Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Universal entertainment
The Ba***ds of Bollywood, Aryan Khan’s much-hyped, star-studded directorial debut on Netflix, has made it to the top of the streamer’s charts in India and delighted audiences around the world. Starring Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, and Sahher Bammba, the seven-episode series is a breezy and entertaining watch that keeps viewers hooked until the very end.
As an Indian American who casually follows Bollywood news and films, I approached The Ba**ds of Bollywood with curiosity more than any deep insights or nostalgia. That said, the show is packed with enough cameos and jokes that even casual viewers can enjoy it, while die-hard Bollywoodphiles will likely catch many of the references I might have missed.
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A nepo kid’s jibe at nepotism
The plot follows newcomer actor Aasman Singh (Lakshya) as he navigates his newfound success in the film industry. The central story revolves around his romance with nepo baby Karishma Talvar (Sahher Bambba), and her superstar father Ajay Talvar’s (Bobby Deol) relentless effort to thwart it, culminating in a surprising twist that genuinely made me pause my screen for a minute!
Perhaps the most engaging part of the series is its tongue-in-cheek humor that pokes fun at the Hindi film industry as a whole. It features cameos from industry icons like Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Rajamouli, Ranbir Kapoor, Amir Khan, and the infamous Bollywood Wives – cameos that perhaps only SRK’s son could have pulled off. Furthermore, the show thrives on self-awareness of Bollywood: Aryan Khan, a nepo kid, confidently pokes fun at the nepotism debate. Its ability to laugh at its own culture makes it refreshing, especially with the recent scrutiny and controversy Bollywood has become synonymous with (Khan references his highly publicized drug arrest from 2021).
Fans of the industry will notice the lighter touches, too. Raghav Juyal, known for his dance prowess and as the chilling antagonist in the highly reviewed feature film KILL, plays Aasman’s loyal sidekick, adding humor that feels perfectly at home in this Bollywood satire. KILL’s other action lead, Lakshya, also nails it in The Ba***ds of Bollywood as a starlet in over his head.
Khan’s direction, actors, shine
Aryan Khan’s direction feels confident and unapologetic. His playful use of meta-commentary, over-the-top visuals, and satirical exaggeration makes the series bold and distinct. Through the portrayal of a vengeful film tycoon and a has-been star, the series does not shy away from the absurd world that Khan depicts, and rather than resisting it, he leans in with flair. The result is a show that’s not afraid to look ridiculous, because that’s precisely the point.
The cast’s performance is phenomenal; Lakshya shines as Aasman Singh, convincingly portraying the naive optimism and insecurity of a newcomer thrust into the chaotic Bollywood world. Sahher Bammba brings depth to Karishma Talvar, making her more than just a “nepo baby love interest,” and Bobby Deol’s Ajay Talvar effortlessly oscillates between intimidating superstar and over-the-top, almost cartoonish antagonist.
While the fast-paced narrative occasionally loses steam in the middle episodes and teeters on the edge of ludicrousness – like during the scene where Aasman helps Karishma escape her home – the sharp writing and witty commentary keep it afloat. It’s not a series meant to be overanalyzed; rather, it’s one to be enjoyed for what it is: a fun, self-aware satire that reminds us not to take Bollywood (or ourselves) too seriously.