Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has given a glowing review of Aryan Khan's directorial debut, the Netflix series "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," calling it "absolute OTT GOLD" after binge-watching the show during a weekend break while recovering from a cold.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor shared his detailed thoughts on the satirical series produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment. "It's one of the best things I have ever treated myself to: absolute #OTT GOLD!" the Thiruvananthapuram MP wrote, noting that he watched the series on his sister Smita Tharoor's recommendation.
The veteran politician acknowledged that while the series may take some time to engage viewers initially, it ultimately ensures they become "irresistibly hooked." Tharoor praised the show's bold approach to Bollywood satire, describing it as exactly what the industry needed.
"The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed. A genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving, and always unflinching look beyond the glamour, sending up every cinematic cliche with razor-like wit and a series of insider jokes that let the audience into the act and behind the scenes," Tharoor elaborated.
Directly addressing the young director, Tharoor wrote, "Take a bow, Aryan Khan, you've delivered a masterpiece: 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' is brilliant!" He concluded his review with a special father-to-father message for Shah Rukh Khan, stating, "Let me say: you must be so proud!!"
Released on Netflix last month, "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" features a star-studded ensemble cast including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Aanya Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Mona Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Manoj Pahwa, Gautami Kapoor, and Rajat Bedi. The series also includes numerous cameo appearances from Bollywood superstars, offering a humorous behind-the-scenes look at the film industry.
The show marks Aryan Khan's directorial debut and has generated significant buzz for its fearless satire on Bollywood conventions and insider culture. However, it has also attracted controversy, with former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede filing a defamation lawsuit against the show and Netflix, claiming a character in the series parodies him.
Despite the legal challenge, the series has received widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike for its sharp writing, clever humor, and willingness to mock Bollywood's most cherished cliches. Tharoor's endorsement adds another prominent voice to the chorus of praise for Aryan Khan's debut directorial effort.
The Congress MP's review highlights how the series successfully balances comedy with genuine emotional moments while maintaining an unflinching critique of the film industry's glamorous facade.
