Shashi Tharoor Declares Aryan Khan's 'The Bads of Bollywood' "Absolute OTT Gold!"

Politician and acclaimed author Shashi Tharoor has showered immense praise on Aryan Khan's directorial debut, "The Bads of Bollywood," calling the Netflix series a "masterpiece" and "absolute OTT gold." His glowing review, however, wasn't without its own online drama!

TL;DR

• Shashi Tharoor hailed Aryan Khan's "The Bads of Bollywood" as "absolute OTT gold" and a "masterpiece" on Netflix.
• He publicly refuted "paid review" accusations, stating "I'm not for sale," following his viral tweet praising the series.
• The seven-episode satirical dramedy, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, has been a global hit, trending in 14 countries.

A Cinematic Standout: Shashi Tharoor's Unreserved Praise for Aryan Khan's Direction

When a respected public figure like Shashi Tharoor takes to social media to rave about a new show, people listen. And when that show is the directorial debut of Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, the buzz goes through the roof! Tharoor recently found himself in the spotlight not just for his eloquent political commentary, but for his gushing review of Aryan Khan's "The Bads Of Bollywood," a new series now streaming on Netflix.

The Congress MP, known for his refined language and sharp intellect, didn't hold back, calling the seven-episode action dramedy a genuine "masterpiece" and "absolute #OTT GOLD!" His enthusiastic endorsement has certainly added another layer of intrigue and discussion around a show that was already making waves.

How Shashi Tharoor Discovered His New Favorite Netflix Obsession

It turns out Tharoor's deep dive into the world of Bollywood satire was a happy accident born out of necessity. Battling a pesky cold and cough, which forced him to cancel engagements for two days, he was looking for a distraction. It was his staff and his sister, Smita Tharoor, who suggested he switch off from work and turn his attention to the Netflix series.

And what a recommendation it turned out to be! Tharoor shared his personal experience on X (formerly Twitter), detailing how the show "takes time to grow on you, but then you're irresistibly hooked!" This firsthand account from someone who doesn't "seldom finds time to watch shows in full" speaks volumes about the series' captivating nature.

"I've been battling a cold & cough and cancelled engagements for two days. My staff and my sister, @smitatharoor, persuaded me to turn my eyes away from the computer part of the time towards a @NetflixIndia series, and it's one of the best things I have ever treated myself to: absolute #OTT Gold!"

— Shashi Tharoor via X

Deconstructing the "Masterpiece": What Made the Series Shine for Tharoor

Tharoor's praise wasn't just a generic "I liked it." He broke down exactly what impressed him, highlighting the specific elements that elevate "The Bads of Bollywood" to "masterpiece" status. He lauded the show's incisive commentary and unique approach to storytelling.

• Sharp Writing & Fearless Direction: Tharoor noted that "The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless." This suggests a narrative that isn't afraid to tackle sensitive topics or present bold artistic choices, a significant feat for a debut director.
• Audacious Satire: He called its satire "audacious" and "just what Bollywood needed." This indicates a refreshing, perhaps even provocative, take on the Indian film industry, moving beyond conventional narratives.
• Unflinching Look & Insider Jokes: Describing it as "a genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving, and always unflinching look beyond the glamour," Tharoor also highlighted "a series of insider jokes that let the audience into the act & behind the scenes." This blend of humor, raw honesty, and industry-specific wit seems to be a major draw, offering viewers a peek behind the curtain.
• Storytelling Powerhouse: His conclusion was clear: "The seven compelling episodes mark the arrival of a true storytelling powerhouse. Take a bow, Aryan Khan—you've delivered a masterpiece: 'TheBadsOfBollywood' is brilliant!"

Beyond individual elements, Tharoor also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shah Rukh Khan, tweeting, "@iamsrk: from one father to another, let me say: you must be so proud!!" It's a sweet, personal touch that resonates with many, acknowledging the journey of a proud father seeing his son make a mark.

Squashing the Speculation: Tharoor's Response to "Paid Review" Allegations

Of course, in the age of viral social media, such high praise for a celebrity scion's debut sometimes attracts cynicism. Soon after his initial review, Tharoor faced accusations from a user suggesting it was a "paid review." But the politician wasn't having any of it.

"I'm not for sale, my friend. No opinion I express has ever been paid for by anybody, in cash or in kind."

— Shashi Tharoor via X

His sharp, dignified reply quickly silenced the troll and garnered further praise from his followers. Some online discussions also speculated about his use of a "severely-blurred poster" for the show with his tweet, with some suggesting this is a practice "employed by those passing off alleged 'paid reviews' as their own." However, Tharoor's swift and firm denial underscores his integrity and the authenticity of his review, maintaining grace amidst online scrutiny.

Deep Dive into "The Bads of Bollywood": What's the Show All About?

So, what exactly is this "OTT Gold" that has captivated Shashi Tharoor and many others? "The Bads of Bollywood" is a seven-episode action dramedy series that premiered on Netflix on September 18.

Produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment, the series is created by Aryan Khan himself, alongside co-creators and writers Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan. It's described as a bold satire, offering a humorous yet critical look at the inner workings and clichés of the Hindi film industry.

