The Netflix series “The Bads of Bollywood” has become one of the most talked-about shows of 2025. Directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, the show dives deep into the world of fame, drama, and controversy. But the question remains — Is “The Bads of Bollywood” a hit or flop? Let’s break it down through its viewership data, audience response, and critical reviews.
What is The Bads of Bollywood About?
“The Bads of Bollywood” is a satirical comedy-drama that hilariously exposes the power games, nepotism, and gossip culture of the Hindi film industry. The show uses dark humor and self-referential storytelling to explore the cost of fame and corruption in Bollywood. Its fearless take on the industry has made it both controversial and captivating for audiences.
The Viewership Verdict — A Clear Streaming Hit
When it comes to audience reception, “The Bads of Bollywood” is a certified hit.
Massive Debut: As per the Indian Express, between September 15 and September 21, 2025, the show garnered 2.8 million views and 14.8 million viewing hours on Netflix. It ranked 4th globally among non-English shows, making it one of the strongest Netflix debuts since 2024.
Top Rankings Worldwide: It trended in the Top 10 non-English series in 14 countries and was #1 in 9 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Sustained Popularity: Even after three weeks, it continued to stay in the Netflix Global Top 10, maintaining strong word-of-mouth traction.
In short, from a streaming and commercial perspective, the show is a major success.
The Critical Verdict — Mixed and Divided
While audiences have loved it, critics are split in their opinions.
Positive Reviews: Many reviewers praised Aryan Khan’s directional confidence and sharp humor, calling the series “a fearless satire” and “a knockout entertainer.” Performances by Bobby Deol, Lakshya, and Raghav Juyal were widely applauded.
Negative Reviews: Others felt the show was too reliant on Bollywood gossip and inside jokes that only film buffs could fully grasp. For them, the storyline felt “predictable” and “routine.”
So, critically, it’s a polarizing series — loved by those who understand Bollywood’s behind-the-scenes chaos and less appealing to casual viewers.
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Aryan Khan’s Direction — A Confident Debut
“The Bads of Bollywood” marks Aryan Khan’s first project as a director, and it’s a bold one. Despite mixed critical opinions, his style — a mix of satire, realism, and risk — has earned him praise. Many see it as a promising beginning for the young filmmaker, setting high expectations for his future work.
Final Verdict — Hit on Netflix, Mixed Among Critics
| Criterion | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Viewership (Netflix) | Hit | 2.8M views, strong global ranking, and continued Top 10 placement. |
| Critical Response | Mixed | Divided reviews — praised for satire, criticized for niche appeal. |
Final Verdict:
“The Bads of Bollywood” is a streaming hit with polarized reviews. Its success lies in its boldness and humor, even if not everyone connects with its insider tone.
Conclusion
So, is The Bads of Bollywood a hit or a flop?
The answer is clear — it’s a hit on Netflix. While the reviews are mixed, the audience has made its verdict loud and clear. With record-breaking viewership and a strong debut, Aryan Khan’s first directorial venture proves he’s here to make waves in the digital entertainment world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is The Bads of Bollywood a hit or flop?
It’s a streaming hit on Netflix, with over 2.8 million views in its first week and a continued presence in the platform’s Top 10 charts globally.
2. Who directed The Bads of Bollywood?
The series is directed by Aryan Khan, marking his official debut as a director.
3. Where can I watch The Bads of Bollywood?
You can stream the series exclusively on Netflix.
4. What genre is The Bads of Bollywood?
It is a satirical comedy-drama that humorously exposes the realities of the Bollywood film industry.
5. How were the reviews for the show?
Reviews are mixed — praised for its witty satire and performances but criticized for relying too much on Bollywood insider knowledge.
6. Who are the main actors in the series?
The series features Bobby Deol, Lakshya, and Raghav Juyal in key roles.
7. Why did Sameer Wankhede sue Netflix and Aryan Khan?
He claimed that a character in the series was modeled after him, leading to a defamation case seeking ₹2 crore in damages.
