The Bads of Bollywood Review: A Darkly Entertaining Ride Through Crime & Cinema

If you’re on the hunt for the best series to watch on Netflix, Bads of Bollywood should be at the top of your list. This 2025 satirical comedy series offers a hilarious yet eye-opening look at the chaotic world behind the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. From ambitious newcomers to industry veterans, the show dives into the struggles, scandals, and absurdities of the Hindi film industry, all wrapped in sharp humor and vibrant storytelling. Whether you’re a die-hard Bollywood fan or just curious about what really goes on behind the scenes, Bads of Bollywood promises laughs, drama, and a fresh perspective on the pursuit of fame.

Series Overview

Bollywood has always been bigger than life—full of heroes, heartaches, and high-octane drama. With ‘Bads of Bollywood,’ the industry flips the coin and takes us under the hood, where ambition meets corruption and where the lines between glamour and grit are blurred. As one of the best series to watch on Netflix, it doesn’t just offer a thrilling watch; it goes on to smash Bollywood stereotypes, without reservation. In this review, we will break down the performances and direction and the script and everything in between that rates this show as a standout—or not, in a crowded OTT space.

The Ba**ds of Bollywood is a satirical web series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the glitzy yet gritty world of the Hindi film industry. The story follows Aasman Singh, an ambitious outsider who, along with his eclectic group of friends, navigates the chaotic and often absurd landscape of Bollywood. Through sharp humor and exaggerated portrayals, the series delves into themes of nepotism, ambition, and the pursuit of fame.

Bads of Bollywood is a comedy and satire that humorously comments on serious issues like nepotism, ambition, and the pursuit of fame. With its vibrant and energetic visual style, Bads of Bollywood draws on the elements of Bollywood itself, including the cinematography, colorful colors, and an engaging soundtrack and musical score that effectively put the viewer in the world of the series.

Currently available on Netflix, it’s super easy for viewers to find one of the best series to watch on Netflix this year. The format is perfect for bingeing, as the short episodes offer concise, informative, and humorous commentary and insights about the film industry.

Cast & Performances

The strength of Bads of Bollywood is really in its ensemble cast, which brings just the right energy, humor, and depth to the series. Lakshya is wonderful as Aasman Singh, the hopeful outsider trying his best in the ups and downs of Bollywood’s chaotic world, TV. His performance finds a nice balance between comedic timing and real emotion, making him a character many viewers will connect with and root for.

The supporting cast, including Bobby Deol, Sahher Bambba, and Raghav Juyal, have their own memorable contributions, deepening each character, all too familiar in their portrayal of the film industry’s quirky characters. These characters’ relationships have an authenticity that enhances the comedic moments and gives additional depth to the dramatic moments. The interactions feel real and, despite the extreme or satirical moments, hold the viewers’ interest and connection throughout.

In conclusion, the performances enhance the overall series, raising the satirical moments in a way that feels relatable and modern and captures the struggles, goals, and absurdities of life behind the velvet of Bollywood.

What Worked & What Didn’t

What Worked

The acting is one of Bads of Bollywood’s strongest assets. The ensemble cast captures both exaggerated caricature and genuine emotion that fits the sense of chaos and charm that Bollywood personalities embody. Nikhil is particularly good as Aasman Singh, the ambitious outsider attempting to find his foothold in the industry. He is relatable and compelling.

While the direction and storytelling are helmed by Aryan Khan, thus feeling fresh and distinct from its parent series, the pacing is fast, with entertaining connections from episode to episode and a layered cadence that blends satire and drama—and it is predominantly fun, with the humor feeling fluid and never forced. The cinematography is colorful and replete with frenetic camera moves and angles that mirror and heighten Bollywood’s exuberance, energy, and vibrancy. In a similar vein, the soundtrack is lively and eclectic, effectively encapsulating and amplifying tone and mood.

What Didn’t Work

Although the series features several positive aspects, it has its own shortcomings as well. Several plot lines lack sufficient development, causing some character arcs and motivations to come off as unclear or rushed. Plus, the writing sometimes relies too heavily on clichés, which prevents it from more deeply exploring opportunities for satire and sharper humor.

Some subplots also feel unnecessary and detract from the main story, which dilutes the power of the story’s key themes. Although these moments do not ruin the watching experience overall, they do make parts of the series feel uneven and somewhat disconnected from one another.

