Atasha Muhlach Shines in 'Bad Genius' Series: A Breakout Debut

From showbiz royalty to breakout lead actress, Atasha Muhlach is ready to make her own mark—and she’s doing it with a bang.

This July, all eyes are on the multitalented daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales as she headlines the Philippine adaptation of Bad Genius: The Series, premiering exclusively on Viva One on 17 July 2025.

Adapted from the internationally acclaimed 2017 Thai film and its 2020 TV counterpart, Bad Genius is a gripping tale of brilliance, ambition, and moral dilemma set against the high-pressure world of academic performance. Now, for the first time, Filipino audiences get their own version of this globally celebrated story—with Atasha front and center.

A dream debut

“I cried happy tears,” Atasha revealed during the cast reveal last March. “This is my first, so I’m truly honored. Acting is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid—and now that it’s finally happening, I don’t want to waste a single moment.”

Stepping into the role of Lin, Atasha portrays a gifted but mysterious student from a modest background who wins a scholarship to an elite private school. Intelligent, intuitive, and quietly calculating, Lin soon finds herself at the center of a high-stakes academic scam—helping struggling students pass exams… for a price.

“Lin has many layers. She’s mysterious and strategic, but deep down, she has a good heart,” Atasha shared. “Her decisions are rooted in her desire to help her father and survive in a system that favors the privileged.”

The new class

Joining Atasha in this adrenaline-charged series are Jairus Aquino as Bank, a principled scholar forced into moral compromise; Gab Lagman as Pat, the smooth-talking recruiter of the cheating ring; and Hyacinth Callado as Grace, the bubbly socialite with high ambitions and secrets of her own.

All three co-stars are familiar faces to Viva One audiences, having headlined previous fan-favorite Wattpad adaptations under the University Series. But this time, the stakes are higher—and the performances sharper.

“I’m so proud of our cast,” director Derick Cabrido shared. “We really studied each character deeply to make this adaptation distinctly Filipino—not just in language or setting, but in soul.”

A royal rising

Atasha’s entry into acting has long been anticipated. As the daughter of one of the most beloved screen couples in Philippine cinema, the expectations were sky-high—but Atasha chose a role that challenges her right out of the gate.

And she’s doing the work. On set, Atasha is known for her discipline, openness to direction, and willingness to dig deep into her character. As Lin, she doesn’t just deliver lines—she lives in the tension between survival and morality, pressure and purpose.

More than just a thriller

While Bad Genius delivers on suspense and entertainment, it also dives into bigger questions about equity in education, privilege, and the cost of excellence. Set in a world where intelligence is currency and pressure is unrelenting, the show sheds light on real struggles faced by Filipino students today.

“This isn’t just a glossy high school series,” said Cabrido, known for his work on Mallari and Clarita. “We’re tackling the realities of our educational system. Why do students cheat? What kind of system pushes them to that point?”

It’s this blend of social commentary and youthful thrill that has made Bad Genius a global hit—and Atasha’s portrayal a major point of interest in the local adaptation.

Her legacy

There’s no denying the pedigree: the Muhlach name is synonymous with screen success. But in Bad Genius, Atasha proves she’s more than a famous surname. With grace, grit, and a screen presence all her own, she emerges as a leading lady in the making.

As she navigates the morally gray world of Lin, Atasha not only gives life to a compelling character—she reintroduces herself to the nation: as an actress of promise, courage, and heart.

Bad Genius: The Series premieres July 17, 2025, with new episodes every Thursday on Viva One.

Experience Atasha Muhlach’s stunning debut in a series that dares to ask: How far would you go to succeed?