Director:Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana
Rating: **½
The Royals, the latest OTT drama series created by Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, attempts to merge royal grandeur with the complexities of modern relationships. Set against the backdrop of regal Rajasthan, the series presents an ambitious tale of love, tradition, and business rivalry. At its center are Aviraaj Singh, played by Ishaan Khatter—a suave polo-playing prince—and Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, portrayed by Bhumi Pednekar—a self-made, ethical startup founder.
This classic “opposites attract” romantic comedy setup unfolds amid extravagant palaces, traditional leheriya turbans, and an entourage echoing the stateliness of Indian royalty. While the visuals are grand and the cast is star-studded, the narrative stumbles in crafting a compelling emotional journey.
A Tale of Royals and Entrepreneurs: Great Setup, Underwhelming Execution
The central plot, which revolves around the chemistry between the royal heartthrob and the ambitious CEO, promises intrigue but fails to deliver. Despite Khatter’s undeniable screen presence and Pednekar’s earnest performance, the romantic tension lacks depth. The potential for fiery chemistry between the leads is never fully realized, leaving viewers with a sense of missed opportunities.
However, the series does find its rhythm in the subplots. Sakshi Tanwar, playing the role of the Rajmata, stands out with a layered portrayal of a woman balancing legacy and personal desires. Her character's romantic entanglements and moral dilemmas provide the show with much-needed emotional gravity.
Lavish Visuals and Opulent Costumes: Style Over Substance?
There’s no denying that The Royals is a visual treat. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the show spares no expense when it comes to production design. From ornate breakfast scenes to intricately detailed royal costumes, the series immerses viewers in a world of wealth and tradition.
Yet, this visual luxury often overshadows the storytelling. The script leans heavily on stylistic presentation, peppering dialogues with Gen Z buzzwords like "situationship" and influencer culture. While these elements aim to make the show more relatable to a younger audience, they often feel forced and superficial.
Strong Supporting Cast, But Missed Opportunities
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman, whose presence was highly anticipated, doesn’t receive the screen time necessary to leave a lasting impact. Ironically, her off-screen social media persona seems to resonate more than her character within the series. Still, Aman brings poise and elegance to the scenes she’s in.
Other supporting actors—Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, and Adinath Kothare—deliver credible performances, yet they’re underutilized. The show introduces intriguing subplots involving boardroom politics and royal business dynamics, but these themes are brushed over rather than explored in depth.
A Series With Royal Potential But Lacks Narrative Strength
Across its eight episodes, The Royals struggles to maintain momentum. The storyline remains surface-level, hesitant to dig deep into the emotional or political intricacies it hints at. The contrast between royal tradition and modern entrepreneurial values could have provided a rich narrative landscape. Instead, the show opts for a safer, more glamorous route that prioritizes aesthetics over substance.
Despite the promise of a fresh, culturally rooted romantic drama, the series ultimately delivers more glitter than gold. It appeals to viewers who enjoy visual spectacle and royal nostalgia but may disappoint those seeking meaningful character arcs or resonant storytelling.
Final Verdict: A Visually Rich But Emotionally Hollow Experience
The Royals is an ambitious blend of romance, royalty, and modern business ethics—but its execution doesn’t match its premise. While beautifully shot and stylishly presented, the series struggles to offer authentic emotional connections or dramatic tension.
For fans of glossy dramas set in luxurious locales, The Royals might offer temporary escapism. But for viewers looking for a heartfelt exploration of love, legacy, and identity, the series falls disappointingly flat.
