The Bads of Bollywood Premiere: What Happened, Who Was Missing, and Why It Stirred Up Talk
When The Bads of Bollywood, Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, premiered in September 2025, it did so amid anticipation and controversy. The film features a hefty ensemble, has a star-studded cameo by Ranbir Kapoor, and promises plenty of glitzy Bollywood spectacle. Yet equally talked about were those who didn’t attend the premiere — namely Salman Khan and Aamir Khan — and what that absence might signify in the context of Bollywood politics, interpersonal dynamics, and marketing strategy.
The Bads of Bollywood: The Premiere Night
The red carpet event was a glossy affair. Aryan Khan, flanked by close collaborators and supporters, took centre stage. Ranbir Kapoor’s cameo earned praise from many quarters and was widely discussed during post-screening commentary. Fans praised certain scenes that felt meta, nods to Bollywood legends, and the aesthetic flourishes typical of a film made in love with the filmy universe itself.
Critics and netizens alike had mixed feelings: some found it super-filmy and engaging, praising Aryan’s energy and ambition; others critiqued things like pacing, dialogue strength, or moments in which the story leaned heavily into Bollywood clichés. But the premiere had its audience, and there was buzz — both for what the film delivers and what it promises for Aryan’s future as a director.
Who Was Not There: Salman, Aamir, and What It Might Mean
Conspicuously absent were two Bollywood powerhouses: Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. Their absence has already sparked speculation and inevitable comparison. Many in media circles asked: was this a snub, a scheduling conflict, or simply personal choice?
Some reports suggest that Salman was unavailable due to prior commitments, and that no intentional slight was implied. Aamir, similarly, is reported to have been tied up with his own projects. But in Bollywood, where relationships, public perception, and loyalty carry emotional and symbolic weight, even absence can send a message. Fans and critics alike wondered if there was more than meets the eye — perhaps a statement of distance, or just a matter of busy schedules.
Social Media & Public Reactions
Netizens were swift. Hashtags popped up interpreting the absences: some applauded the premiere energy and Aryan’s creative vision; others expressed disappointment that Salman and Aamir were not present. Many defenders argued that their absence changes little – the film can succeed or fail on its own merits.
One of the most discussed aspects was the cameo by Ranbir Kapoor, which many described as “salvation by star presence” — bringing credibility and attention. Some also made light of actor Sameer Wankhede’s cameo, which became a talking point despite its brevity. Viewers on Twitter and Instagram discussed whether the cameos themselves weighed more than the film’s actual story, arguing that commercial Bollywood often relies on star power over substance.
The Film Itself: Highlights & Critique
The Bads of Bollywood is striking in its visuals and ambition. Aryan Khan’s direction leans into nostalgia, with grand sets, loud musical interludes, colorful costumes, and an undercurrent of rivalry and betrayal typical of Bollywood dramas. Themes include fame, family pressure, the cost of success, and the blurry lines between heroism and infamy.
Some strong moments include Aryan’s pacing during act transitions, scenes where characters confront moral ambiguity, and the interplay of supporting characters who bring texture beyond the usual trope. Cinematography and musical scoring have also been praised.
On the flip side, some critics pointed out that dialogue occasionally becomes overwrought, certain subplots feel undercooked, and character arcs are predictable once the film crosses certain beats. The balance between Bollywood flair and narrative coherence was teetering in parts — some felt the film leaned too hard into spectacle, letting substance slide.
Implications for Aryan Khan
For Aryan Khan, The Bads of Bollywood is not just a directorial debut — it’s a statement. The film’s conception, premiere scale, and social chatter suggest that he is positioning himself seriously in the Bollywood director space. Absences by A-listers like Salman and Aamir don’t necessarily diminish the film’s legitimacy, but they do add an indirect layer of intrigue and speculation. Fellow filmmakers watching this debut will be curious about how the film performs commercially, how critics respond over time (beyond the premiere), and whether Aryan can sustain momentum.
What This Means for Bollywood Culture & Branding
The Bollywood cosmos thrives on relationships, star networks, loyalty, and perceptions. Who shows up and who doesn’t can matter almost as much as what shows up on screen. Premieres are as much about signaling as showcasing. Absent stars subtly shift narratives: are they supporting Aryan or not? Are they distancing? Can Aryan succeed without their visible blessing?
Similarly, the public’s reaction to cameos, to social media commentary, and to speculations serve as feedback loops — shaping how content is marketed, which stars are leveraged, and even how networking dynamics play out in industry circles.
Conclusion
The Bads of Bollywood makes a grand splash for Aryan Khan’s directorial debut: visually bold, ambitious, and confident. But the absence of certain high-profile figures such as Salman Khan and Aamir Khan adds an unspoken tension — one that insiders, critics, and fans are dissecting. Whether that absence symbolizes something deeper or is simply circumstantial, it underscores Bollywood’s intertwined nature of cinema, celebrity, and spectacle. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Aryan and the film itself. What happens next — box office returns, critical longevity, and industry reception — will reveal whether this premiere becomes a landmark or a footnote.