Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, has made a splash with his directorial debut, "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," which premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2025. The series has quickly become a hit, reaching the No. 1 spot on Netflix India's trending charts within a day of its release.
"The Ba***ds of Bollywood" offers a satirical and self-aware look into the inner workings of the Hindi film industry. The show follows Aasmaan Singh, played by Lakshya Lalwani, an ambitious outsider navigating the unpredictable world of Bollywood. The series explores themes of fame, betrayal, and the harsh realities that lie beneath the glamorous surface. Bobby Deol plays a key role, adding depth to the cast, which includes Mona Singh, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, and others.
The series is written and directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment. This marks a significant step for Aryan, who has chosen to pursue storytelling rather than acting. The show is being praised for its bold narrative, well-developed characters, and high production value.
"The Ba***ds of Bollywood" features an ensemble cast, including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor. The series also includes cameo appearances from some of Bollywood's biggest names, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Karan Johar.
The series is composed of seven episodes, each approximately 50 minutes in length. "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" blends comedy and drama to present a humorous and satirical view of Bollywood. The series has been described as a fast-paced and stylish show that raises questions about how far one is willing to go to achieve success.
The premiere of "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" was a star-studded event in Mumbai, attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities. Social media has been flooded with positive reviews and discussions about the show, further boosting its popularity. Netflix India celebrated the show's success with a viral reel captioned: "Picture toh saalon se baaki par show toh #1 pe pohoch gaya hai".
One particular scene in the show has sparked considerable buzz, with viewers speculating that it references the 2021 arrest of Aryan Khan by former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. The scene portrays a police officer frustrated by the drug culture within the film industry.
Critics have generally responded positively to "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," praising Aryan Khan's direction and writing. Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India gave the series 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting its self-awareness and ability to find its footing in quieter moments. Sakshi Verma of India TV gave the show 3 out of 5 stars, calling it a classic masala entertainer full of surprises, fun, drama, and thrills.
