Ba***ds of Bollywood: When Bollywood meets nostalgia and satire…

Starring: Lakshya Lalwani, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Mona Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Gautami Kapoor, Rajat Bedi

Director: Aryan Khan

Review by Akshita Gupta

They say that as a filmmaker, you should tell the stories you know best, and that is exactly what Aryan Khan has done with Ba***ds of Bollywood. This isn’t just Bollywood, it’s Bollywood². The most Bollywood that Bollywood could possibly get.

What’s the difference between ‘The Hindi Film Industry’ and “Bollywood”?….. - It’s the perception.

While both are supposed to be used interchangeably, the term ‘Bollywood’ has some additional connotations for us ‘normies’. To us, it is: glitz, glamor, songs, dancing, superstars, cameos, backstabbing, success parties, film families, paps, nepotism, the ‘movie mafia’, outsiders vs. insiders, and so much more. 

Ba***ds of Bollywood has a lot of moments that feel reminiscent of Om Shanti Om, and yet, it is brand new and original in its own sharp way.

Lakshya is the ‘hero’ of this show and gets that treatment. He is fantastic in an action avatar, as was evident in Kill (2024). He possesses the ability to channel goofiness and excels in dramatic scenes; however, there are few such moments, and those that do occur flash by due to the screenplay's fast pace. 

Bobby Deol as Ajay Talwar deserves a full essay. At 56, he looks better than ever and delivers some of his finest performances. What’s remarkable is how he has embraced his age – choosing not to de-age with technology, but instead playing age-appropriate roles, like the father of a twenty-something. That choice alone is refreshing to see from a star of his generation. On screen, he is menacing, tender, and kind, sometimes all within a single scene. That is the mark of experience. Watching him is an absolute delight.

This show is a riot and absolute chaotic fun for a Bollywood nut with all the masaala Bollywood moments and references that will make you laugh out loud - total 'theater ki seatei phatt gayi' vibes. Ba***ds of Bollywood is a satire on the Hindi Film Industry that speaks more to our preconceived notions than the true blue reality of it, and therein lies the sharpness of the writing. 

Read the full review at - https://www.akshitag.com/post/bads-of-bollywood-review

Sonu Tyagi's Approach Entertainment Partners with the film Liberation as Co-Producers for Global Audiences

Acclaimed filmmaker Sonu Tyagi and his award-winning production house, Approach Entertainment, have partnered with Liberation as co-producers for the movie Liberation that is crafted with a global audience in mind. This dynamic collaboration marks a significant milestone for the debut feature film, designed to resonate with Gen Z and Millennial audiences worldwide through its primary language, English, while also being available in Hindi and other Indian languages. With an Indian perspective at its core, Liberation aims to bridge local narratives with universal appeal.

Liberation (2025), currently in production, is a gripping exploration directed by Ankit Kadam and produced by Kanishk Kadam under the Sure Real Pictures banner. Through themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and redemption, Liberation delivers a narrative that deeply resonates with younger generations navigating the complexities of modern life. Approach Communications is proud to handle the film’s PR and communications account, while Approach Bollywood serves as the official Bollywood & Entertainment App Partner, amplifying the film’s reach across diverse platforms.

“We are thrilled to have Sonu Tyagi and Approach Entertainment on board as co-producers for Liberation,” said Kanishk Kadam, producer and founder of Sure Real Pictures. “Sonu Tyagi’s multifaceted creative talent, combined with Approach Entertainment’s production expertise and the strategic support of Approach Communications and Approach Bollywood, elevates our mission to create a film that resonates with today’s youth. Their involvement will help us deliver a cinematic experience that is both bold and meaningful, connecting with audiences in India and beyond.”

Saiyaara – movie review

Ankit Kadam, director and writer of Liberation, added, “Partnering with Sonu Tyagi and Approach Entertainment is a transformative step for Liberation. Their passion for authentic narratives, paired with Approach Communications’ PR expertise and Approach Bollywood’s dynamic platform, aligns perfectly with our goal to craft stories that challenge, inspire, and connect with Gen Z and Millennials worldwide. We’re excited to see this collaboration bring our vision to life.”

