Do you know what is more attractive than a bad boy? A bad boy billionaire. Netflix’s Bad Boy Billionaires: India is a three part docu-series featuring the rise and fall of our most notorious and bold: Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Subrata ‘Saharasri’ Roy. You cannot help but see the similarities in these stories. From their flamboyant lifestyles to their blatant disregard of the law, the patterns are obvious. They are rogues. They don’t play by the rules. They are a combination of charm, ruthless ambition, smarts and of course, an arrogance that comes from their lack of concern for consequences. 

One would think that watching this series, which is a compelling compilation of news and interviews, would make one feel appalled at the grand cons run by these men. However, the overwhelming emotion is awe at their audacity and their ability to get away with so much for so long. Much like some of the iconic anti-heroes of Bollywood (think Don, Khalnayak, Dhoom, etc.) the stories of these men are shown in a way that glorifies them and almost forces the viewer to cheer at their daring. The incident where Subrata Roy sent documents regarding his ‘family’ and its investments to SEBI in 127 trucks is something that seems to be out of a heist movie. Just like a movie, the audience is left cheering at the incredible gall of the conmen. 

BBB takes a while to establish the subjects as visionaries who changed the face of their industries against all odds. Vijay Mallya is shown as a bold young man who wants to be known as more than a liquor baron in a largely unfavourable environment. Nirav Modi is from a secretive family in Surat with dreams of becoming the best in the world. Subrata Roy is a fatherly patriarch in love with his country and family. However, little screen time is given to those who suffered immensely because of them. The victims barely have any screen time at all in the first halves of episodes 1 and 2. 

While the makers can claim that they have included varied perspectives in their show, what stands out is that those who are largely building the narrative are people who were close friends and aides of the ‘protagonists’. Little has been shown about those who bore the brunt of the greed of these billionaires. Whatever little is shown of the bank officials from PNB Bank or the agents in Subrata Roy’s chit fund scheme is quickly forgotten and neglected in comparison to the high-flying glitzy life of the three. You are quickly lost in the glamour of fancy parties and celebrities making the aggrieved an afterthought. 

At best this show is a one-time watch for those who grew up reading about these scams in the news. It may help in filling the gaps in your knowledge about them and the men who orchestrated them. However, do not expect to find a balanced story.