Netflix is set to release “The Royals,” a series that brings together the star power of Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter in a romantic comedy-drama with a royal backdrop. This series marks a significant collaboration between the streaming giant and Pritish Nandy Communications. The series teases a captivating clash between a “ziddi rajkumar” (stubborn prince) and a “girlboss aamkumari” (commoner entrepreneur), posing the question: will their encounter lead to a “royal disaster or a shahi (royal) love story?” “The Royals” promises a blend of palatial grandeur, boardroom battles, and unexpected romance.
The Plot
The narrative of “The Royals” centers on Aviraj Singh, the Maharaja of Morpur, played by Ishaan Khatter, whose royal family is on the brink of financial ruin. Into this precarious situation steps Sophia Shekhar, a pragmatic and ambitious CEO of a startup called “Work Potato,” portrayed by Bhumi Pednekar. She is hired to salvage the family’s dwindling legacy, with her proposed solution being the transformation of the crumbling Morpur Palace, or haveli (traditional mansion), into a luxury Bed & Breakfast experience. This setup inevitably leads to a collision of worlds. The initial dynamic between Aviraj and Sophia is characterized by hate at first sight, their clashing egos and ambitions fueling immediate conflict. However, as the story unfolds, this professional antagonism is expected to evolve into “flirtation, friction, and a fiery attraction.” Creators Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy describe their protagonists as two individuals “constantly at loggerheads, yet irresistibly drawn to each other.” While the specific story of Morpur and its inhabitants is fictional, the underlying concept of Indian royal palaces being repurposed as heritage hotels and B&Bs adds a layer of plausibility to this “contemporary fairytale.” Numerous real-world examples, such as the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, have successfully navigated this transition, offering a glimpse into regal lifestyles for a broader audience. The “palace-to-B&B” plot device is more than just a backdrop for romance; it serves as a potent metaphor for the ongoing negotiation between India’s rich historical heritage and its modern, globalized economic aspirations. The palace, with its “crumbling chandeliers” and “faded glory,” represents tradition. Sophia’s startup and her B&B proposal embody modernity, commerce, and inevitable disruption. Their clash over this venture mirrors a wider cultural dialogue within India on how to preserve the invaluable legacy of the past while embracing the dynamic forces of the future. Similarly, the classic “enemies-to-lovers” trope is infused with power dynamics particularly relevant to contemporary India. Aviraj, the “privileged prince,” represents an established form of aristocratic power. Sophia, the “self-made CEO” and a “woman in a man’s world” who has “come up the hard way,” embodies the rising influence of new-age entrepreneurship and female ambition. Their conflict, therefore, is not merely personal but also a reflection of broader societal shifts concerning where power and influence reside in modern India.
The Cast
At the heart of “The Royals” are Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Shekhar and Ishaan Khatter as Aviraj Singh. Sophia is depicted as a “girlboss aamkumari (commoner)” and a “hustler entrepreneur,” the ambitious CEO of “Work Potato.” Pednekar describes her character as fierce, ambitious, and emotionally honest, someone who is both “aspirational and deeply relatable.” This series marks Pednekar’s debut in a leading role in an OTT series, a significant milestone in her career. Opposite her, Ishaan Khatter plays Aviraj Singh, the “ziddi rajkumar” (stubborn prince) of Morpur, a polo-playing “‘prince'” who is also a “dashing party prince.” Khatter has called Aviraaj the “most frustratingly charming character” he has ever played, hinting at a complex and engaging personality. Supporting the lead pair is an impressive ensemble cast. The presence of the legendary Zeenat Aman brings significant gravitas and a touch of nostalgia, with fans expressing particular excitement for her role. Aman herself found the project “refreshing and creatively fulfilling,” enjoying the collaboration with younger talents. Sakshi Tanwar, known for her powerful performances, plays a royal matriarch, “Rani Maa” (Queen Mother). She shared that stepping into the shoes of royalty felt “unreal at first,” a notable departure from her more commoner-centric roles, underscoring the series’ intended grandeur. The cast further includes seasoned actors like Dino Morea, Milind Soman (who plays Maharaj, Aviraj’s late father), Chunky Panday, alongside contemporary talents such as Vihaan Samat, Sumukhi Suresh, Lisa Mishra, Kavya Trehan, Udit Arora, and Luke Kenny, promising a rich tapestry of characters.
