“The Ba****ds of Bollywood,” a debut web series of Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan, finally released on Netflix after much anticipation on September 18. Ever since the trailer was released, viewers were eagerly waiting to stream. Now that the show is streaming, it’s evident to say Aryan has made a strong impression in his debut series.
The series is not only full of entertainment but also a brilliant satire on the Bollywood industry. “From the movie mafia to the Mumbai mafia, the lives of stars, scandals, controversies, affairs, melodrama, and cameos from big stars, ‘The Ba****ds of Bollywood’ is a very fun show.” In the show, Aryan makes witty comments, poking fun at himself, his characters, and even Shah Rukh Khan. It’s clear that he spares no one.
Plot Glimpse
The story begins with an action scene featuring Aasman Singh (Lakshya), in which he catches a bullet with his teeth, in a Rajinikanth-esque manner. Aasman began his film career with top producer Freddy Sodawala’s (Manish Chaudhary) film “Revolver.” The film becomes a hit, but he’s also tied down to a three-film deal. Then, he lands a Karan Johar film, and this is where his troubles begin.
Freddy is a ruthless producer whose scheming actors like Jarj Saxena (Rajat Bedi) have been starved for work for years. Meanwhile, there’s superstar Ajay Talwar (Bobby Deol), whose daughter Karishma (Saher Bambba) is soon to debut in a Karan Johar film. But Ajay doesn’t want his daughter working with an unknown, struggling actor, sparking a new story of struggle.
Aryan’s Bold Satire
“Like the song from Shah Rukh Khan’s film ‘Om Shanti Om,’ ‘The Ba****ds of Bollywood’ features numerous cameos from stars. Aamir Khan and Rajamouli debate over idli and vada pav. Salman Khan fears becoming a father. Shah Rukh Khan and Badshah are the ‘kings of the hour.'”
Aryan not only mocks the glamour of Bollywood but also satirizes his own personal controversies and image whether it’s his drug case or his lack of a smile. Furthermore, he has prominently incorporated the debate on nepotism and outsiders in the industry into the story. The meeting between Aasman and Karishma is depicted in the style of Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday’s famous debate. Film parties, award shows, and the industry’s backroom feuds are also sharply portrayed.
Powerful Performances by the Cast
Lakshya plays the character of Aasman Singh brilliantly. “Seeing him in this role makes me feel like the perfect choice. And his deep voice has a unique charm.” Raghav Juyal, who’s usually known for his comedy, delivers a stellar performance as Parvez – an obsessed Emraan Hashmi fan whose antics will tickle your funny bone. Manish Choudhary does a superb job as Freddy Sodawala, making the audience genuinely feel irritated by the villain.
Bobby Deol displays incredible screen presence as superstar Ajay Talwar. But the real surprise is Rajat Bedi – he steals every scene as Jarj Saxena. “All of Rajat’s scenes are terrific. His comic timing is unmatched, and his villainous avatar is also impressive.”
The Show’s Weakness
“The first four episodes of the seven-episode series ‘The Ba****ds of Bollywood’ are terrific.” But after the fourth episode, the story’s pace slows down, and some parts begin to feel weak. “This show, which is based on satire, spoofs, funny moments, drama, and goondaism, suddenly becomes a clichéd story, which spoils your enjoyment to a great extent.”
Speaking of Music and Direction
Aryan Khan’s direction is certainly commendable. He has shown a creative approach in his first series itself. The show’s background score and music make it even more interesting.
“The ‘Soldier’ theme for Bobby Deol’s entry, ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’, which recalls his old films, and the use of ‘Badshah’ songs for Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo, all look great.”
The song ‘Badli Si Hawa’, composed by Anirudh Ravichandran, is also becoming a hit with the audience.
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