Netflix’s The Royals has quickly become the center of attention, ever since its trailer dropped on YouTube. With its unique blend of regal charm, modern sensibilities, and a “Bridgerton meets Bollywood” flair, this lavish new series by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana is making waves. Packed with royal drama, witty humour, family politics, and a glamorous cast, the show offers a contemporary fairy tale wrapped in eight glossy, 50-minute episodes. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
What’s The Royals About?
At the heart of The Royals is the story of Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), a sharp and headstrong CEO trying to save her company. Her path crosses with Aviraaj Singh, aka Fizzy (Ishaan Khatter), the reluctant heir to a royal dynasty, during a trip to Sri Lanka. A one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into a business partnership.
The plan? Turn Aviraaj’s ancestral palace into a luxury BnB—an experience where everyday guests can taste royal life, while the financially strained family finds a new income source. What follows is a rollercoaster of ego clashes, steamy encounters, buried secrets, and emotional tension. Expect the unexpected as palace walls start to shake—figuratively and literally.
The Cast: A Royal Hit and Miss
Casting is one of the show’s standout features—though not without its flaws.
Ishaan Khatter, as Aviraaj, commands the screen with charisma and poise. He nails the modern maharaja aesthetic—from horse riding and slow dancing to brooding in royal robes. However, the focus on his shirtless scenes occasionally overshadows his otherwise nuanced performance.
Bhumi Pednekar delivers a layered portrayal of Sophia. While she captures the ambition and drive of her character well, her dialogue delivery sometimes lacks punch compared to her stronger performances in past roles. Her wardrobe leans more toward runway glam than CEO chic, which feels slightly misplaced.
Sakshi Tanwar shines as the queen mother. Her performance is regal and restrained, evoking echoes of TV’s iconic ‘Maya Sarabhai’ with emotional depth and sharp presence.
Zeenat Aman, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, and Sumukhi Suresh round out the cast with memorable supporting roles, each adding texture to the palace intrigue.
Why Is Everyone Talking About The Royals?
The Royals stands out among Indian series on Netflix for several reasons:
Visual Grandeur: Shot in stunning palace settings, every frame looks like it’s been pulled straight from a Pinterest board. The production design, rich costumes, and color palettes transport viewers into a dreamy, regal universe.
Music & Emotion: The soundtrack, especially the soulful rendition of “Tu Tu Hai Wahi,” adds an emotional core to the narrative and helps balance some of the more uneven plot points.
Fresh Premise: A modern-day royal family trying to stay relevant by turning their heritage into a business isn’t something we see often in Indian series—and it resonates in a unique, entertaining way.
That said, the show isn’t without its flaws. Inconsistent writing, clichéd tropes, and a lack of natural chemistry between the leads weaken what could have been a stronger romantic arc. The transitions between major plot points also feel rushed at times.
What Are Viewers Saying?
After its release, audiences flocked to binge-watch The Royals—and the reviews are mixed.
One viewer raved:
“Hooked on The Royals on Netflix—scandals, sass, and palaces turning into BnBs. What makes it wilder? It’s shot at Nahargarh Palace, where I’ve actually stayed. Nothing like watching drama unfold where you once had breakfast.”
Another viewer highlighted Bhumi’s performance:
“Bhumi Pednekar delivers Sophia with depth and agency. She’s the most touching character in the show—you root for her from start to finish.”
Final Thoughts
The Royals offers a glossy, drama-packed escape into a world of modern royalty and personal reinvention. While it isn’t perfect, its rich aesthetics, bold storytelling, and unique premise make it one of the most talked-about Indian series on Netflix right now. Whether you’re in it for the palace intrigue or the slow-burn romance, it’s a royal ride worth trying—just don’t expect all the fairy tale boxes to be ticked.