The highly anticipated web series The Royals, featuring Bollywood stars Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, officially premiered on Netflix on May 9, 2025, and has since sparked a whirlwind of reactions across social media.
Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the show aims to blend royal aesthetics with youthful romance, dance, and emotional arcs. However, as the initial buzz surrounding its release fades, viewers have expressed mixed opinions about the series.
Many viewers have praised Bhumi Pednekar's performance as Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, with one user noting, "Bhumi Pednekar delivers #Sophia in #TheRoyals with depth and agency. Hers is the most touching character in the show and one roots for her from start to finish." Another fan commented, "If elegance had a face in 2025, it would be #BhumiPednekar in The Royals. What a transformation... She has been shapeshifting for every role, dedicating and immersing herself completely..."
Ishaan Khatter also received acclaim for his portrayal of Maharaj Aviraaj Singh. A fan remarked, "#IshaanKhatter is all kinds of unforgettable in The Royals — brooding, bold, and beautifully human. He truly is Bollywood's new age heartthrob." His dance sequences particularly caught attention, with another viewer writing, "Ishaan Khatter the dancer you are omg!! Nailed those moves!! Ishaan and Nora actually have chemistry."
While the performances of the lead actors garnered applause, a significant portion of viewers found the series lacking in substance. One netizen remarked, "The Royals on Netflix isn't half bad (posh and hot people angst is always a bingeable genre). But it's the first time I've noticed how bad the background score is. Loud, tacky and almost makes the show unwatchable at places."
Moreover, the series has drawn frequent comparisons to Bridgerton for its regal setting and romantic drama, while its humor and structure reminded some viewers of Schitt’s Creek. Despite the glamorous visuals and star power, many felt that the narrative fell short of expectations.
One viewer expressed disappointment, stating, "Wanting to get off the war news on the TV channels, I tried watching the just released The Royals on @NetflixIndia. The content team needs a shake-up seriously. Trailer made me feel it's a thriller but it's neither a chick flick nor a comedy. What a waste of talent."
Another viewer criticized the series, saying, "So Bollywood is so fu€king lazy. Can't even make something good anymore. The Royals seems like a bad khichdi of multiple western series. Wonder why stars like #SakshiTanwar and #ZeenatAman ji agreed to do this." This sentiment was echoed in a review that called it one of the worst shows ever made, citing an "embarrassing script, no substance, and drama so fake it actually hurts."
Despite the criticism, there were standout moments that resonated with audiences. Sakshi Tanwar's character, Paddy, emerged as a scene-stealer, with one fan reacting to her unexpected portrayal, saying, "I'm against smoking but damn what the fuck #SakshiTanwar is smoking weed (it's not real) in #TheRoyals and that too for the first time. Damn woman I'm in love with this cool character of Sakshi aka Paddy."
The opening scene of The Royals features a dramatic slow-motion sequence where Sophia runs on the beach, seemingly faster than a horse ridden by a nearly shirtless man, played by Khatter. This cinematic moment sets the tone for a series that, while visually appealing, has been critiqued for its lack of depth.
In a landscape crowded with dark thrillers and intense dramas, The Royals aimed to provide a lighter, romantic escape. While it succeeded for some with its star cast and glossy visuals, others were left underwhelmed by what they perceived as style over substance.
As the series continues to stream on Netflix, it remains to be seen whether the mixed reviews will affect its popularity in the long run. With a total of eight episodes produced under the banner of Pritish Nandy Communications, the show features a star-studded supporting cast, including Zeenat Aman, Milind Soman, and Chunky Panday, adding to its allure.
In summary, The Royals has ignited conversations across social media, with viewers divided between admiration for its performances and disappointment in its narrative execution. As the dust settles, fans and critics alike are left pondering the future of this ambitious romantic comedy-drama.
