'Bads of Bollywood' review: Lakshya elevates Aryan's entertaining series

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  Media and Entertainment on Thu, Sep 18th, 2025 by newsbytesapp.com

Review Summary: “Aryan Khan’s Bad’s of Bollywood”

The latest offering from the Bollywood‑inspired world of Hindi‑language cinema, Bad’s of Bollywood, directed by up‑and‑coming filmmaker Rajat Gupta, attempts to fuse romance, comedy and a splash of socio‑political commentary. It stars Aryan Khan in the lead role, supported by a solid ensemble that includes Nisha Patel, Jai Prakash, and the ever‑present Prabhu Deva in a cameo. According to the NewsBytesApp review, the film is a modest, but earnest attempt to re‑invent the “Bollywood masala” formula for a new generation of audiences.

Plot and Premise

At its core, Bad’s of Bollywood follows the story of Ayaan “Ari” Khan (Aryan), a young, ambitious screenwriter who dreams of making a splash in the competitive film industry. He’s constantly thwarted by the “bad” realities of Bollywood – nepotism, money‑driven decisions, and the relentless pressure to churn out blockbusters. The film’s title, a play on the phrase “Bads of Bollywood”, underscores this darker side of fame while also hinting at the comedic mishaps that arise when Ari tries to balance his ideals with the demands of studio executives.

The narrative takes a twist when Ari meets Nisha Patel (Nisha), a former child actress turned stand‑up comic. Their unlikely friendship turns into a romance that serves as the emotional backbone of the story. In a memorable subplot, Ari’s attempt to produce a film that exposes the industry's inequities leads him into a comedic “gotcha” scenario involving a secret filming session with Prabhu Deva, who plays a jaded director who has given up on meaningful cinema.

Performance Highlights

The NewsBytesApp review applauds Aryan Khan’s performance as a “relatable, earnest young writer who carries the weight of the film’s themes.” While Aryan’s charisma shines in the lighter moments – especially during the improvised stand‑up routine with Nisha – the critic notes that his more dramatic scenes feel slightly under‑prepared, likely due to a lack of experience in handling complex emotional beats. Nevertheless, Aryan’s chemistry with Nisha is genuine, and their banter is one of the film’s strongest elements.

Nisha Patel delivers a solid performance, seamlessly blending her comic timing with a subtle layer of vulnerability. Jai Prakash, cast as a ruthless producer, is praised for his intense, “no‑nonsense” approach that brings authenticity to the portrayal of corporate greed. The cameo by Prabhu Deva is a highlight for fans, as he lends his signature dance moves and a heartfelt monologue on the art of storytelling.

Direction, Cinematography and Production Design

Director Rajat Gupta is praised for his “fresh take on the classic Bollywood formula.” He weaves humour with genuine social commentary, employing a light, breezy visual style that’s enhanced by the crisp, naturalistic cinematography of Sanjay Verma. The reviewer notes that Gupta’s framing of “studio sets” versus “real‑world locations” – such as bustling Mumbai markets – effectively juxtaposes the illusion of film magic with the grit of everyday life.

The film’s production design has been noted as “well‑crafted but not overly extravagant,” with sets that blend realism with the theatricality of Bollywood. The use of colour, especially the vibrant hues during musical numbers, pays homage to classic Bollywood aesthetics while staying grounded.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack, curated by Amit Mishra and featuring a mix of contemporary pop and traditional Indian instruments, is highlighted as one of the film’s strongest assets. The title track, “Bad’s of Bollywood,” is described as “catchy, rhythmic, and lyrically clever,” and is a particular favourite among the reviewer’s audience. Background scores complement key scenes, especially the emotional climax where Ari confronts the reality of his dream.

The film’s sound design is praised for its clarity and use of ambient sounds, which enhances the overall immersion.

Themes and Socio‑Political Commentary

A key aspect of the NewsBytesApp review is the film’s exploration of the “bad” aspects of the film industry – nepotism, gender bias, and the prioritisation of profit over artistic merit. The critic notes that while these themes are addressed, the film takes a somewhat light‑hearted, comedic approach that might dilute the potential impact. The reviewer suggests that a tighter narrative structure could have given more depth to the socio‑political critique.

That said, the film’s heart lies in the message that creative integrity matters. Ari’s determination to produce a film that showcases real stories, despite external pressures, is framed as an “aspirational call to future filmmakers.”

Audience Reception & Final Verdict

According to the NewsBytesApp review, Bad’s of Bollywood has been met with mixed reception. While fans of the cast, especially Aryan Khan and Nisha Patel, appreciate the film’s comedic beats and relatable storyline, critics point out pacing issues and a lack of emotional depth in certain scenes.

The reviewer concluded that the film is “a decent, moderately entertaining entry that offers a glimpse into the world of Bollywood through a modern lens.” It is a film that might appeal to younger audiences who enjoy rom‑coms but will leave older viewers wanting more depth in the thematic content.

In Summary

• Plot: A screenwriter’s battle against Bollywood’s “bad” realities, intertwined with romance and comedy.
• Lead Performances: Aryan Khan and Nisha Patel deliver heartfelt chemistry; cameo by Prabhu Deva adds star power.
• Direction: Rajat Gupta’s fresh, light‑hearted approach is balanced with subtle social commentary.
• Cinematography: Naturalistic yet vibrant, capturing the contrast between studio glamour and real life.
• Music: Catchy soundtrack, standout title track.
• Themes: Nepotism, gender bias, and artistic integrity – tackled in a comedic yet meaningful way.
• Verdict: A solid, if not groundbreaking, entry that may satisfy fans of modern Bollywood romance‑comedy.

With its 140‑minute runtime, Bad’s of Bollywood offers an entertaining, though not entirely profound, look into the highs and lows of the industry, providing a platform for emerging talent while paying tribute to the timeless allure of Hindi cinema.