IMDb’s annual list of Most Popular Indian Directors for 2025 has placed Aryan Khan in the second spot, making him the youngest filmmaker to achieve this milestone. His debut Netflix web series The Ba*ds of Bollywood earned rave reviews and massive viewership, pushing him ahead of industry veterans.
Inside the announcement
According to Times Now, DNA India, and Zee News, Aryan Khan’s directorial debut has not only trended at No. 1 on Netflix India but also secured him a place among the top directors globally ranked by IMDb’s 250 million monthly visitors. Mohit Suri topped the list, while notable names like Karan Johar, SS Rajamouli, Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga were absent, signaling a generational shift in audience preferences. Aryan’s success highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms in shaping directorial reputations.
Notable updates
• Aryan Khan ranked second in IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Directors list for 2025
• His debut web series The Ba*ds of Bollywood trended at No. 1 on Netflix India
• Mohit Suri secured the top spot, with Lokesh Kanagaraj, Anurag Kashyap, and Neeraj Ghaywan also featured
• Aryan is the youngest filmmaker and the only web-series director in the list
• Absence of established names like Johar, Rajamouli, Hirani, Bhansali, and Vanga marks a surprising shift
Major takeaway
Aryan Khan’s meteoric rise reflects the changing dynamics of Indian cinema, where streaming platforms and fresh voices are redefining popularity. His inclusion in IMDb’s list underscores the appetite for bold storytelling and signals a new era for young directors.
Sources: Times Now, DNA India, Zee News