Mumbai: Following a highly anticipated release, Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, the satirical series Bads of Bollywood, has been met with a positive reception from both industry insiders and the general public. The show, which premiered on Netflix on Thursday, September 18, is being praised as a “paisa-vasool” (value-for-money) entertainer for its sharp wit, meta-humor, and a bold, unfiltered look at the Hindi film industry.
The seven-episode series, produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, follows the chaotic journey of an aspiring actor named Aasmaan Singh (played by Lakshya) as he navigates the cutthroat world of Bollywood. The show features an extensive cast including Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, and Raghav Juyal, along with a number of high-profile cameos.
Initial reviews and audience reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have been largely favorable. One user, who finished the first episode, praised Aryan Khan, writing, “The writing is sharp, the screenplay super engaging & the humour is on point.” Another tweet hailed the show’s humor, noting that Aryan “knows the ground reality” and is “not afraid of making a joke of himself.” A review from India Forums gave the show a 3.5/5 rating, calling it a “messy, corny, cussing, gloriously meta circus that rips into the industry’s doglapan [hypocrisy] with cameos galore.”
A particular scene in the series, where the lead character is seen behind bars, has garnered significant attention from fans. Many speculated that it was a direct reference to Aryan Khan’s own real-life experience. While actor Lakshya has neither confirmed nor denied this, he did state that the scene showcased Aryan’s “humorous side.” Another actor from the series, Manoj Pahwa, denied any connection, stating that the show is “entirely fictional.”
Beyond the directing, the performances have also been a point of praise. Many viewers have singled out Raghav Juyal’s performance, calling him “brilliant” and “too good,” even with a limited role. The show’s unapologetic and unfiltered tone, which includes digs at the industry that raised him, has resonated with audiences who are calling it a “must-watch.”
The show has been described as a blend of satire, drama, and action, with a pace that keeps viewers engaged. It is now available for binge-watching on Netflix.