Showtime

Showtime (Season 1) is a Hindi-language drama on Disney+ Hotstar... the series dives into the glitzy but cut-throat world of Bollywood. The seven-episode season explores power struggles, nepotism, and personal betrayals at Viktory Studios, a fictional studio set in present day Mumbai. It offers a glossy, soapy take on the film industry, and no wonder it ranked among India's top-streamed shows in 2024.

The narrative blends family drama and industry intrigue, and feels like a Bollywood Succession but lacks the latter's sharp wit. Compared to Indian series like Made in Heaven, Showtime's pacing is brisk but uneven, with a slow start and a rushed finale, unlike Mirzapur's relentless intensity. Themes of ambition, legacy, and morality are engaging but less nuanced than Sacred Games.

The cast, including Mouni Roy and Rajeev Khandelwal, delivers strong performances, though Hashmi's brooding role feels typecast. Production values are high, with vibrant visuals evoking Bollywood's glamour, but the score is unmemorable compared to Heeramandi's grandeur.

Showtime entertains with its insider references (e.g., cameos mirroring real-life stars) but lacks the emotional depth of Panchayat or the cultural commentary of The Night Of.

For Indian audiences, it appeals to Bollywood fans but feels formulaic next to Paatal Lok's grit. English-language parallels like The Morning Show offer tighter storytelling, while Showtime's melodrama aligns with Indian soaps. It's a fun, flawed binge for adults, recommended for those craving Bollywood drama but not a must-rewatch like Succession.

Frankly speaking this show had a lot going for it specially in terms of the cast except Mahima and her weird facial expressions, had they put more effort into Mahikas character and casted a competent actor to play the lead instead of Mahima it would have been a decent show, what a let down she is.

Now the good things- Rajeev Khandelwal does his part effortlessly and Imran is good too but he couldn't hold himself in font of Naseer Sahab but honestly very few actors can.

All the other supporting cast is good specially Vijay Raaz and every one did their part nicely.

A more crisp and stremlined storyline would have helped the case.

Just completed watching Showtime!!

All the actors have worked well. Part two was a bit faster than Part one. Because in part one after two episodes, it was kind of slow. But for the part two, the show has taken its pace. Story vise part two is more interesting than the first one.

There has been a few things that will give you some deja vu with the things actually happened in Bollywood over the years. Even though I am not mentioning any names or anything (for the sake of not spoiling the show), you guys will know what I am talking about.

Another interesting thing was mentioned was "when two people fights, the third person takes advantage of it. So, instead fighting with each other, try to find a middle way which will give you more probability of victory."

For me the best part was the end of the show where we will get to see new allies happening on both the positive and negative side.

Only Emran Hasmi, Rajeev, Mahima, and Ofcourse Vijay Raaz were amazing. Mouni roy was over the top and clearly shows why she is good for TV Serials... Poor acting, no Expression and dilogue delivery is worst... Just to get footage I am sure she has forced her single shot screen present in episode 7.... Hate to see her... The screen time is stretched in few episodes and dialogues are very poor.

Acting wise most actors were great and did wonderful .... Story is good too... Direction wise you can feel all episodes aren't directed by just one director but different people as some episodes have great grip other episodes we feel like yawning l.

Personal Rating 7.5/10

Being a pure filmiholic, it is only natural that I would love this web series on celebrity life, dark secrets of the film world and the hype of Bollywood. Emraan Hashmi gave a great performance, he single handedly stole the limelight in the series. It is completely ridiculous that the dark secrets of Bollywood would be revealed in such a way in any Bollywood series, that is why I thoroughly enjoyed the series. There is no chance of being boring, this series can be seen in one sitting.

Overall, it goes without saying that this is a must-watch series for those who are always into the filmy world. Waiting now for June, gonnaa wating to see part 2!💛🎬