The Series Creators
“The Royals” is the brainchild of Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy, whose production house, Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC), is known for its “witty, pop-culture-savvy storytelling.” This series marks PNC’s first collaboration with Netflix, a significant partnership in the Indian content landscape. The directorial reins are held by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, tasked with bringing this vision to life. The writing team is led by Neha Veena Sharma, with contributions from Vishnu Sinha and Iti Agarwal, and dialogues penned by Annukampa Harsh. Rangita Pritish Nandy has praised the writers for crafting characters so compelling that renowned actors found them irresistible. The production scale and aesthetics aim for grandeur and authenticity. Filming took place in real locations, including the City Palace in Udaipur and Rambagh Palace, which inherently adds a layer of realism and visual splendor. The collaboration between PNC, with its distinctive voice in urban Indian narrative, and Netflix, a global streaming powerhouse, represents a strategic alliance. Their goal is to elevate Indian content for both local consumption and international audiences. PNC’s “audacious” vision, backed by Netflix’s substantial resources and global platform, has the potential to result in a high-production-value series that could redefine expectations for Indian romantic comedies. The choice to film in real palaces is not merely for visual appeal; it’s a production strategy that immerses both the cast and the audience in the “royal” world.
The Clash of Worlds
“The Royals” delves into a compelling clash of worlds, primarily focusing on the dynamic between “new royalty”—represented by startup founders and entrepreneurs like Sophia—and “old royalty,” embodied by aristocratic lineages like Aviraj’s family. Beyond this central dichotomy, the series ambitiously explores themes of privilege, power dynamics, and the multifaceted complexities of contemporary life. It is characterized as a “stormy love story pitting legacy against progress.” Culturally, the series draws comparisons while asserting its unique Indian identity. The series leverages familiar tropes from global romantic comedies and draws explicit comparisons to international hits, thereby setting certain audience expectations. However, it simultaneously strives to forge an “unapologetically Indian” identity.
Netflix’s Bet: Investing in Indian Romantic Comedies and Global Appeal
Netflix India’s investment in “The Royals” is a clear indication of its strategy to fill what many perceive as a gap in the romantic comedy genre within the Indian OTT landscape. With “The Royals,” the aim is to create a modern love story infused with contemporary conflict that captures the audience’s imagination. The series is described as a colorful cocktail of royal scandal, corporate strategy, and emotional intensity, promising a unique blend of elements designed to appeal to a wide audience.
The Series Soundtrack
Music is set to play a significant role in “The Royals,” with a dedicated soundtrack album released by Universal Music India. A highlight of the album is a recreated version of the beloved classic song “Tu Tu Hai Wahi” from the 1982 film Yeh Vaada Raha, performed anew by Jubin Nautiyal and Jonita Gandhi. Further underscoring the importance of music, Believe and Netflix India have launched a collaborative campaign. This initiative aims to position the music not merely as a supporting element but as a central cultural and narrative driver for the series. Even before the show’s premiere, the song “Who Rules The World” reportedly gained significant traction, inspiring dance challenges and engagement on social media platforms. This strategic and high-profile marketing of the soundtrack even before the series launch marks a notable approach, reminiscent of the traditional Bollywood model where music often plays a crucial role in a film’s popularity and pre-release buzz. In the often-crowded OTT space, where series soundtracks can sometimes take a backseat, this “soundtrack-first strategy” for “The Royals,” complete with dedicated campaigns and active artist involvement, suggests a deliberate effort to make the music an event in itself. This could be pivotal in building anticipation and forging a distinct identity for the show. The decision to include a recreated classic hit like “Tu Tu Hai Wahi” alongside new, contemporary tracks is also an astute move. It taps into a powerful sense of nostalgia for an iconic song while simultaneously offering fresh sounds, potentially broadening the soundtrack’s appeal across different generations of listeners and creating a well-rounded musical experience.
Where to Watch “The Royals”
