The much-anticipated web series ‘The Royals,’ released on Netflix on May 9, 2025, promised much but ultimately delivered a convoluted and overly dramatic presentation.
Movie Review
- Name: The Royals (Web Series)
- Rating: 🌟🌟 (2/5)
- Cast: Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Vihan Samat, Nora Fatehi, Kavya Trehan, Milind Soman, Dino Morea, Lisa Mishra, Sumukhi Suresh
- Director: Priyanka Ghosh
- Release Date: May 09, 2025
- Platform: Netflix
- Language: Hindi
- Budget: N/A
Entertainment: Audiences have always been captivated by the royalty and regal lifestyle portrayed on OTT platforms and the silver screen. Following the release of Nimrat Kaur and Ridhi Dogra's 'Kull' on May 2nd, 'The Royals' premiered on Netflix on May 9, 2025. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles, this web series explores the clash between royalty and commoners, interwoven with complex layers of power, emotion, and politics.
This 8-episode series boasts b performances, excellent production value, captivating costumes, and a compelling screenplay. If you enjoy historical settings and political drama, investing 6-7 hours to watch ‘The Royals’ could be worthwhile.
Initially Interesting, but the Story Soon Becomes Blurred
The series begins with Sophia Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), an ambitious woman aiming for business success. During a running scene on a Sri Lankan beach, she encounters Aviraj (Ishaan Khatter), who is later revealed to be from a royal family. Up to this point, everything is fine, but as the episodes progress, the narrative unravels.
Morpur's Royal Story or an Overdose of Drama?
Set in the fictional Rajasthani city of Morpur, the series depicts the tangled life of a royal family. The queen (Sakshi Tanwar) is married to a gay man but is having an affair with a Bombay superstar. The family's inherited debt and declining prestige could have been a serious issue, but the script transforms it into melodrama.
Ishaan Khatter's Failed Attempt at Becoming a 'Maharaja'
While Ishaan Khatter is a young and talented actor, his portrayal in ‘The Royals’ falls far short of a mature Maharaja. His shirtless appearances, drinking, and careless demeanor undermine the dignity of a royal character. Bhumi Pednekar's character is also inconsistent, oscillating between romance and business pursuits. Their funny and intimate scenes feel uncomfortable and artificial, preventing viewer engagement.
The series' biggest flaw is its use of veteran actress Zeenat Aman for mere comic relief. Her character's dialogues are superficial, lacking emotional depth and narrative connection. Her lines create noise but fail to impact the audience.
An Incomplete Multi-Star Cast
‘The Royals’ boasts a star-studded cast, including Sakshi Tanwar, Milind Soman, Vihan Samat, and Rajat Kapoor. However, every character feels incomplete; their stories and emotions remain unresolved. Everything is presented haphazardly – possessing flavor but lacking balance. The series' greatest weakness lies in its script and direction.
A potentially rich and relevant theme – the struggles of a royal family in the modern era – is squandered through an overload of humor, sexual tension, and melodrama. There is a lack of depth and a clear message. Fans of Zeenat Aman or those hoping for b chemistry between Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter may be disappointed.
