The Royals S01
Director: Priyanka Ghose; Nupur Asthana
Cast: Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Ledpekar, Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea, Milind Soman
The Royals is a contemporary romantic comedy‑drama that blends the glittering allure of royalty with entrepreneurial spirit, set against a modern Indian backdrop. Released in May 2025, the eight‑episode season introduces Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), a New York–based royal reluctantly thrust into the role of Maharaja following his father’s demise. His inheritance is less literal than intended: he must revive his family’s heavily indebted palace estate in Morpur. Meanwhile, Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar) is a driven CEO launching a luxury Royal B&B venture. Their meeting is electric yet auspiciously conflict‑ridden, setting the stage for romantic sparks, cultural clashes, and estate intrigue.
Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, with writing by Neha Veena Sharma, the series unfolds with polished visuals and vibrant production design. Ghose and Asthana balance palace grandeur with startup chic, using sweeping drone shots and opulent interiors to underscore the show’s lavish setting. Costume and set design reflect the tension between sobering royal tradition and contemporary flair.
The performances anchor the narrative. Khatter brings charm and emotional errancy to Aviraaj’s journey from privilege‑weariness to reluctant responsibility, while Pednekar imbues Sophia with sharp wit and tenacity, making their chemistry central to the series’ momentum. Sakshi Tanwar and Zeenat Aman offer compelling support—Tanwar as the calculating Maharani mother, and Aman as the matriarch with rebellious, modern sensibilities.
Themes of class conflict, legacy versus innovation, and the evolving role of tradition in India’s modern economy run throughout the series. The show blends romance with humor, intergenerational power dynamics, and the high‑stakes world of luxury hospitality—all while maintaining a breezy tone.
Despite mixed reviews—some critics cited thin character arcs and formulaic writing—the series has been praised for its escapist charm, star power, and glamorous aesthetic. With its emphasis on contemporary flair and relationship dynamics, The Royals positions itself as a visually arresting and culturally vibrant addition to India’s OTT landscape.
The Royals is a contemporary romantic comedy‑drama that blends the glittering allure of royalty with entrepreneurial spirit, set against a modern Indian backdrop. Released in May 2025, the eight‑episode season introduces Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), a New York–based royal reluctantly thrust into the role of Maharaja following his father’s demise. His inheritance is less literal than intended: he must revive his family’s heavily indebted palace estate in Morpur. Meanwhile, Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar) is a driven CEO launching a luxury Royal B&B venture. Their meeting is electric yet auspiciously conflict‑ridden, setting the stage for romantic sparks, cultural clashes, and estate intrigue.
Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, with writing by Neha Veena Sharma, the series unfolds with polished visuals and vibrant production design. Ghose and Asthana balance palace grandeur with startup chic, using sweeping drone shots and opulent interiors to underscore the show’s lavish setting. Costume and set design reflect the tension between sobering royal tradition and contemporary flair.
The performances anchor the narrative. Khatter brings charm and emotional errancy to Aviraaj’s journey from privilege‑weariness to reluctant responsibility, while Pednekar imbues Sophia with sharp wit and tenacity, making their chemistry central to the series’ momentum. Sakshi Tanwar and Zeenat Aman offer compelling support—Tanwar as the calculating Maharani mother, and Aman as the matriarch with rebellious, modern sensibilities.
Themes of class conflict, legacy versus innovation, and the evolving role of tradition in India’s modern economy run throughout the series. The show blends romance with humor, intergenerational power dynamics, and the high‑stakes world of luxury hospitality—all while maintaining a breezy tone.
Despite mixed reviews—some critics cited thin character arcs and formulaic writing—the series has been praised for its escapist charm, star power, and glamorous aesthetic. With its emphasis on contemporary flair and relationship dynamics, The Royals positions itself as a visually arresting and culturally vibrant addition to India’s OTT landscape.