Sonu Tyagi expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Liberation is a compelling story that captures the struggles and aspirations of today’s youth, told with an Indian perspective yet crafted for a global audience. I’m honored to partner with this remarkable project as a co-producer and bring Approach Entertainment’s creative and production strengths to the table. With Approach Communications and Approach Bollywood amplifying the film’s reach, we aim to create a cinematic experience that entertains and sparks meaningful conversations across the globe.”

Sure Real Pictures is an India-based production house dedicated to creating films, shows, web series, and digital content tailored for Gen Z and Millennials. Founded by Kanishk Kadam, with Ankit Kadam as its visionary director, the company is committed to authentic, bold, and universally relatable storytelling. Liberation (2025), currently in production, marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to redefine entertainment for the next generation.

Sonu Tyagi brings an extraordinary breadth of creative expertise to Liberation. As an award-winning writer, director, and producer, Sonu Tyagi has made significant contributions to advertising films, web series, music videos, and brand entertainment. His notable achievements include co-producing the acclaimed spiritual web series Two Great Masters and earning prestigious accolades such as the Biz India 2010 Award, Yuva Ratn Award, Service Excellence Award, and PR Agency of the Year Award.

Additionally, Sonu Tyagi is planning to write and direct films, web series, and short films that carry social and spiritual messages, further expanding his creative footprint. Through his organization, Go Spiritual, Sonu Tyagi promotes spirituality, wellness, mental health, spiritual tourism, and social causes, with initiatives including a dedicated news magazine, app, and an upcoming Go Spiritual Web TV and OTT platform.

Tumm Se Tumm Tak shines: Takes the fifth spot in TRP charts

The television industry in India is quite competitive. Together a few hundred shows compete with each other to grab the audience's attention, and in that list, making it to the top 5 is no small feat.  

 

Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah's Tumm Se Tumm Tak, which is produced under their banner Studio LSD, has successfully managed to make a place for itself in the audience's heart and has secured the fifth spot in the weekly TRP rankings.  

 

There is no doubt that the show started with modest expectations because of its interesting storyline and ensemble cast. And it has managed to not only meet the expectations but also sustain them since it started in July 2025.With an age gap relationship as the center of the story, Tumm Se Tumm Tak is not just another daily soap airing on TV, but it's a show that highlights relationships, family values, and the fighting for what's right, making it a binge-worthy watch.  

 

The show maintaining a position in the top 5 since its inception and claiming its fifth position this week is also proof to the makers that a story that is true and rooted will be successful. It proves that even with a gazillion shows running at prime time, authentic storytelling still resonates.  

Saiyaara – movie review

With the small screen full of high-intensity drama, Tumm Se Tumm Tak has managed to stand out for creating a story that showcases the audience's everyday emotions and dilemmas. Be it the struggles of relationships, the family values, or the quiet resilience of its characters, the show mirrors the realities of its audience, making it all the more relatable.  

 

Tumm Se Tumm Tak features Sharad Kelkar and Niharika Chouksey in lead roles. It airs on Zee TV.

Hiten Tejwani Ravi Bhatia Bharti Awasthi at Vijeyta Trailer Launch— Zero to Hero, A Real-Life Journey Unfolds

The much-awaited trailer of Vijeyta has been unveiled, offering a stirring first look at a powerful real-life saga of resilience and triumph. Directed by Rajiv S Ruia and produced by Dr. Rajesh K Agarwal under the banner of RKG Movies, the film is already making waves for its emotional depth and cinematic scale.

The trailer opens with raw visuals of a young man toiling in a modest setting, symbolizing his humble beginnings. It then shifts gears with flashes of betrayal, rivalry, and looming threats from the underworld, underscoring the intensity of the protagonist’s struggles. The crescendo arrives with a shot of the central character standing tall before a roaring crowd, perfectly encapsulating the film’s tagline: “Zero to Hero: A Real-Life Journey.”

