Netflix’s new web series The Royals has come with a strong start. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles, this series is full of glimpses of the royal family, modern thinking, and glamour. Looking at the trailer, it seems that this series will take you to a world where the grandeur of palaces, the sweetness of love and family conspiracies will be seen together.
But is The Royals limited to the world of show only? Or is there a deep story hidden behind it? There is a lot to see in this romantic drama series divided into eight episodes – but do all of them leave a solid impact, let’s know in this review.
Story: When royalty clashes with reality
The story of The Royals is based on the fictional Morpur princely state. Ishaan Khatter’s character Aviraj Singh is a royal scion who is struggling with the burden of responsibilities and financial crisis. On the other hand, Sofia Kanmani Shekhar played by Bhumi Pednekar is a modern and ambitious woman who is the CEO of a hospitality startup. She wants to bridge the gap between the royals and the common people through her “Royal B\&B” project.
The story seems a bit slow in the beginning and the first two episodes focus more on styling and locations. But the script picks up pace from the third episode onwards – the Maharaja’s will, a mysterious heir Morris, and the tug-of-war between the siblings keep the story interesting. Still, at times it feels like the heavy costumes and sets are taking away from the story.
Performances of the cast: Great chemistry but limited script
Ishan Khatter as Aviraj Singh
Ishan brings the princely bravado and inner dilemma to the role quite well. His acting is a little artificial at times, but where emotional depth is required, he does not disappoint.
Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia
Bhumi is the soul of the series. As a strong, self-reliant and open-minded woman, she not only fits the bill but also makes her presence felt every time she is on screen. Her character is the most relatable for the general audience.
Supporting Cast
Sakshi Tanwar brings gravitas as the enigmatic queen, Zeenat Aman adds class to the show with her old-school style. Stars like Dino Morea, Nora Fatehi and Chunky Panday add a tadka of glamour and humour. However, some characters do not get enough screen time and depth, making their roles feel incomplete.
Visuals and Production Design: Jab Aankhon Ko Mile Jashn
If there is one biggest strength of this series, it is its visual grandeur. Royal locations of Jaipur and Mumbai, designer costumes, and cinematography that makes every frame Instagram-worthy – The Royals is a visual treat.
The costumes and sets of the show compete with glamour shows like Bridgerton or Emily in Paris. But this grandeur sometimes leaves the story behind. The emotions of the characters and the layers of the story sometimes get lost in these heavy costumes.
Direction and Writing: Style dominates, substance is missing
Created by Rangita and Ishita Nandi, this series is directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana. The script is a mix of light satire, romance and family drama. The story seems a bit confusing in the beginning but as the episodes progress, especially after the third episode, it gets a grip.
However, at times it seems that the writers have paid more attention to the fashion show than the storytelling. Whenever the series comes in its rom-com avatar, it gives relief, but the rest of the time it seems entangled in heavy dialogues and artificial situations.
Themes: Feminism, class divide and glimpse of Indianness
The Royals tries to touch issues like class divide, women empowerment and cultural change. The character of Sofia, despite being an outsider, tries to make her place in the royal family, which gives a positive message.
The effort to show strong female characters is commendable, but these themes often get weakened amidst heavy glamour. Still, the glimpse of Indian culture and the effort to maintain the localness of the stories can be appreciated.
Music and Soundtrack: Music that goes with the mood
The music of the series has been released by Universal Music India. It has a few new songs and a recreated version of an old song “Tu Tu Hai Wahi”. The music fits with the mood of the show – romantic, playful and sometimes nostalgic, although it is sometimes confined to the background.
Response from Audience and Critics
The show has received mixed responses on social media. While some viewers have loved the chemistry between Ishan and Bhoomi, some have called it “style over substance”. It is also being called the Indian version of glamorous series like Bridgerton, but many viewers found its story lacking in depth.
Strengths & Weaknesses: At a Glance
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Gorgeous costumes and set design | Less focus on story, more style |
| Impressive chemistry between Ishan and Bhoomi | Slow plot in the beginning |
| Mild romantic ambience | Supporting characters incomplete |
| Indian cultural touch | Many themes are just superficial |
Final Conclusion: Worth watching, but not memorable
The Royals is a glamour-filled show that promises to give a few hours of light-hearted fun in a royal world. Ishan and Bhoomi’s chemistry, great visuals and a romantic-comedy feel make it a good weekend binge.
However, if you are expecting depth, strong story or a strong emotional connect, then this series may leave you incomplete. It’s a glitzy show – but one that’s loaded with jewels, not emotion. Still, if you’re a fan of royal style, fancy fashion and light romance, The Royals is a must-watch.
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