The Bads of Bollywood Review: From glamour to comedy and emotion-action... Aryan Khan's first series is balanced..

Aryan Khan's directorial debut, "The Bads of Bollywood," is also quite engaging. It's loud, sometimes turbulent, and self-discovery, but it possesses a distinct intoxicating quality. There's a courage in the storytelling and the world it depicts, embracing the absurdity of the industry. It seems Aryan, who has seen Bollywood firsthand, is both mocking and empathizing with the industry.

The seven-episode Netflix series, "The Bads of Bollywood," tells the story of young actor Aasman's success and brief failures. His first film becomes a smash hit, and Lakshya, playing the role of newcomer Aasman, is thrust into the complex world of Bollywood, where there are big contracts, lavish parties, hidden secrets, and even love. The story involves a lot of twists and turns, including drug deals, actors who are just part of the game, and even a don (played by Arshad Warsi) who tries to make a film with Aasman.

The show is notable for its cameos, from Salman Khan to Emraan Hashmi, and a brilliant scene by Shah Rukh Khan. However, The Baddies of Bollywood is the true story of how an actor navigates the power, influence, and difficulties of Bollywood, where perception dictates everything. Bobby Deol is terrific as Ajay Talwar, who seeks complete control over his films, his daughter Karishma (Saher Bambba), and the fragile system of the world he has created.

What Aryan truly brings to the show is a style that is both funny and heartwarming. The series pokes fun at Bollywood clichés: roundtable interviews, grand award shows, and the obsession with family prestige, but it also features moments of emotional truth. For instance, when Aasman confronts Ajay on stage or loses his father amid his own hardships, these scenes are deeply moving. You can feel Aasman's grief.

Everything doesn't always seem right. The appearance of Emraan Hashmi as an intimacy coach in the third episode feels like a bit of filler. Sometimes the show gets so caught up in the grand scheme of things that the focus on the story is lost. However, the production is good. The music, featuring songs by Diljit, Arijit, and B. Praak, is fun and unique, and the visuals are clean and filmy. The first episode itself is a bit slow, which slows down the story's pace, but the story regains its momentum with the second episode.

The most striking aspect is Aryan's control over this madness. This could easily have turned into a sloppy comedy. But Aryan, like his father's excellent performances, knows when to restrain himself. He has a sharp eye, a good sense of humor, and, most importantly, a clear filmmaker's eye. And that's why he's not afraid to joke about himself and his industry.

The Bads of Bollywood isn't perfect, but it's bold, funny, and somewhat personal. It's not just a story of those inside and outside the industry, but a love-hate letter to Bollywood itself. Despite being a first-time director, Aryan Khan has impressed. It's worth being excited about what he has in store. The series picks up where the first season left off, and the second season will be a must-see.

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