Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Bads of Bollywood finally dropped on Netflix on 18 September 2025, but the much-hyped series hasn’t landed as strongly as many expected. Billed as a satirical drama, it follows the journey of outsider Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya Lalwani), who dreams of becoming a star. His big break arrives when he is cast opposite Karishma Talwar (Sahher Bambba), daughter of superstar Ajay Talvar (Bobby Deol). From there, the narrative dives into the chaos of fame, gossip, and power politics behind the glamour.
The seven-episode series aims to pull back the curtain on Bollywood, tackling themes like nepotism, rivalry, and the struggle between raw talent and inherited privilege. With Aryan Khan behind the camera, the Bads Of Bollywood also grabbed attention for cameo appearances by heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Ranveer Singh. But despite the buzz, the audience reaction online tells a different story.
The Bads Of Bollywood Review: Why Many Viewers Are Left Disappointed
While some viewers appreciated the attempt to portray Bollywood’s messy side, many felt let down by its execution. Google reviews are already piling up with sharp criticism, pointing out slow pacing, predictable writing and overhyped promotions. One of the biggest complaints is the absence of Tamannaah Bhatia’s much-talked-about song, which was teased before release but nowhere to be found in the final cut.
A disappointed viewer wrote, “First time you can watch this series, but honestly better skip it yaar. Director Mr Aryan Khan and Mr Aashmaan Singh, with the whole cast, tried too hard to show ‘reality of Bollywood,’ but it looks more like drama than truth. Everyone just comes, delivers a dialogue, and runs away with no pause, no feel. Honestly, the sets acted better than the actors; at least they had some depth on screen. One good part was Raghav as Parvaiz; he actually looked like a real friend. Funny, supportive, and in tough moments, he handled the hero well. That was refreshing. Rest? Exhausting. They keep shouting Bollywood is hell, full of parties, sex, bad company… but yaar, we already know! Instead of this, I’d happily watch old Koffee with Karan episodes. And Bobby Deol? Still stuck in his Aashram angry-man zone. Bas wahi expression, nothing new.”
Another review slammed the lack of originality, saying, “This series was a complete disappointment. The plot felt dragged out and predictable, the characters were shallow, and the writing lacked any real creativity. Instead of building suspense, it relied on clichés and unnecessary filler episodes that went nowhere. The pacing was painfully slow, and even the acting couldn’t save it. Honestly, it felt like Netflix rushed this out just to fill its catalog rather than deliver real quality. I regret wasting my time on it.”
Check out some reviews below
The Khan Family’s Big Night Out
The premiere event last night turned into a grand family affair. Shah Rukh Khan attended with Gauri, Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam. The entire family posed together on the red carpet. Suhana stunned in a mustard-yellow gown with a thigh-high slit. Shah Rukh opted for an all-black look, complete with a sleek jacket and layered accessories. Aryan Khan stayed low-key but looked proud as cameras captured the family moment.
