Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has reviewed Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, which was released in September this year. He said that it was one of the best things that he has “ever treated himself to” and even rated it “absolute OTT Gold”.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP said that despite being under the weather, his staff and sister “persuaded” him into watching the series.
‘Absolute OTT Gold’: Shashi Tharoor
In a post on X, Tharoor wrote, “I’ve been battling a cold & cough and cancelled engagements for two days. My staff and my sister, Smita Tharoor, persuaded me to turn my eyes away from the computer part of the time towards a Netflix series, and it’s one of the best things I have ever treated myself to,” before reviewing it as an “absolute OTT GOLD!”
He hailed the seven-episode Netflix show for its “sharp writing, fearless direction, and audacious satire,” adding that it does take a little while to grow on the viewers, but “once it does, you’re completely hooked”.
According to Tharoor, the show offers a “genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving” glimpse behind the glitz of the film industry, cleverly skewering Bollywood’s clichés with razor-sharp wit and insider humour that makes viewers feel like part of the inner circle.
He said that the show left him “grasping for words of praise”. Yes, Tharoor said that and coming from someone who is a powerhouse of words, it means someone has done something out of the world.
“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 & behind the scenes,” he further added praising the series direction, writing, delivery of dialogues and more.
But, he didn’t just end here. He added, “The seven compelling episodes mark the arrival of a true storytelling powerhouse. Take a bow, Aryan Khan. You’ve delivered a masterpiece: ‘TheBa***dsOfBollywood’ is brilliant!”
He also left a heartfelt message for Shah Rukh Khan. “From one father to another, let me say: you must be so proud!” Tharoor wrote.
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:… pic.twitter.com/xRUHv8ERTB
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 26, 2025
Internet ask him which scene he enjoyed most
Social media users wasted no time and flocked to the comments section of his post.
“I’ve seen it too. While it has its moments, much of it feels repetitive and stereotypical. Calling it a masterpiece is quite an overstatement,” said one social media user.
Another asked, “Which scene did you like best in this series?”
“Loved your review, Dr Tharoor! Aryan Khan’s show really is something special—smart, bold, and so entertaining. Glad it helped you feel a bit better, too. Wishing you a speedy recovery!” a third commented.
“Coming from Shashi Tharoor might be one of the best critical reviews that Aryan Khan must have got,” said yet another social media user, before adding, “This is so wholesome and means a lot.”
