Brief Summary
The review of "Bads of Bollywood" highlights its satirical take on the film industry, profanity, and abandoned plot elements. It praises the show's comedic and absurd approach, editing, score, cameos, and Mumbai-specific isms, while noting its shift towards generic romance and action themes in later episodes. The reviewer commends the director's potential and technical skills, comparing him to Farah Khan.
- Satirical and absurd take on Bollywood's good, bad, and ugly aspects.
- Strong comedic elements, enhanced by dialogues and loyalty towards commercial cinema.
- Loses grip in later episodes due to a shift towards generic romance and action.
- Showcases Mumbai-specific isms and nuances.
- Commendable performances from the cast, especially Raghav and Lux.
Introduction
The series "Bads of Bollywood," directed by Arian Khani, is about the rise of Aman Singh, an outsider in Bollywood, under Freddy Sodala's Sodala Productions. The seven-episode series explores Aman's overwhelming success, his struggles with production houses, and his growing relationship with Karishma Talbwar, the daughter of superstar Ajit Talbar, which conflicts with her father's plans. The show is a mix of comedy, action, thriller, and romance, aiming to satirize the film industry. The review will cover the good and bad aspects of the series to help viewers decide whether to watch it on Netflix.
Underwhelming Aspects: Profanity and Abandoned Elements
"Bads of Bollywood" is not suitable for family viewing due to its excessive profanity and grotesque themes in the latter half. The language feels forced and unnecessary, even though the setting is metropolitan Mumbai. Additionally, some plot points are abandoned, such as Freddy Sodavala's altercation with a production designer and Aman's bar brawl, which lack consequences and feel isolated.
Losing Interest: Shift in Focus
The series loses momentum in episodes five and six when it shifts from a satirical take on the film industry to a generic romance and action series. While the satirical elements are hilarious and entertaining, the focus on Asman and Karishma's romance leads to chase and action sequences that feel like filler. This shift feels like the director is trying to showcase his ability to handle massy feature film elements, which detracts from the series' initial buildup. The progression of Rajat Bi's character is also a missed opportunity, as his potential emotional depth is unexplored.
The Good: Satirical and Absurd Take
The series spares no one in its satirical and absurd take on the film industry, targeting various aspects from the importance of top dollar to the use of CGI and product placement. The show employs a self-aware tone, addressing issues like nepotism, the outsider dynamic, and the lack of understanding of reality within the industry. The writing is direct, and the targets are clear, making it a brutally honest commentary on Bollywood.
Editing Pattern and Score
The director showcases his capabilities through the editing and action choreography, demonstrating a contemporary flair and commercial sensibilities. He balances dramatic elements with pragmatic elements, using punchlines and callbacks to heighten moments of conflict. The score and songs, especially "Gapur" and "Revolver," enhance the viewing experience. The integration of cameos is also well-executed, adding to the series' mass appeal.
Easter Eggs and Cameos
The series is filled with Easter eggs and references to real events and movies, providing a field day for those familiar with the film industry. Iconic moments and cameos, including those of Ranir Singh and Karan Johar, add to the entertainment value. The series also captures the essence of Mumbai, with specific isms and nuances that only someone who has grown up in the city would recognize.
Mumbai and the Cast
The cast delivers strong performances, with Manish Chri, Bobby Deol, and Seahar Bombra standing out. Ana Singh and Mona Singh also bring realism and heart to the show. Manoj Pava and Raghav provide comedic relief, with Raghav's balancing act of emotion and humor being particularly noteworthy. Lux is equally competent as the lead, complementing the ensemble.
Final Thoughts
Despite its problems, "Bads of Bollywood" is commended for its satire, comedy, and loyalty to commercial cinema. The director's willingness to take risks and his potential make him an asset to Hindi cinema. He is compared to Farah Khan, suggesting he could be a worthy successor in that style of direction.
