The Royals Netflix Review: A Glossy Rom-Com That Misses the Mark
The Royals Netflix Review
Netflix’s The Royals (2025), starring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter, promises a sparkling blend of romance, comedy, and modern royalty drama, but this ambitious series falls short of its lofty goals. Marketed as a desi answer to Bridgerton and Schitt’s Creek, the show aims to dazzle with its opulent settings, star-studded cast, and a clash between tradition and ambition. However, its shallow script, lackluster chemistry, and tonal inconsistency make it a forgettable addition to Netflix’s rom-com slate. Here’s our review of The Royals—optimized for those searching for honest insights into this much-hyped series.
What Is The Royals About?
The Royals follows Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), a driven startup CEO, as she partners with Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), a reluctant prince, to transform a crumbling royal haveli into a luxury B&B. Set against the stunning backdrop of Jaipur’s palaces, the series explores themes of class, privilege, and modern entrepreneurship while weaving a will-they-won’t-they romance. With a supporting cast featuring Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, and Dino Morea, and directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the show boasts big names and bigger ambitions. But does it deliver?
A Promising Premise Undermined by Weak Execution
On paper, The Royals has all the ingredients for a binge-worthy hit: a feisty heroine, a charming prince, and a culturally rich setting. The concept of a self-made woman challenging royal traditions could have sparked sharp commentary on India’s evolving social landscape. Instead, the series, written by Neha Veena Sharma, leans heavily on recycled rom-com tropes—sassy banter, predictable misunderstandings, and a romance that feels more contractual than organic.
The pacing is relentless, cramming boardroom drama, family feuds, and party montages into eight episodes, but this frenzy leaves little room for emotional depth. Themes like AI ethics and generational wealth are name-dropped without exploration, making the show feel like it’s chasing trends rather than telling a story. For viewers searching for The Royals Netflix review, the consensus is clear: it’s a visually stunning series that prioritizes style over substance.
Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter: A Mismatched Pair
Bhumi Pednekar’s Sophia is meant to be a fierce, relatable trailblazer, but her character is reduced to cliched one-liners and corporate buzzwords. While Pednekar’s polished appearance has sparked online chatter—particularly about her enhanced look—she delivers a committed performance that’s hampered by a weak script. Ishaan Khatter fares slightly better as Aviraaj, bringing boyish charm to a role that oscillates between brooding and bland. Their chemistry, despite pre-production intimacy workshops, feels rehearsed, lacking the spark needed to anchor the show.
The ensemble cast is a missed opportunity. Zeenat Aman, in a much-anticipated comeback, is underutilized, her regal aura confined to fleeting scenes. Sakshi Tanwar brings gravitas but is stuck in a predictable maternal role, while Nora Fatehi’s comedic attempts fall flat.
Visual Splendor Can’t Mask Narrative Flaws
Visually, The Royals is a feast. Filmed in Jaipur’s City Palace and Rambagh Palace, with costumes by Manish Malhotra, the series is a love letter to Indian opulence. Yet, the cinematography is so slick it feels like a luxury ad, and the frenetic editing—jumping from quip to quip—prevents moments from landing. The recreated “Tu Tu Hai Wahi” track, meant to evoke nostalgia, feels like a cynical ploy to hook older viewers.
For those searching “The Royals Netflix India,” the show’s cultural touches—Rajasthani architecture, royal traditions—are a highlight, but they’re not enough to salvage its narrative shortcomings. It’s a classic case of form over function, a criticism echoed across X posts calling it “a lifestyle algorithm posing as a rom-com.”
Why The Royals Fails to Reign
The Royals wants to be everything: a steamy romance, a witty comedy, a social satire. Instead, it’s a tonal mishmash that satisfies none of these ambitions. Fans of Bridgerton might enjoy its glamour, but its lack of emotional heft makes it closer to a soap opera than a prestige drama. In short—it’s a shiny distraction that fades fast.
Should You Watch The Royals?
If you’re after mindless escapism with gorgeous visuals, The Royals might scratch the itch. But if you’re hoping for a smart, heartfelt story, look elsewhere. Stream it for the palaces and Pednekar’s fierce energy, but don’t expect it to linger. For more on “The Royals Netflix review” or “Bhumi Pednekar new series,” this is a show that’s all crown, no kingdom.
Rating: 2.5/5
Where to Watch: The Royals is streaming now on Netflix.
