After the starry trailer of Ba***ds of Bollywood dropped, the stakes were high for Shah Rukh Khan’s son as he attempts to give a reality check on the glamorous world of cinema. Does the series deliver or crumble under the weight of expectations? Let’s find out.
The series follows Aasman Singh (Lakshya), who wreaks havoc at the box office with his debut film Revolver. Following the unprecedented success, renowned producer Freddy Sodawallab (Manish Chaudhari) is determined to sign him for a three-film deal. While Aasman’s manager Sanya (Anya Singh) advises him against it, he goes ahead. At the same time, he is also offered a Dharma film alongside Karishma (Sahher Bambba), the daughter of superstar Ajay Talwar (Bobby Deol). However, Ajay has other plans for his daughter’s launch and ensures Aasman is ousted from Karan’s film. Does this derail Aasman’s career? Why is Ajay Talwar so determined to destroy him? The answers unfold over seven episodes.
What works
To begin with, the series offers a peek into the unseen world of Bollywood, giving audiences the kind of drama they’ve been yearning for. From nepotism, stardom, glam parties, and industry facades to the underworld’s ties, Aryan explores it all. The double standards of the industry are exposed with a detail only an insider could bring. The show is unapologetic, unfiltered, and brimming with sharp digs at the film world.
Adding to the excitement, Aryan even weaves in moments from his own much-discussed past. A scene featuring a spoof of Sameer Wankhede raiding a success party serves as a fitting response to those who once targeted him. As for the screenplay, there is hardly a dull moment in the seven-episode run. Right from the start, Aryan proves he intends to remain unfiltered. Stardom changes everything, and Aryan has proved this with a hilarious Ranveer Singh–Karan Johar scene.
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Ever since its announcement, one of the biggest hooks of the series was the promise of cameos, and it doesn’t disappoint. Another standout portion has to be the time King Khan enters and makes hearts flutter with his charm. While you think the trailer gave a glimpse of all the cameos, you will be in for a surprise as the climax lands with a punch no one saw coming.
What not
While the series is engaging, the writing falters at times as it tries to pack too much into limited space. In attempting to cover everything, certain threads are left hanging. For instance, the #MeToo subplot comes across as half-baked. The pacing also stumbles occasionally, making some portions feel out of place.
At the core, the show is a satirical drama, but it’s replete with a love story that lands flat. The language of the show deserves a special mention as every character is profusely cussing, adding to the rawness of the show. However, there are occasions where it feels unnecessary. Corniness is another element the show embraces unapologetically. At least three or four moments are so absurd, they leave you questioning Aryan’s direction.
In his attempt to capture every shade of showbiz, Aryan peppers the series with cameos one could never imagine. But not all are well-utilised. As the saying goes, too many cooks spoil the broth — and that’s what happens here. While stars like Arshad Warsi and Emraan Hashmi contribute meaningfully to the narrative, others appear only in blink-and-miss roles. The most underwhelming cameos are by Aamir Khan and S. S. Rajamouli; when two such forces unite, you expect something substantial, but they are reduced to a casual chat about idli-sambar and vada pav.
Performances
Lakshya Lalwani has truly proved that he is not one of the stars, but rather an Aasman who is here to rule. While he is rude, arrogant, and pompous, he also has a soft side when it comes to family, and the emotions are chalked out quite well. Bobby Deol owns the screen with his intensity. His commanding presence makes Ajay a worthy counterpart to Aasman.
Raghav Juyal, Manish Chaudhari, Manoj Pahwa, and Rajat Bedi deliver memorable performances. However, Sahher Bambba and Mona Singh fail to leave an impression. Despite an explosive climax, Mona’s impact feels incomplete as her character lacks depth.
Overall, the seven-episode series promises starry cameos and a whole lot of drama with convincing performances. While not flawless, it delivers enough entertainment to keep viewers hooked.