Lakshya Lalwani, who is a struggling young actor striving to establish himself in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Bollywood. His path is far from smooth. Ranging from dubious auditions and PR gags to power struggles and trials by media, Aasmaan’s ascension is filled with challenges that reflect actual controversies in the entertainment world.

As he books a part opposite Karishma Talvar (Sahher Bambba), daughter of superstar Ajay Talvar (Bobby Deol), the drama heightens. The show playfully employs made-up characters to mirror actual dynamics of nepotism, stardom, and survival in Bollywood.

Aryan Khan’s Directorial Debut: Bold, Stylish, and Self-Aware

Aryan Khan’s direction is bold and visually potent. Written along with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, the series proves Aryan’s firm grasp of the industry he has spent his entire life watching unfold. His narrative is rich with irony, humor, and emotional resonance, such that The Bads of Bollywood is not merely a parody—it’s a critique disguised as entertainment.

The tone of the show is uncompromisingly meta. It ridicules Bollywood’s fixation with legacy, its PR narratives, and the indistinguishability of real and performance. Aryan even appears to make jokes at his own expense about past media glare, making it an auto-biographic experience.

A Cast That Gets Every Beat Right

The supporting cast gives career-best performances on every front:

• Lakshya Lalwani infuses Aasmaan Singh with sensitivity and toughness.

• Bobby Deol excels as the cunning superstar Ajay Talvar, injecting intensity and depth.

• Sahher Bambba strikes a balance between charm and depth as Karishma Talvar.

• Mona Singh, Manoj Pahwa, and Raghav Juyal contribute depth and humor in cameos.

But it’s the celebrity cameos that have fans buzzing. From Shah Rukh Khan’s voiceover to surprise appearances by Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Aamir Khan, the show is packed with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that elevate the narrative and fuel social media chatter.

Trending Themes and Cultural Commentary

The Bads of Bollywood doesn’t shy away from tackling the industry’s most controversial topics:

• Nepotism in Bollywood: The series mocks how star children receive special treatment, while outsiders fight for acceptance.

• Media Trials and Public Perception: It discovers how front-page stories can destroy careers without truth.

• Gender Bias and Objectification: Women characters endure structural issues, right from casting couch syndrome to tokenization.

• Mental Health in Showbiz: The show catches a glimpse of anxiety, burnout, and identity crisis that is faced by young actors.

• Cancel Culture and Redemption: It discusses whether genuine development is reflected in public apologies and PR stunts.

The issues are of particular relevance to younger generations that are more critical of celebrity culture and want public figures to be open.

Visuals and Soundtrack: Aesthetic Meets Attitude

The production design of the show is minimalist and engaging. Aryan employs color, composition, and light to mirror the emotional lives of his characters. Neon-colored parties are juxtaposed with dimly lit dressing rooms as a visual metaphor for the dualism of fame.

The score is an experimental blending of retro Bollywood, indie pop, and avant-garde beats. It enhances the story and provides texture to important scenes, making the experience of watching even more captivating.

Social Media Hype and Viewer Response

Ever since it was out, The Bads of Bollywood has taken over Instagram reels, YouTube reviews, and Twitter threads. Fans are analyzing cameos, reciting punchlines, and discussing which real-life personalities influenced some characters.

The series has set people talking about the necessity of change in Bollywood, the democratization of content through OTT platforms, and the strength of satire as a driver of cultural self-reflection.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Fans and Critics of Bollywood Alike

The Bads of Bollywood is more than a Netflix show—it’s a cultural commentary. Aryan Khan’s debut establishes he’s not coasting on name alone. He’s here to break rules, stir the mind, and make us laugh with substance.

For viewers, the show offers a rare blend of humor, drama, and critique. It’s a must-watch for anyone curious about the real workings of Bollywood, the cost of fame, and the stories that rarely make it to the big screen.

Whether you’re a die-hard Bollywood fan or a skeptic of celebrity culture, The Bads of Bollywood delivers a fresh perspective that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.