New Delhi | Aug 17, 2025 : The much-awaited first look of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, was unveiled on Sunday and has already become a talking point in the film industry. The web series, set to premiere on Netflix later this year, has drawn praise from fans and celebrities alike, with filmmaker Karan Johar among the most vocal supporters.

Karan, who has been a longtime friend of the Khan family, took to Instagram to share his excitement. In his Story, he wrote: “Aryan! Love you! This is going to smash all records! I am so proud of you!” The filmmaker’s enthusiastic response quickly went viral, amplifying the buzz around the project.

Karan’s message for Lakshya

Karan also extended best wishes to actor Lakshya, one of the lead actors in Aryan’s series. “So proud to see our boy shine as the leading man in this incredible series! The red carpet is ready @Lakshya! Go KILL it!” he wrote.

Lakshya, who was initially slated to make his debut with the shelved Dostana 2, found recognition through Kill (2024), Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s bloody action thriller co-produced by Karan’s Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment. The film earned critical acclaim and positioned Lakshya as one of Bollywood’s promising new talents.

Aryan Khan steps into direction

Produced by Gauri Khan, The Ba**ds of Bollywood* marks Aryan’s first project as a writer-director. The teaser, released Sunday, features Aryan himself delivering a bold monologue:

“Bollywood – jisse aapne saalon se pyaar bhi kiya aur vaar bhi kiya, main bhi wohi karunga. Bohot saara pyaar… aur thoda sa vaar.”
(“Bollywood – the industry you have both loved and attacked for years. I will do the same, give it a lot of love… and a little attack.”)

The sharp lines set the tone for what appears to be a satirical, edgy exploration of Bollywood’s glamour and controversies.

Ensemble cast and high expectations

The star-studded cast includes Bobby Deol, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor. With a mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces, the series is expected to bring both drama and wit to the streaming platform.

Although Netflix has not announced a release date yet, industry buzz suggests a late 2025 premiere. Given Aryan’s celebrity lineage and the curiosity around his first project, expectations are sky-high.

Industry and fan reactions

The teaser was widely shared on social media, with many praising Aryan’s confidence and fresh approach. While fans expressed excitement to see a Khan family member behind the camera rather than in front of it, industry insiders are already predicting blockbuster-level streaming numbers.

Karan Johar’s ringing endorsement has only added fuel to the anticipation. Known for his knack for spotting talent, Karan’s confidence in Aryan has fans eager to see if The Ba**ds of Bollywood* can indeed “smash all records” as he predicts.

With a provocative title, a powerhouse cast, and a debutant filmmaker carrying the weight of one of Bollywood’s most iconic surnames, Aryan Khan’s first web series has already captured the spotlight. Whether it reshapes streaming trends or not, one thing is certain — The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is among the most awaited releases of the year.