The Star-Studded Ensemble Cast Bringing the Satire to Life

The series boasts an impressive and diverse cast that helps bring its satirical world to life. Here's a look at some of the key players:

• Lakshya as Aasmaan Singh, an ambitious newcomer dreaming big.
• Raghav Juyal as Parvaiz, Aasmaan's loyal best friend.
• Aanya Singh as Sanya, Aasmaan's manager.
• Sahher Bambba
• Bobby Deol
• Manish Chaudhari
• Mona Singh
• Vijayant Kohli
• Manoj Pahwa
• Gautami Kapoor
• Rajat Bedi

Adding to the excitement, one source indicates that Bollywood heavyweights Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and S.S. Rajamouli also make cameo appearances, further enhancing the "insider jokes" and appeal of the show. These surprise appearances undoubtedly contribute to the series' ability to playfully parody the industry it's set in.

Global Recognition and Aryan Khan's Emotional Journey as a Director

"The Bads of Bollywood" hasn't just impressed a few critics; it's a bonafide global hit! The series quickly shot to the #1 spot on Netflix India's Top 10 list shortly after its release. Furthermore, it has consistently remained among the Top 5 Non-English TV titles globally for two weeks and continues to trend in 14 countries, holding the #1 spot in nine of them. This international success highlights the universal appeal of its storytelling, even with its specific Bollywood focus.

Aryan Khan himself has shared his emotional connection to the project and its reception. He revealed that during challenging moments, he'd recall a powerful line: "Haarne mein aur haar maanne mein bohot farak hota hai" (There's a big difference between losing and giving up). He initially thought it was motivation, but later realized it was just "lack of sleep and fatigue." This candid insight shows the immense effort and passion poured into his directorial debut.

"Still, that vision kept me going, and now to see the happiness my work has brought people is deeply emotional for me... it is why I do what I do, it is what drew me to storytelling. The love from around the world has been incredible, with the show trending across countries and filling timelines with reels, memes, and fan theories. What began as my story now truly belongs to the audience, and it’s only because of Netflix that this story could reach homes across the globe. As Jaraj would humbly say…Ab pehechana?"

— Aryan Khan

His words underscore the profound connection he feels with his work and the audience, turning his personal narrative into a shared experience. The widespread creation of memes, reels, and fan theories further cements the show's place in the cultural zeitgeist.

A Touch of Controversy: The Legal Challenge Against the Series

Even with all the praise and global attention, "The Bads of Bollywood" isn't entirely without its challenges. Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has reportedly filed a defamation case against the show and Netflix. His claim? That a character in the series is a parody of him.

This controversy adds another layer to the show's narrative, especially given its satirical nature. It highlights how art, particularly satire, can sometimes brush up against real-life figures, sparking discussions about creative freedom and public representation. Despite this legal hurdle, the series continues to captivate audiences and fuel conversations within the entertainment industry.

Why This Show and Its Praise Matter for the Future of Bollywood

Shashi Tharoor's strong endorsement, coupled with the show's global success, is a significant moment for Aryan Khan and the wider Bollywood landscape. It signals the arrival of a new, bold voice in Indian cinema, willing to poke fun at the industry while showcasing a keen understanding of storytelling.

For Netflix, "The Bads of Bollywood" reinforces its commitment to diverse and locally relevant content that can achieve international traction. For viewers, it offers a fresh, engaging, and critically acclaimed series that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's clear that Aryan Khan has made an impressive debut, leaving many excited to see what storytelling adventures he embarks on next.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Bads of Bollywood'

Got more questions about Aryan Khan's hit series? We've got you covered!

Where can I watch 'The Bads of Bollywood'?

The series is exclusively streaming on Netflix India.

How many episodes does 'The Bads of Bollywood' have?

The first season consists of seven compelling episodes.

Who directed 'The Bads of Bollywood'?

The series marks the directorial debut of Aryan Khan, who also co-created and co-wrote the show.

What is the main theme or genre of the series?

"The Bads of Bollywood" is an action dramedy that offers a sharp, audacious satire on the Indian film industry, filled with insider jokes and an unflinching look beyond the glamour.

Sources:

• Onmanorama: "Shashi Tharoor calls Aryan Khan’s ‘The Bads of Bollywood’ a masterpiece"
• Deccan Chronicle: "‘Absolute OTT Gold’: Shashi Tharoor hails Aryan Khan’s ‘The Bads of Bollywood’"
• Mathrubhumi: "The Bads of Bollywood"
• ABP Live: "Shashi Tharoor Silences Troll Accusing Him Of ‘Paid Review’ For Aryan Khan’s Netflix Series"
• Financial Express: "‘Not for sale’: Shashi Tharoor torches ‘paid review’ allegations over Aryan Khan’s ‘OTT gold’"
• Indian Express: "Shashi Tharoor responds to ‘paid review’ claim after he calls The Bads of Bollywood ‘OTT gold’: ‘I’m not for sale’"
• Telugu360.com: "Shashi Tharoor praises Bads of Bollywood"
• India Today: "What Shashi Tharoor wrote about Aryan Khan's The Bads of Bollywood: Read here"
• The Tribune: "Tharoor's reaction to Aryan Khan's debut direction"
• Firstpost: "Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praises Netflix's 'The Bads Of Bollywood': 'Take a bow, Aryan Khan—you've delivered a masterpiece'"