Netflix's newest Hindi series, The Royals, isn't your typical stuffy royal drama. It's a whirlwind of opulent palaces, clashing personalities, and a surprisingly relatable story about family, finance, and finding love in the most unexpected places. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, this romantic comedy offers a delicious mix of humor, heart, and enough dazzling visuals to keep you glued to the screen. But is it worth your precious binge-watching time? Let's delve into the kingdom of The Royals and find out.
The story centers around Aviraaj Singh (Khatter), a charming but irresponsible young prince whose family is facing financial ruin after the death of his father. His father's will throws a major wrench in things, leaving his considerable fortune to a mysterious individual named Maurice—leaving the royal family scrambling to keep their heads above water. Enter Sophia Shekhar (Pednekar), a driven CEO of a luxury homestay startup, "WorkPotato," with a bold idea: turn crumbling princely estates into profitable heritage stays. Her ambitious plan intersects with the royal family's desperate need for cash, setting the stage for a clash of cultures and a surprisingly endearing romance.
The royal family is deep in debt, forcing them to confront their extravagant spending habits and learn the value of responsibility. The Maharani needs to cut back on diamond purchases, while the young Maharaja needs to ditch his many cars and entitled lifestyle. Each royal family member presents a unique and often hilarious personality, including a weed-smoking grandmother, a chef-aspiring prince, and a directionless princess. The family drama is both entertaining and insightful, highlighting the complexities of family relationships even within royalty.
Meanwhile, Sophia's startup faces its own challenges, including investor pressure, internal conflicts, and the ever-present risk of failure in the competitive world of business. The Royals offers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of startups, complete with funding rounds, prototypes, and the "death valley" phase where many ventures fail. The show cleverly weaves together the personal journeys of its characters with the complexities of running a business and managing a struggling royal family. It's a refreshing take on the rom-com genre, cleverly balancing lighthearted humor with genuine emotional depth.
While there are moments of cringe humor and predictable plot points, the show's charming cast and captivating visuals often outweigh the flaws. The chemistry between Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar is undeniable. They bring a spark and energy to their roles that make the sometimes predictable plot feel fresh and engaging. Khatter perfectly embodies the conflicted prince grappling with tradition and modernity, while Pednekar’s strong performance showcases a woman determined to succeed in a male-dominated world. The supporting cast, including veterans like Zeenat Aman and Sakshi Tanwar, adds further depth and hilarity.
After gaining a lot of buzz on social media, The Royals was finally released on May 9, 2025. In an interview, Bhumi Pednekar opened up about portraying an ambitious character. She stated, "She has ambition. She has drive. Yet she's nurturing. Yet she hasn't completely killed that part inside her that wants her to want love. She's scared of it because she feels like it'll come in the way of her ambition and her life, just like me. I think that's one of my biggest, um, fears in life is that if I get distracted from my profession, I might lose it."
Amid mixed responses from critics and fans, she emphasized the significance of portraying a self-made and fierce character. Pednekar remarked, "People are extremely scared of a woman that owns up to her desires and her ambition and what she wants out of life." This sentiment resonates throughout the series, as Sophia navigates her ambitions while dealing with her feelings for Aviraaj.
As the series progresses, viewers witness Sophia and Aviraaj navigating their turbulent personal and professional relationship. After spending a passionate night together, the finale begins with the duo continuing their steamy relationship on the rooftop. They’ve kept their relationship a secret and act nonchalant in public around each other, but agree to have a dinner date together. However, just three days before the launch of Royal B&B at Morpur, Queen Padmaja (Sakshi Tanwar) calls Sophia over to inform her that the launch will have to be postponed due to Aviraaj’s coronation, which is scheduled for the same day.
Sophia proposes a solution: hold both events on the same day and foot half the bill for the coronation to make it a grander event than the family can afford. The Maharani agrees, but there's one catch: Sophia has to tell Aviraaj about his coronation. The show effectively balances the stakes of royal duties with the personal aspirations of its characters.
As the launch day approaches, Aviraaj struggles with the pressure of his impending coronation. He is tormented by his father's words about the Maharaja being a lonely position. Meanwhile, Sophia is faced with challenges of her own, including internal conflicts within her startup and pressures from investors. The narrative weaves together their struggles, culminating in a grand event that showcases both their ambitions and the complexities of their relationship.
On coronation day, Aviraaj's uncle delivers worrying news about his beloved horse, Khan, who is unwell. Meanwhile, Sophia gives a speech to reporters and influencers, announcing that the Royal B&B is now open for bookings. The event impresses Aviraaj’s family, but tensions rise when personal relationships and ambitions clash.
The series culminates with a letter from Aviraaj’s late father, encouraging him to find his own true love, hinting at the mystery surrounding Maurice, the man who inherited the Maharaja’s fortune. This revelation adds depth to the storyline, emphasizing the importance of love and companionship amid royal responsibilities.
While The Royals isn't a groundbreaking masterpiece, it's a highly entertaining and visually stunning rom-com. Its blend of humor, heart, and lavish visuals makes it a thoroughly enjoyable binge. The charming performances, intriguing characters, and fascinating look into the world of startups and royalty are all compelling elements. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape with a touch of substance, then The Royals is definitely worth adding to your Netflix queue. Just be prepared for some occasionally over-the-top moments and don't expect anything too revolutionary. But hey, sometimes a little royal escapism is exactly what you need.
