Aryan Khan makes his directorial debut with The Bads of Bollywood a seven-episode drama that is bold fun and completely unapologetic. The show takes us straight into the madness of the film industry showing its glamour on the outside and the chaos behind the scenes. From the very beginning it sets a loud and energetic tone making it clear that this is not a typical series. The story mixes everything: masala gossip comedy action scandals and emotional moments. Aryan does not hold back in showing the good the bad and the ugly sides of Bollywood. The Plot The series opens in familiar Bollywood territory: a bustling film set complete with a director a star and an orchestra of chaos. Soon we are introduced to Aasman Singh (played by Lakshya) a flamboyant arrogant and pompous hero who becomes the beating heart of this world. From breaking bones to breaking the laws of physics Aasman embodies the excess and madness of Bollywood itself. Within minutes it’s clear this is not another series that follows a set of rules. The narrative cleverly shifts between glitzy spectacle and gritty satire forcing viewers to question why big production houses often fail despite huge budgets. Aryan’s direction ensures that even the most over-the-top sequences have a purpose a commentary on the industry’s obsession with image and hype. Cameos That Steal the Spotlight One of Aryan’s most striking creative visualisations is how he uses cameos. Unlike other shows that throw in celebrities for shock value Aryan keeps them authentic. Karan Johar plays himself a lively charming and unapologetically larger-than-life character which he does in real. Ranveer Singh’s appearance is equally delightful not because he’s pretending to be someone else but because he is very much himself which easily blends him into the story. The decision to showcase stars as they are rather than as fictional adds a dose of authenticity to it. Lakshya Shines as Aasman Singh Lakshya delivers a layered performance as Aasman Singh. His swagger and arrogance make you roll your eyes yet his vulnerability ensures you root for him. Aryan crafts Aasman not just as a parody of Bollywood heroes but also as a mirror reflecting the compromises ambitions and insecurities that define stardom. Among the supporting cast Manoj Pahwa is brilliant as the foul-mouthed yet lovable chacha (uncle). Rajat Bedi playing into his self-aware “seen somewhere before” image provides some of the funniest moments. Manish Chaudhary lends gravitas to the otherwise madcap ensemble. Emraan Hashmi and Karan Johar shine in self-parody poking fun at their own industry personas. Bobby Deol continues his stardom post-Animal with a striking presence in the series. Sporting almost the same rugged look Bobby plays a strict father who refuses to let his daughter bond with Aasman Singh. His commanding screen presence adds depth to the narrative as he becomes a protective yet authoritative figure reminding audiences why he remains a powerhouse even today. Raghav Juyal brings strong energy as comic relief but is largely confined to being the goofy best friend. Mona Singh’s mother role initially feels like an overdramatic trope though she redeems herself later. Sahher Bambba and Anya Singh show potential but remain underutilised. The Reference Behind Say No To Drugs While Aryan Khan’s brilliant use of Bollywood cameos stands out in the series he doesn’t shy away from placing himself in the spotlight too. In one gripping episode an NCB officer raids a Bollywood party but instead of arresting a common man the officer nabs an actor caught with illegal substances. The scene is unmissable which takes a dig at Aryan’s own past headlines during the infamous raid. And just when the satire hits its peak the screen flashes “Say No To Drugs” followed by the cheeky stamp Directed by Aryan Khan. Its bold wickedly funny and a perfect mic-drop moment. Balancing Masala with Emotion For all its wildness Aryan doesn’t forget the core of his story making the series humane. The relationship between Aasman and his parents provides some of the most emotional moments grounding his otherwise arrogant personality. His bond with his manager and his one true friend also acts as an anchor when arrogance threatens to eat him. These emotional beats prevent the show from becoming an empty spectacle. This gives depth to Aasman’s flaws and regrets reminding viewers that beneath the fireworks lies a very real human struggle. Aryan shows surprising maturity in blending satire and sincerity. What Went Wrong? The Bads of Bollywood have delivered everything - cameos scandals absurd twists laugh-out-loud parody and even poignant moments that stick with you. Yes it sometimes feels indulgent and occasionally predictable but it never loses entertainment value. The series does lose a bit of steam toward the end but never enough to alienate the viewer. Each episode comes with its own surprise ensuring the audience remains hooked throughout. And when the mystery of the censored title is finally revealed it lands with the cheeky punch Aryan clearly intended- yes it is The Bastards of Bollywood. Verdict: The Bads of Bollywood is pure masala- packed with humour drama and just the right touch of logic. The series takes you on a roller-coaster ride from start to finish with delightful cameos that keep surprising you along the way. It is an unmissable watch that will tempt you to binge all seven episodes in one go. Aryan Khan has taken on a daring task with his debut and he has pulled it off with confidence flair and vision. Rating: 4/5