From the very first episode, Aryan Khan’s The Bads of Bollywood surprised me in all the right ways. The concept was really amazing — a satirical rollercoaster through Bollywood’s glitz, scandals, politics, nepotism, and power games — and yet somehow it doesn’t feel over-stuffed; there’s breathing room to laugh, cringe, and gasp. As a viewer who tends to spot tropes from a mile away, I was genuinely caught off guard by the twist; I didn’t see it coming, and that moment alone made the whole series more memorable.
One character who absolutely steals the spotlight is Raghav Juyal. His performance is amazing. Whether through his comic timing, the expressive reactions, or simply the energy he brings, he provides many of the show’s “wow” moments. Every time he appears on screen, he lifts the scene — there’s humour, surprise, authenticity. He’s not just comic relief; he becomes a vital part of what keeps the show engaging.
Another strong point is that the series is truly binge-worthy. Once you’ve started, it becomes hard to stop. The pace, despite occasional dips, largely works in its favour; it pushes forward, layering drama, insider references, cameos, moments of self-awareness. You feel like Aryan Khan is holding up a mirror to Bollywood and daring the audience to look closer.
As a debut director, Aryan Khan delivered more than many might have expected. The series doesn’t feel naive; there’s a sense that he has thought through what he wants to say, what he wants to poke fun at, and where to draw the line. The satirical edge, the humour, the way certain real-life controversies are woven in — it shows courage. Also, the characterization of the aspiring outsiders, their struggles, ego clashes, and the film’s pull vs its price (so to speak) are done in ways that feel at least somewhat fresh. Also, while many cameos are fun, a couple feel more like checklist items rather than advancing the story. But overall, those are small complaints in what is otherwise a strong debut.
In summary, The Bads of Bollywood is entertaining, full of surprises, and especially buoyed by Raghav Juyal’s performance. It’s fun, spicy, dramatic, chaotic (in a good way), and cinematic enough to feel impressive. If you enjoy shows that poke at the industry, that twist and shock, and are perfect for binge-watching, this one’s for you. Ariyan Khan may just have announced himself as a new voice worth watching.