The Bads of Bollywood Review: Aryan Khan’s Netflix Debut Shines with Lakshya Lalwani’s Stellar Act

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood, has finally landed on Netflix — and it comes with sky-high expectations. With Lakshya Lalwani in a breakout role, supported by Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, and a host of seasoned actors, the series also surprises fans with cameo appearances from none other than Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan.

So, does Aryan manage to make a powerful first impression behind the camera? Let’s dive into the review.

Critic’s Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Genre: Action-Comedy

Format: 7 Episodes

The Story: Satire Meets Stardom

At the heart of the series is Aasman Singh (played by Lakshya Lalwani), a Delhi boy with filmy dreams bigger than the Mumbai skyline. He isn’t just chasing stardom — he believes in “tamasha karna” both on and off the big screen.

But in true Bollywood style, destiny has a twist ready. One wrong move drags Aasman into the dark underbelly of the film industry, where ego clashes, nepotism, and power struggles run the show. Things get heated when his war of words with star kid Karishma Talwar (Sahher Bambba) spirals into a love-hate drama, pulling him into a battle with her influential father, producer Arjun Talwar (Bobby Deol).

Throw in revenge-seeking producers, industry politics, and a dash of romance, and you’ve got a satirical rollercoaster that doesn’t slow down.

Performances That Shine

Lakshya Lalwani delivers a standout performance as Aasman Singh. He’s sharp, charismatic, and carries the emotional weight of the story with ease.

Raghav Juyal steals scenes as Parvez, blending humor and wit with perfect timing.

Anya Singh is compelling as Aasman’s loyal manager, while Sahher Bambba captures the entitled nepo-kid vibe, though her impact feels limited.

Bobby Deol nails the role of a protective yet menacing father, supported by Manish Chaudhari, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa, who keep the narrative engaging.

Direction & Writing

Aryan Khan, along with co-writers Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, delivers a punchy mix of satire, action, and comedy. The pacing is brisk, dialogues are quirky, and the show’s commentary on Bollywood’s glitz and grime feels daring without being overdone.

The series thrives on its cameos and inside-industry jabs, giving fans a mix of entertainment and masala with enough unpredictability to keep binge-watchers hooked.

Final Verdict

Aryan Khan’s debut behind the camera may not be flawless, but it’s bold, witty, and unapologetically filmy. The Bads of Bollywood isn’t just a parody of the industry — it’s a satirical love letter to its chaos.

With Lakshya Lalwani’s killer performance at the center and Aryan’s fresh directorial voice, Netflix’s latest release is worth the watch for anyone who loves Bollywood drama served with a wink.

Verdict: A fun, masala-packed ride into the madness of stardom (3.5/5).