Ravi Bhatia headlines the film in a gritty lead role, supported by Gyan Prakash, Bharti Awasthi, Diksha Thakur, Godaan Kumar, Pretty Aggarwal and others. The screenplay, penned by acclaimed lyricist and storyteller Sandeep Nath, brings both personal and larger-than-life conflicts to screen.

The story draws from the inspiring journey of Dr. Rajesh K Agarwal. From working as an assistant to his father in Kolkata’s family business to founding Rajesh Baniyan and then RKG International FZC, a global metal recycling giant with operations in 33 countries, Agarwal’s life is a testament to perseverance. Today, he is not just a business leader but also a philanthropist championing education, healthcare, and environmental causes.

Calling the film “an emotional and inspirational saga,” director Rajiv S. Ruia praised the trailer as a glimpse of what audiences can expect. The striking visual palette—sepia tones for the past, sharp contrasts for conflict, and sweeping shots for triumph—has already drawn praise online. It was launched at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Film Festival and Cannes International Festival 2025
 

Slated to release on 19 September 2025, Vijeyta is being hailed as one of the most inspiring films to watch out for this year.

Arjun Bijlani’s Humane Gameplay Makes Him Stand Out, Anaya Bangar Calls Him the Best

The latest episode of Amazon’s Rise and Fall once again highlighted Arjun Bijlani’s unique style of gameplay. Blending strategy with heart, he came across as the perfect playful mastermind—someone who entertains while staying mindful about every move he makes.

Arjun’s decisions in the episode reflected his brand of authenticity and fairness. Even in the heat of competition, he made it clear that breaking someone’s spirit to win is not acceptable. Instead, he kept motivating his teammates, proving that leadership is about encouragement, not intimidation.

A striking moment came during the ice task challenge, where players were tested not only on physical strength but also mental endurance. While many viewed it as a task better suited for men, Arjun openly questioned the gender bias, stressing that women deserve the same respect and opportunity to prove themselves. Though the task was not completed, his stand underlined that equality, fairness, and humanity should come before any rules of competition.

Through these moments, Arjun showed that his fight is not just for himself, but also for his team. His gameplay carried the message that humanity should always come first—no matter how tough the game gets.

In a format where strategies often override emotions, Arjun’s balance of fun, motivation, and principles continues to set him apart, making him one of the most impactful players of Rise and Fall.

Another highlight of the episode came when Anaya Bangar praised Arjun, saying that the way he plays the game makes him the best. She also mentioned that she would try to get closer to both Arjun and Kubra Sait, acknowledging the strong influence they bring to the competition.

Bollywood Retro Gems - Outstanding Bollywood movies

QURBANI (1980)

The greatest teachers for anyone can be parents, life experiences and books: Ajay Gehi

Putting across his point that one cannot have the privilege of always having a teacher to give you a road map, Ajay Gehi, who is known for his work in tv show Millie, and has done films like Maqbol, Raavan, and Not A Love Story, shares his thoughts on Teacher’s Day. 

He says, "Teachers are extremely important for everyone, they're like a guiding light or GPS to one's life journey. People who have good teachers of any kind are blessed. It’s been a long career for me but I will be honest about this -- I don't have any mentor or guide in the industry."

"However, my parents have been my teachers for life. The greatest teachers for anyone can be parents, life experiences and books. A good mentor or a teacher is hard to find, but the right one can give you a road map to life so you don't make the same mistakes others make, you know when to slow down or when to speed.” 

He also adds, "Teachers and mentors are important as they can give you the right knowledge to move forward and knowledge is power. Unfortunately, I never found myself a mentor or a teacher so the books I read became my teachers and guides. If you are keen to learn, life itself can be your greatest teacher."

Speaking that a man is not too old to learn anything, "I also believe that there is no age for learning and one should never stop themselves from learning something new or sharpen the skill.” 

Ajay was last seen in Hero Gayab Mode On in which he played the antagonist, Shukracharya for which he also grabbed an award.