The Traitors India on Amazon Prime – A Disappointing Elite Fest with Apoorva Mukhija Shining Amid a Dull Start
The Traitors (India), hosted by Karan Johar, promised a thrilling ride of deception and drama when it premiered on Amazon Prime Video on June 12, 2025. Set in the lavish Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer, this Indian take on the BAFTA and Emmy-winning Dutch format De Verraders was hyped as a psychological showdown. Three episodes in, however, it’s a letdown—boring, overly polished, and reeking of South Delhi elitism. While Apoorva Mukhija and Uorfi Javed stand out with their sharp observations and fiery spat, the show feels fabricated, the traitors underwhelm, and the cast’s posh vibe alienates viewers. With Raj Kundra and Karan Kundrra already out, here’s a candid scoop on why The Traitors is failing to deliver, why I’m ready to ditch it for Laughter Chefs, and how Apoorva is the saving grace in a sea of spark with no glory.
Apoorva Mukhija: The Sharp Star Stealing the Show
Apoorva Mukhija, aka Rebel Kid, is the undeniable standout of The Traitors. Known for her candid vlogs and roles in Who’s Your Gynac? and Karan Johar’s Nadaaniyan, Apoorva brings a raw, unfiltered edge that cuts through the show’s glossy facade. In the first three episodes, she’s proven herself as the smartest player, with razor-sharp observations and a knack for steering the game. Social media posts rave about her “gusty conviction,” particularly in episode two, where she masterfully exposed a traitor, convincing the group to vote them out with clear, compelling arguments. Her ability to suspect another traitor early on showcases her strategic prowess, making her a fan favorite despite the show’s flaws.
However, Apoorva’s not without drama. Her feud with Uorfi Javed is a highlight, sparking in episode one and exploding by episode three. It started when Apoorva, emotional about missing her mother, brushed off Uorfi’s concern, leading to a heated exchange. Apoorva’s “Delusion Ki Devi” jab at Uorfi, followed by Uorfi’s retort calling Apoorva “battameez” (mannerless) and asserting, “Aap mere se junior ho kaam mei aur har chiz mei” (You’re junior to me in work and everything), had social media buzzing. This spat, while juicy, feels like one of the few authentic moments in a show drowning in forced theatrics. Apoorva’s bold personality—described by some on X as “mean girl” energy—makes her polarizing but magnetic, carrying the show’s early episodes.
Karan Johar’s Hosting: Over-the-Top and Out of Touch
Karan Johar, the puppet master of The Traitors, was expected to bring his Bigg Boss OTT and Koffee with Karan charisma to the table. Instead, his hosting is a caricature—exaggerated, overly dramatic, and borderline cringe. His cryptic lines like “Trust is rare, but dhoka everywhere” and constant references to global hosts Claudia Winkleman and Alan Cumming feel forced, as if he’s trying too hard to emulate their suspenseful gravitas. X users have roasted his “unintentionally hilarious” persona, with one calling it “Dharma villain energy gone wrong.” His orchestration of the game, like selecting traitors, lacks the subtlety needed to keep viewers guessing, and his over-the-top theatrics overshadow the players’ strategies. For a show banking on psychological tension, Karan’s Bollywood flair feels misplaced, making the stakes feel more like a soap opera than a ruthless game.
Harsh Gujral Aces Tasks, Jasmin Bhasin Flops
The missions, a mix of physical and psychological challenges to build the ₹1 crore prize pot, are a mixed bag. Harsh Gujral, the stand-up comedian with a knack for crowd work, surprisingly shines here. His quick thinking and teamwork in a high-pressure task in episode two earned him praise, with X users noting he “aced it” while others fumbled. Contrast this with Karan Kundrra, a Roadies veteran who should’ve been a frontrunner. Before his shock elimination, Karan was a no-show in tasks, coasting on charm but lacking impact. His exit left fans fuming, with #JusticeForKaran trending briefly, but his lackluster performance didn’t justify the hype.