Direction & Cinematography: A Stylishly Dark Vision

Aryan Khan’s direction of Bads of Bollywood offers an innovative and captivating view into the chaotic world of Bollywood. He deftly blends satire, comedy, and drama, ensuring it remains an engaging series while making incisive remarks on an industry’s realities like nepotism and ambition. The pacing of each episode is tight, allowing the story not to lag, while also flowing seamlessly between comedic and dramatic moments.

Cinematography is another strong element, with vibrant frames underscoring the extravagance of Bollywood. Energetic angles and smooth movement create an enjoyable viewing aesthetic, while the colorful aesthetic tethers the over-inflated, larger-than-life nature of the plot. Each frame feels constructed to convey a similar mood and tone to the scene it is in, be it a comedic scene on a bustling film set, or a more solemn moment about an interna character’s struggle. In short, the direction and cinematography continue to elevate the story and satire, making the viewing experience immersive and visually appealing.

Funny, Unexpected Cameos

A fun and delightful surprise found within Bads of Bollywood are the amusing, unexpected cameos found throughout the series. Familiar faces pop up for a quick bit, whether as a tongue-in-cheek parody of their public persona or a larger-than-life version of themselves. The cameos add to the comedic feeling of the series while also providing fans their own special “blink-and-you-miss-it” moment to discuss.

These cameos work so well because they appear to grow naturally from the story and don’t feel tacked on. This is particularly true when the cameo arrives when the satire in the narrative is operating at a heightened level of absurdity, adding more humor without losing the story’s interesting character. For Bollywood fans, these characters become elements of their own Easter egg hunt during the viewing experience!

Shah Rukh Khan leads the way, appearing as himself and narrating the story, while Aamir Khan and Salman Khan add playful touches with food gags and party sequences. Ranbir Kapoor’s short but talked-about scene in the finale, Emraan Hashmi’s quirky moment with Raghav Juyal, and Karan Johar’s tongue-in-cheek appearances stand out as fan favorites. These cameos feel natural and add extra humor, making the series even more fun for Bollywood lovers.

Most Memorable Scene

One of the most unforgettable moments in Bads of Bollywood comes in the climactic finale, where all the storylines converge in a chaotic yet brilliantly executed sequence. Without giving away spoilers, this scene perfectly captures the essence of the series: the glitz, the drama, and the underlying satire of Bollywood’s obsession with fame and recognition.

The climax stands out not just for its storytelling but also for its visual flair and energy. The camera work, combined with the vibrant color palette and dynamic soundtrack, heightens the tension while still maintaining the series’ signature humor. The ensemble cast shines in this sequence, with impeccable timing and chemistry that make the chaos feel both entertaining and emotionally resonant. It’s a scene that leaves a lasting impression, encapsulating the absurdities, struggles, and triumphs of life in the Bollywood spotlight, making it a perfect culmination of the series’ themes.

Comparisons & Context: Where Does It Stand in Bollywood OTT?

Comparisons are inevitable. Fans of ‘Sacred Games’ will recognize the crime undercurrents, while viewers of ‘Made in Heaven’ will spot the insider-industry critique. Yet, ‘Bads of Bollywood’ carves its own identity by fusing satire with noir, making it one of the best series to watch on Netflix India right now.

Unlike many formulaic Bollywood thrillers, this show is unafraid to embrace moral ambiguity. It doesn’t glorify crime, nor does it preach—instead, it lets viewers wrestle with their own judgments.

Is ‘Bads of Bollywood’ Worth Watching?

Absolutely. ‘Bads of Bollywood’ is a daring, darkly comic, and emotionally resonant series that redefines how Bollywood stories can be told. While it has its flaws – a few pacing dips, undercooked subplots – its strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. It’s a cultural mirror, a stylish thriller, and an insider satire all rolled into one.

As one of the best series to watch on Netflix India, it will entertain casual viewers, intrigue critics, and spark conversations among Bollywood lovers. Its rewatchability lies in its layered performances and nuanced satire – the kind of show that reveals more with each revisit.

In short, ‘Bads of Bollywood’ is not just a show. It’s an experience – equal parts glitter, grime, and genius.