Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has finally stepped into the world of entertainment—not as an actor, but as a writer and director. His first web series, “The Bads of Bollywood”, was released on 18 September 2025 on Netflix.
Because Aryan comes from a famous family and also faced legal troubles in the past, people were very curious. Some wanted him to succeed, others were waiting to criticize. Now that the show is out, let’s look at the full truth—what it is about, what works, what doesn’t, and how audiences are reacting.
What the Show Is About
The story follows a young man, Aasmaan Singh, who wants to become a Bollywood star.He has to deal with nepotism, powerful producers, contracts, gossip, critics, and scandals.
The show mixes satire, comedy, drama, and action.It often makes fun of Bollywood itself, showing how the industry works behind the scenes.What makes the series different is that it doesn’t just tell a story.
It jokes about real incidents, including Aryan’s own past, and also includes cameos of big Bollywood stars.
Bold Choices by Aryan
Aryan could have played safe, but instead he:
- Made fun of himself : There’s a jail scene that reminds everyone of his 2021 arrest. A cop in the show even says, “People become more famous after going to jail.” This is a clear self-reference.
- Mocked Bollywood insiders : Characters look similar to real producers, critics, and even NCB officer Sameer Wankhede, who once arrested Aryan.
- Used big stars : Karan Johar, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and others appear in funny cameo roles.
- Showed Bollywood truths : Nepotism, backroom deals, media gossip, and fan culture are openly discussed.
Strong Points of the Series
- High Production Value : The show looks rich and stylish. Costumes, sets, and music are top-notch. Clearly, Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment spent a lot.
- Inside Jokes & Easter Eggs : Bollywood fans loved spotting hidden references—old SRK films, past controversies, famous award shows, etc.
- Good Performances : Bobby Deol, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, and Raghav Juyal get praise for strong acting. Lakshya Lalwani, who plays the hero, also does well.
- Emotional Touches : Apart from jokes, the series has some serious scenes about family, ambition, and betrayal. This balance makes it more than just a comedy.
- Daring Approach : Aryan didn’t avoid his past. Instead, he used it to create art. That takes courage, especially for a debut.
Weak Points of the Series
Weak Story Structure
The main story sometimes gets lost in between cameos and jokes. Some parts feel rushed or unfinished.
Overuse of Cameos
Too many star appearances make it feel like a collection of skits instead of a solid drama.
Confusing Tone
At times it’s a satire, then suddenly emotional, then action-packed. This lack of consistency confuses viewers.
Too Many Abuses
The show uses a lot of expletives. Some people find it edgy, others feel it’s forced.
Not Very Original
The idea of “outsider vs. Bollywood system” has been done before. Aryan adds freshness with humor and personal references, but it doesn’t break completely new ground.
Aryan’s Personal Connection
His Past Case: In 2021, Aryan was arrested in a drug-related case. Though charges were dropped, it became national news. The show reflects this through satirical scenes.
Nepotism Debate: As SRK’s son, Aryan faces constant questions of privilege. The series directly tackles nepotism, showing both its unfairness and its reality.
Father’s Influence: The show also feels like a tribute to Shah Rukh Khan’s journey—from outsider to megastar. Aryan seems to be saying, “I know my father’s story, but I want to create my own.”
How People Are Reacting
Fans: Many SRK fans are excited. They say Aryan has talent and is brave to show the ugly side of Bollywood.
Critics: Reviews are mixed
Khaleej Times: glossy and good-looking, but lacks depth.
Indian Express: tries to be smart, but not always self-aware.
Hindustan Times: fun to watch, but doesn’t dig too deep.
In short, audiences are entertained, but critics feel Aryan still has a lot to learn.
Why This Matters
Aryan Khan’s debut is important for many reasons:
1.It shows he is not interested in acting (unlike many star kids), but wants to write and direct.
2. It proves he can handle pressure and turn controversies into content.
3. It starts a new chapter for Red Chillies Entertainment, focusing on digital shows for global audiences.
Final Truth: Did Aryan Succeed
If success means creating buzz—yes, he succeeded. The show is trending, widely discussed, and everyone has an opinion.If success means a perfect debut—not yet. The show has flaws: weak story, too many cameos, and inconsistent tone.But as a first step, it is bold, entertaining, and promising.Aryan Khan has shown that he is not afraid to face his critics. He has also shown that he wants to create his own space, not just live in his father’s shadow.“The Bads of Bollywood” may not be a masterpiece, but it is a clear sign that Aryan Khan is serious about storytelling. With time, experience, and more projects, he may truly prove his creative power.