Aryan Khan’s directorial venture Bads of Bollywood arrives with a lot of expectation—after all, it is the much-anticipated debut of a star kid stepping behind the camera. Unfortunately, the web series struggles to find its footing, never quite delivering the punch its title promises.
At its core, the story follows Aasmaan, a young man chasing the dream of stardom in Bollywood. It’s a familiar trope, and the treatment doesn’t bring any freshness. Instead, the narrative feels recycled—like something we’ve all seen many times before. There is little by way of surprise or invention, leaving the viewer with a nagging sense of déjà vu.
One of the series's selling points is its celebrity cameos. But here again, the execution falls flat. The appearances add little to the plot or emotional arc, and feel more like checklist moments than meaningful contributions.
Music, which has historically been Bollywood’s saving grace even in weak projects, is another letdown. The soundtrack is forgettable, without a single track that lingers after the credits roll.
What does stand out are the dialogues—occasionally sharp, biting, and loaded with punch. Aryan Khan himself is credited with them, and they provide rare sparks of life in an otherwise lacklustre screenplay.
The true strength of this series lies in its lead actor Lakshya Lalwani. As Aasmaan, he is a revelation—a powerhouse of talent, convincingly portraying the hunger, vulnerability, and grit of a newcomer chasing the big dream. His performance carries this series, even as everything else falters around him.
Overall, Bads of Bollywood is an underwhelming debut for Aryan Khan. While there are flashes of potential, the series is weighed down by its predictability, weak music, and lack of originality. Save for the lead actor’s magnetic turn, there’s little reason to watch it.
Cast: Lakshya Lalwani, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Mona Singh, Gautami Kapoor, Manoj Pahwa, Rajat Bedi among others.
Director: Aryan Khan
Producer: Gauri Khan
Rating: 2.5/5
