Netflix's latest romantic comedy series, The Royals, starring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter, premiered on May 9, 2025, aiming to offer a refreshing escape from the prevalent crime thrillers dominating the OTT landscape. Despite its promising premise, the series has garnered mixed reactions from audiences.
The narrative centers on Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), a reluctant prince who unexpectedly inherits the title of Maharaj of Morpur following his father's demise. Contrary to his brother Digvijay (Vihaan Samat), who embraces royal responsibilities, Aviraaj is disinterested in his newfound role. Financial strains compel him to collaborate with Sophia Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), an ambitious CEO spearheading "The Royal B&B" project, which allows commoners to experience royal life firsthand. As their worlds intertwine, a romantic connection develops, complicated by the reappearance of their respective ex-partners—Sophia's former flame Kunal (Udit Arora) and Aviraaj's ex, Ayesha (Nora Fatehi).
The ensemble cast includes Zeenat Aman as Aviraaj's spirited grandmother, Maji; Sakshi Tanwar as his mother, Rani Maa; and Dino Morea portraying Maharaja Salauddin, offering a glimpse into the realities of royal life. Supporting characters, such as Aviraaj's sister Jennie (Kavya Trehan), add depth to the storyline, while familial pressures push for a royal marriage to secure financial stability.
Public reception has been varied. While some viewers appreciate the show's attempt at light-hearted romance, others criticize it for lacking depth and originality. Social media reactions reflect this divide, with comments ranging from praise for the lead actors' performances to disappointment in the show's execution. One viewer remarked, "Good to see a star being born in a sea of cookie-cutter boys," highlighting Khatter's standout performance.
