Post by : Saif Rahman

Dubai, September 23, 2025 – Netflix’s new Indian original series, The Bastards of Bollywood, has made a strong debut, immediately topping India’s Top-10 TV chart within just three days of its release on September 18, 2025. This seven-episode series is created, written, and directed by Aryan Khan, the son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and is produced under the Red Chillies Entertainment banner.

The show blends drama, comedy, and action, offering a mix of glamour, satire, and shocking twists that have captured audience attention across India and beyond.

Storyline

The story follows Aasmaan Singh, a young newcomer from Delhi who moves to Mumbai to chase stardom.

Career Kickstart: Aasmaan’s first film becomes a hit, but he gets trapped in a three-film contract with producer Freddy Sodawallah (played by Manish Chaudhari).

Love and Rivalry: He works opposite Karishma Talvar (Sahher Bambba), sparking romance and rivalry.

Family Shock: Aasmaan discovers a shocking truth — superstar Ajay Talvar (Bobby Deol) is his biological father.

Complication: Aasmaan and Karishma are revealed to be half-siblings, making their romantic relationship and industry drama even more complex.

Themes and Satire

The series explores several important themes:

Nepotism and outsider struggles in Bollywood.

Public image vs reality, showing the chaos behind the glamour.

Family secrets and identity, exploring emotional and psychological layers.

Power and control, highlighting the influence of producers and stars.

Meta-satire, mocking Bollywood clichés while also embracing them.

Strengths of the Series

Dramatic Twists: The revelation about Aasmaan’s father is shocking and memorable.

Performances: Lakshya (Aasmaan), Sahher Bambba (Karishma), and Bobby Deol (Ajay) deliver strong performances.

Humor and Satire: Witty dialogues and Bollywood stereotypes make the show entertaining.

Visual Appeal: Stylish sets, glamorous visuals, and cameo appearances enhance the experience.

Weaknesses

Lack of Depth: Sometimes the satire feels superficial.

Predictable Tropes: Love triangles and family secrets are familiar to viewers.

Pacing Issues: Some subplots slow down the main story.

Structural Analysis

From a storytelling perspective:

Architecture and Flow: The seven episodes are structured around setup, conflict, climax, and revelation, though some subplots feel noisy.

Character Arcs: Aasmaan’s journey is central, while Karishma and Ajay’s arcs support the main story.

Engagement Design: Cliffhangers and shocking twists encourage binge-watching.

Meta Layer: The series critiques Bollywood while celebrating it, giving a layered viewing experience.