Greed, Glamour & the Dark Side of Success
Netflix’s Bad Boy Billionaires India is a hard-hitting investigative docuseries that explores the dramatic journeys of four influential Indian businessmen — Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Subrata Roy, and Ramalinga Raju. Each episode unravels how their empires, built on wealth and ambition, eventually collapsed under the weight of colossal corruption scandals.
Episode 1: The Rise and Fall of Vijay Mallya
Opening with “The King of Good Times,” the first episode sets the tone for the series — direct, serious, and unapologetically investigative. From his early days as a Formula One enthusiast to inheriting a thriving liquor business, Mallya’s empire expanded to include the Kingfisher brand, an airline, a cricket team, and even a Formula One team. But behind the extravagant lifestyle lay financial chaos. Interviews with family, journalists, bankers, and ex-employees paint a vivid picture of a man whose charm couldn’t mask the devastation left in his wake.
Episode 2: Nirav Modi and the Glittering Mirage
“Diamonds Aren’t Forever” plunges viewers into the high-fashion world of Nirav Modi, inspired by his uncle Mehul Choksi. His luxury diamond brand became a global sensation, attracting celebrities and elite clientele. Yet, beneath the sparkle lurked an alleged $1.8 billion bank fraud, affecting ordinary citizens and bank employees alike. Former staff and investigative journalists recount the dizzying rise and catastrophic fall of this glittering empire.
Episode 3: Subrata Roy and the Sahara Empire
“The World’s Biggest Family” shifts focus to Sahara’s Subrata Roy. His journey began humbly, but his chit fund network grew into a financial giant — one embroiled in controversy. Owing money to 30 million investors, Roy’s tale blends themes of patriotism, celebrity connections, and massive public trust. Veteran journalist Sharat Pradhan offers deep insight into the complicated web of promises and payouts.
Episode 4: Ramalinga Raju’s Corporate Illusion
The finale, “Riding the Tiger,” examines Ramalinga Raju of Satyam Computer Services — hailed as a pioneer in outsourcing before being exposed for orchestrating India’s biggest accounting scandal. Through industry insiders and ex-employees, the episode reveals how a small financial cover-up spiraled into an unprecedented deception, leaving a trail of destruction.
This episode was added by Netflix on December 31, 2025 after five years of legal battle.
A Balanced Yet Powerful Narrative
Bad Boy Billionaires India masterfully blends archival footage, news reports, and personal interviews to create a balanced view of each case. The aerial shots and crisp editing elevate the storytelling, while the raw testimonies remind viewers that it’s ordinary people who bear the brunt of these corporate disasters.
For anyone fascinated by true crime, corporate fraud, or high-stakes scandals, this series is a must-watch. It’s not just entertainment — it’s a sobering look at how unchecked ambition can devastate lives.
