Netflix’s newest Indian original series, The Royals, drops old-world Indian royalty into the middle of a modern love story. With Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter leading a star-studded cast, the six-part rom-com series is packed with clashes, chaats, and chandeliers. But beneath the glamour and drama, does it offer something more than palace-sized surface-level storytelling?
The Royals mixes palace glam with contemporary relationship chaos
Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, The Royals is a bold attempt to fuse Indian heritage with today’s startup hustle. The plot centers on Prince Aviraaj (Khatter), a carefree royal who’s more used to partying than ruling, and Sophia Shekhar (Pednekar), a driven CEO with a plan to turn decaying palaces into profitable Royal B&Bs.
What starts as a combustible meeting of egos quickly spirals into a love story full of sharp banter, awkward intimacy, and plenty of throne-room drama. The chemistry between Pednekar and Khatter is undeniable, giving the series its emotional core even when the writing stumbles.
Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter elevate the show with real chemistry
One of the most talked-about aspects of The Royals is how the lead pair handled the show's intimate scenes. Bhumi Pednekar revealed in interviews that she and Khatter took intimacy workshops to prepare for the roles. The extra effort shows. Their comfort level allows for moments that feel natural rather than forced — especially in a genre that often leans on romantic clichés.
Pednekar’s Sophia is a classic modern boss — sharp, ambitious, and rarely impressed by Aviraaj’s royal arrogance. Khatter’s transformation from reckless playboy to reluctant leader is uneven but watchable, largely because he grounds the role in small, honest moments. Their relationship lurches from hostile to hopeful, but the actors make the ride worth taking.
Supporting cast adds flavor, even when the script lags behind
Beyond the leads, the ensemble cast brings energy and subplots that range from interesting to indulgent. Zeenat Aman plays the cool, weed-smoking Aunty Marji, offering a generational counterpoint to the uptight palace life. Sakshi Tanwar’s Maharani Padmaja struggles with widowhood and shopping addictions, adding layers to a role that could have been one-dimensional.
Vihaan Samat as Digvijay, the responsible younger brother with a secret passion for baking, provides an amusing foil to Aviraaj’s recklessness. Meanwhile, Nora Fatehi as Princess Ayesha delivers the kind of glamorous villainy you expect from royal dramas — plotting, scheming, and never missing a chance to look fabulous while doing it.
The money, the palaces, and the startup dreams that drive the plot
What sets The Royals apart from typical romantic dramas is Sophia’s entrepreneurial angle. Her Royal B&B concept is a smart twist, turning legacy into profit and tradition into tourism. It's a story about repurposing the past for the future — something Indian media rarely tackles with this level of gloss.
There are moments when the series tries to teach startup lessons through palace politics. Investing in ideas before there’s a product. The risk of equity vs. control. These sequences sometimes feel out of place, but they also add a layer of realism to Sophia’s journey. She's not just fighting Aviraaj’s ego — she’s battling a male-dominated board that doesn’t believe in her vision.
Flaws and fumbles: When The Royals gets a little too regal for its own good
Not all of The Royals lands as smoothly as the lead performances. Some dialogues lean into cringe territory, and a few subplots about event startups and princely inheritance feel dated or off-topic. There’s a scene or two that beg you not to hit fast-forward, especially when the show leans into stereotypical “rich kid” problems.
Still, the series offers a rare break from the usual urban romance formula by placing its love story inside palaces, not apartments. It’s colorful, loud, and occasionally deep — even if it doesn’t always stick the landing.
Who will The Royals appeal to, and where does it fall short?
If you’re into shows like Bridgerton or Emily in Paris and want an Indian twist, The Royals delivers. It’s got the drama, the style, and the modern vs. traditional clash that fuels so much great storytelling. Fans of Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter won’t be disappointed by their performances.
But if you’re looking for tight writing and deeper exploration of themes like legacy, gender, and class, you might find yourself wishing the series took a few more risks instead of relying on faltering princely fantasies and diamond tantrums.
Final thoughts: The Royals is stylish, starry, and sometimes a little superficial
The Royals doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it dresses it up in velvet and gold. It’s a love letter to Indian royalty with a modern twist — and a few bruises from trying to do too much at once. The leads save it. The setting sells it. And the ambition behind it? Well, that’s something worth watching, even when it stumbles.
All six episodes of The Royals are streaming now on Netflix.