Aryan Khan's directorial debut, "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," is generating significant buzz, and the first review is in, courtesy of Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. Sarandos' initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive, describing the show as "very funny" and praising Aryan Khan as a "very good director." This early endorsement has amplified the anticipation surrounding the series, which is slated for release on Netflix later this year.
Sarandos shared his views on Nikhil Kamath's WTF podcast, offering insights into what viewers can expect from "The Ba***ds of Bollywood." He noted, "It's very fun. I've watched the first two episodes so far. It's very funny. I think people in India and people outside of India know nothing about the inner workings of Bollywood. So it's a really fun world." His comments suggest that the show will offer a unique and humorous perspective on the Hindi film industry, potentially revealing aspects unknown to even seasoned Bollywood enthusiasts.
"The Ba***ds of Bollywood" is described as a dark comedy that delves into the inner workings of Bollywood. The series follows an ambitious outsider and his friends as they navigate the glamorous yet treacherous world of cinema, tackling themes of fame, power, and betrayal. The official plotline promises an "unabashed, entertaining ride," hinting at a no-holds-barred portrayal of the industry.
The series boasts a cast including Lakshya and Sahher Bambba in lead roles. There are reports of cameo appearances by some of Bollywood's biggest names, including Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Ranveer Singh, adding to the excitement. Bobby Deol and Mona Singh are also reportedly part of the cast, further bolstering the ensemble.
The project was officially announced at the Next on Netflix event in Mumbai earlier this year. Shah Rukh Khan, Aryan's father, was present at the event and even shot a promotional video for the series. During the event, Shah Rukh Khan revealed that he had considered asking Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria (Netflix's Chief Content Officer) to give Aryan a job at Netflix as an assistant before Aryan began writing the show. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aryan returned to India and started writing instead.
Karan Johar has also expressed confidence in Aryan Khan's directorial abilities. In a recent chat with Raj Shamani, Johar lauded Aryan's work ethic and hinted at his unique directorial talent, urging audiences to "watch out" for the series. He emphasized that Aryan possesses an individualistic voice and works diligently, unburdened by his father's legacy.
Aryan Khan's journey into filmmaking includes studying film and television production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. Before venturing into "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," Aryan directed an advertisement video for his luxury apparel brand, D'yavol X, which featured his father, Shah Rukh Khan. This marked his first foray into directing and provided a glimpse of his creative potential.
Ted Sarandos also shared insights into his relationship with Shah Rukh Khan, stating that Shah Rukh was one of the first celebrities he met when he came to India. He fondly recalled a dinner hosted by Shah Rukh and mentioned that they have visited each other in Los Angeles.
"The Ba***ds of Bollywood" promises to be a significant addition to Netflix's Indian content lineup, offering a blend of humor, drama, and insider perspectives on one of the world's most prominent film industries. With Aryan Khan at the helm and a positive initial review from Netflix's CEO, the series is poised to capture the attention of audiences both in India and abroad.