The series 'The Royals' follows Prince Aviraaj (Ishaan Khatter) and Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar), a fiercely self-made entrepreneur. Their encounter sparks a clash of royalty and startups, where love, legacy, and ambition entwine in unexpected ways. Directed by Priyanka Ghose, the show revolves around a royal family from Morpur, drowning in debt, whose way out of financial trouble is a tie-up with a company called Workpotato, led by Sophia Kanmani Shekhar. She wants to launch a high-profile project where commoners get a chance to live with the royals in the palace and understand their world.
The idea is fresh, and the set design and depiction of royal life are well done — but the story itself is average and predictable in many parts. The potential of traditional royalty collaborating (or clashing) with a modern startup was immense, but what we get is a formulaic tale — royalty hiding their flaws behind a perfect facade: Aviraaj running from responsibilities, his younger brother Digvijay (Vihaan Samat) chasing his dream of becoming a chef, and Princess Divyaranjini (Kavya Trehan) being a ditzy, confused soul struggling with her identity and purpose.
Six out of the eight episodes revolve around Aviraaj and Sophia’s now-on, now-off relationship — complete with expected scenarios like jealousy, misunderstandings, and rebound flings. Topics like same-sex relationships in the royal family, Rani Padmaja (Sakshi Tanwar) pursuing her desire as a widow, and Prince Digvijay choosing to follow a ‘commoner’ dream are presented in a predictable, surface-level manner.
Some plot points feel too convenient — a sudden change of heart from a nemesis who donates crores to save the palace, or Digvijay hiding his royal identity in a reality show with just a cap and plain clothes, seem far-fetched. The narrative feels disjointed across many episodes, switching between Sophia’s investor troubles, the royal family’s internal drama, preparations for the Royal B&B launch, Diggy’s culinary aspirations, and Rani Padmaja’s love life, without strong narrative cohesion.
That said, the show does offer a few engaging elements — the raj tilak scenes give an authentic glimpse into traditional rituals. Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter perform well individually, but their chemistry doesn’t quite land. Sakshi Tanwar as Rani Padmaja delivers a strong performance, and Zeenat Aman, the vibrant royal grandmother, brings fun, colourful energy. Ishaan is especially good in the scene where he confronts his mother about the truth behind his father’s story — one of the few emotionally strong moments in the series.
The Royals had all the ingredients for a compelling drama — royalty, ambition, romance, and reinvention — but it ends up feeling predictable and uneven. Despite a few strong performances and impressive visuals, the series doesn’t dig deep enough into its themes, leaving much of its potential unexplored.
Generally, the basic structure of a royal story involves too many heirs, too many secrets, a kingdom that is bankrupt, and perhaps a murder that creates all the mystery. However, 'The Royals' offers a fresh, quirky take on the genre, filled with sass, thanks to the performances of Zeenat Aman and Dino Morea. The drama series is all about glam and glitter in a part of society where the commoners are not so common.
Despite initial hesitations, the storyline picks up by the third episode, transitioning from wild Tinder date antics to a more engaging narrative. It explores the complexities of royal life as Aviraaj grapples with his responsibilities, believing that his father was a loner who escaped family pressures.
As the Maharaja's will is being read, it becomes clear that a substantial amount is linked to a mysterious figure named Maurice, leaving the royal siblings — Aviraaj, Digvijay, and Divyaranjini — in confusion.
On the other side of this royal world is Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, the ambitious CEO of WorkPotato, who aims to bridge the gap between royals and commoners through her Royal B&B project at Motibagh Mahal, the ancestral property of the Maharaja of Morpur. When she discovers that her one-night stand is none other than Aviraaj, the drama unfolds with themes of love, passion, and empowerment.
The series showcases a blend of drama, laughter, and emotion, particularly after the initial slow start. The music by Ruuh & Joh, Harsh Upadhyay, Kanishk Seth, and background music by Aditya & Nayanthara Bhatkal enhances the viewing experience.
Star performances by Sakshi Tanwar and Zeenat Aman steal the show, delivering their roles with panache. Vihaan Samat as Rajkumar also deserves recognition for portraying the nervousness of a wannabe chef while maintaining the confidence expected of a royal. Bhumi Pednekar's acting shines, although her transformation is occasionally uncomfortable to watch.
Ishaan Khatter, known for his charm, proves to be a talented actor who can convey a range of emotions through his expressions. This ability is a powerful asset, enhancing the storytelling in 'The Royals'.
However, the series does have its flaws. Certain plot lines feel unnecessary, and others, such as the aspirations of the two other royal siblings, are not explored in depth. The narrative resolves quickly, leaving viewers wanting more depth in character development.
In conclusion, what makes 'The Royals' worth watching is its climax, which ends with a significant revelation that builds anticipation for a potential second season. The series breaks away from typical royal narratives filled with murders and betrayals, offering a refreshing Cinderella story where the protagonist, rather than waiting for a crown, takes control of her destiny. While it may glitter like gold, those seeking a deeper, more intricate tale might find it lacking.
