Netflix just dropped ‘The Ba***ds Of Bollywood’ and of course, internet ka group chat is in full-on “kya scene hai, bro?” mode. But honestly, the drama isn’t about the savage satire or star kid debut, nope, it’s Ranbir Kapoor’s blink-and-miss vaping cameo that’s giving everyone a nicotine rush (of opinions). Yup, a 10-second puff in Episode 7 has landed the show, Netflix, and half of Bollywood in murky legal waters. Welcome to 2025!

Shah Rukh Khan unveils FIRST poster of Aryan Khan's 'The Ba***ds Of Bollywood'

Image courtesy Times of India

  1. One Puff, Many Problems: What Went Down
    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was quick to slam Netflix, Ranbir Kapoor, and the makers after a complaint pointed out our man Ranbir using a vape in Episode 7, with ZERO anti-tobacco warning. Since vapes have been totally banned in India since 2019, this set off every rule book alarm. NHRC has asked both the I&B Ministry and Mumbai Police for an action report. FIRs against everyone from the actor to the platform are all on the table, for a single scene that’s already viral on X and Insta.
Ranbir Kapoor smoking a cigarette with ...

Image courtesy Moneycontrol


  1. OTT’s Smoking Hot Rulebook: 2025 Edition
    Back in the wild OTT west, you could get away with a cheeky puff, but now, not even close. From 2023 onwards, every show/movie with tobacco (think cigs and vapes) needs a 30-sec anti-tobacco spot at start and mid-point, static warning on-screen during every puff, plus a 20-sec AV disclaimer, no “skip intro” jugaad allowed. In 2024-25, updates are being debated to make non-skippable warnings even more hardcore. The twist? Vapes are legally banned from sale/show, which is why Ranbir’s e-cig cameo became less of a quirky detail and more of a legal landmine.



  2. Aryan Khan + Star Cameos = Instant Viral Paap
    ‘The Ba***ds Of Bollywood’ dropped all 7 episodes at 12:30 pm IST on September 18, and you better believe every filmi-watching group chat lost it. Aryan Khan’s directorial debut + a full star cameo marathon meant any wild scene (or controversy) was going to explode online; this time, the vape made sure of it. Memes, debates, and “did you see Ranbir vape?” were everywhere within hours. Sometimes, the main character’s energy chooses you.


Aryan Khan's directorial satire drama The Ba***ds of Bollywood to release today - Reporters Today English

Image courtesy Reporters Today

  1. So Ab Kya Hoga?—The Legal Plot Twist
    The NHRC has formally asked the cops and ministry, “What’s your action plan, fam?” If breaches are found, Netflix may have to add more (bigger, bolder) disclaimers or, if things get spicy, edit out the cameo altogether. Usually, platforms fix up scenes super fast to protect their paisa-vapsool release window, think jugaad, but with legal advice. The bigger collective takeaway: get ready for 10x more static warnings and way fewer onscreen casual puffs in desi streaming.

TL; DR, One cameo, one vape, and an OTT rulebook stricter than your school principal: that’s how Aryan Khan’s Netflix debut just broke the internet and the legal chill zone. Whether you think it’s overkill or a fair call for public health, one thing’s clear: the OTT era’s getting serious about what you see, disclaimers and all. Paisa-vasool content might have new rules, but the binge must go on!