Jasmin Bhasin, known from Dil Se Dil Tak and Naagin 4, is another disappointment. Touted as a strong player, she’s been ineffective, failing to stand out in missions or strategy. In episode three, she repeatedly insisted, “I’m not a traitor,” but her weak gameplay and lack of conviction made her protests hollow. X posts echo this, with fans slamming her for “trying too hard but doing nothing right.” Jasmin’s presence feels like filler, adding to the show’s bloated, uninspired vibe.
Uorfi Javed: A Sharp but Divisive Force
Uorfi Javed, the Bigg Boss OTT alum known for her bold fashion and unapologetic attitude, is another bright spot. Her sharp observations, like calling out “self-obsessed” players, keep the roundtables lively. Her feud with Apoorva, while heated, showcases her refusal to back down, making her a polarizing yet compelling figure. X users praise her for “roasting” opponents, but some feel she’s overplaying her drama-queen persona. Uorfi’s rumored win, leaked by some of the social media handles, adds intrigue, though unconfirmed. Her ability to stir the pot and hold her own against Apoorva makes her a standout, but like the show itself, her antics sometimes feel staged for clout.
The Traitors: Underwhelming and Unconvincing
The traitors, the secret saboteurs meant to drive the game’s suspense, are a major letdown. Without spoiling identities, their strategies in the first three episodes are sloppy and predictable, lacking the cunning needed to keep viewers on edge. Their “murders” feel telegraphed, and their attempts to blend in are so obvious that Apoorva sniffed one out early. Compared to the UK or US versions, where traitors weave intricate webs, India’s traitors seem like amateurs, robbing the show of its promised intensity. This contributes to the overall sense that The Traitors isn’t living up to its global counterparts.
Why It’s a South Delhi Snoozefest
The biggest criticism echoing across social media and reviews is the show’s elitist vibe. The cast—think Maheep Kapoor, Uorfi Javed, and Lakshmi Manchu—exudes a posh, urban sophistication that screams South Delhi or Bandra clique. The heavy use of English, polished banter, and “everyone’s in their own head” attitude make it unrelatable to a broader Indian audience. X users have dubbed it a “South Delhi cohort” and “a show for elite aunties,” with one post snarking, “This is Bigg Boss for people who shop at DLF Emporio.” The cast’s self-absorbed posturing, combined with a script that feels fabricated, strips away authenticity. Moments like Apoorva and Uorfi’s spat are gripping, but even those feel choreographed at times, leaving viewers questioning what’s real.
The first three episodes are skip-worthy at points, with dragged-out introductions and repetitive mission scenes. The pacing is glacial, and the “dark drama” promised in promos feels more like a rehearsed play than a raw social experiment. Reviews call it “more style than substance,” with forced reactions and overdone music drowning out genuine tension. Compared to Laughter Chefs, which delivers unfiltered chaos and relatability, The Traitors feels like a glossy dud that’s all spark, no glory.
Why Anshula Kapoor’s Hype Is Overblown
Anshula Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor’s sister, was hyped as a debutante to watch, but she’s barely made a ripple. Unlike Apoorva or Uorfi, she lacks presence, blending into the background with no standout moments in tasks or roundtables. X posts barely mention her, with fans focusing on players like Apoorva instead. Her inclusion feels like a nepotism nod, and her “struggling” narrative, as hinted in rumors, doesn’t translate into compelling TV. Why the show keeps pushing her as a key player is baffling when she’s clearly not a fan favorite.
Final Scoop: Back to Laughter Chefs?
The Traitors India had all the ingredients for a gripping reality show, but three episodes in, it’s a boring, fabricated mess that caters to an elite bubble. Apoorva Mukhija’s sharp gameplay and fiery clash with Uorfi Javed are the only saving graces, with Harsh Gujral’s task performance adding a flicker of excitement. Jasmin Bhasin’s flop, Karan Kundrra’s no-show, and Karan Johar’s overcooked hosting drag it down, while the traitors’ weak plays and the cast’s posh, South Delhi vibe make it unrelatable. It’s not what I expected—less Squid Game, more Bigg Boss Lite with a fake sheen. Unless the next episodes dial up the authenticity and stakes, I’m switching back to Laughter Chefs for real laughs and raw energy. If you’re still curious, stream it on Prime Video (new episodes Thursdays at 8 PM IST), but don’t expect to be glued.
