Netflix India’s The Royals is a rom-com that checks all the right boxes for mainstream entertainment. It’s fun, stylish, scandalous, and occasionally edgy. Despite all its extravagance, it manages to tug at the heartstrings, making it a delightful ride. The show blends real emotions with an opulent royal setting, offering a blend of Bollywood flair and Bridgerton-like charm, and it pulls it off with surprising flair. While it isn’t without its flaws, directors Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana deliver a breezy escape in the crowded OTT landscape, making The Royals a refreshing change.
What Is The Royals About?
The story is set in the fading grandeur of the royal family of Morpur. After the sudden death of Maharaja Yuvnath Singh (Milind Soman), the family’s fortunes are in freefall. His son, Aviraaj (Ishaan Khatter), nicknamed Fizzy, wants no part in his royal legacy and dreams of returning to New York to pursue his modeling career. However, his mother, Rani Padmaja (Sakshi Tanwar), forces him to stay, as the family is financially struggling. They partner with a startup aiming to turn their crumbling palace into a ‘royal B&B.’ The startup’s CEO, Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar), and Aviraaj don’t exactly hit it off, but sparks inevitably fly between them.
What Works in The Royals
At its core, The Royals is a classic rom-com with a hate-to-love relationship at its heart, but it goes beyond the typical genre formula. The show’s charm lies in its characters, who feel remarkably real despite the glittering royal backdrop. The opulence, the luxury cars, the designer clothes—these are just window dressing. What matters more is the authenticity of the emotions the characters experience.
The show’s humor is one of its strongest assets. The comedy is situational and sharp, with dialogue that resonates with the Gen Z vibe. Even minor characters have their moments to shine, such as the auctioneer trying to convince Aviraaj to sell his Rolls-Royce with a Bentley as a package deal.
What sets The Royals apart from the typical rom-com is how seriously it takes its characters and their growth. Despite the frivolous setting, the protagonists are allowed to evolve emotionally, making their journeys feel real. Ishaan Khatter excels as the troubled yet likable Aviraaj. He’s at his best when his character confronts his flaws, delivering some of the show’s most emotional moments. Bhumi Pednekar is just as impressive. As Sophia, she effortlessly embodies a mix of strength, self-doubt, and vulnerability, making her a relatable and grounded character.
The ensemble cast is stellar, and the casting choices are spot-on. Sakshi Tanwar shines as the queen obsessed with her diamonds and fine art, adding to the show’s royal decadence. Zeenat Aman, as the queen mother, brings grace, wit, and impeccable comic timing, making her a joy to watch.
Among the supporting cast, Lisa Mishra stands out as Sophia’s loyal assistant, bringing a unique chemistry that anchors the show. Vihaan Samat and Kavya Trehan, who play Aviraaj’s younger siblings, add depth to their roles as modern royals, proving that they’re more than just accessories to the lavish lifestyle.
High-profile cameos from Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, and Chunky Panday add a dash of star power but, unfortunately, don’t get enough screen time to make a significant impact.
Where The Royals Misses the Mark
Despite its many strengths, The Royals isn’t without its shortcomings. At times, it flirts with over-the-top moments that aren’t necessary. Additionally, the portrayal of startups and CEOs often feels far from reality, a recurring issue in many Bollywood productions. But the show’s biggest flaw lies in its treatment of Maharaja Yuvnath. His character is central to Aviraaj’s arc, as well as to the identity struggles of his siblings and his mother’s sense of direction. However, Milind Soman’s portrayal of Yuvnath amounts to a brief two minutes of screen time across eight episodes, leaving a significant emotional gap.
Despite these missteps, The Royals still manages to be a delightful watch. It’s that imperfect friend who may have its quirks but always promises a good time. And just like that friend, its heart is in the right place. The show is a fun and heartwarming romp, and its minor flaws are easy to overlook in light of its charm.
