Hello, everyone! How are you doing? Today, I’m excited to share my review of the series The Royals, which debuted on Netflix on May 9, 2025!
Advertisements
This Hindi series is a Netflix Original from 2025, crafted by Neha Sharma. Each episode runs about 40-45 minutes, with the first season comprising 8 episodes that fuse romance, comedy, and business drama within a modern fairytale backdrop.
The storyline portrays the conflict between two contrasting realms: traditional Indian royalty and the contemporary startup landscape. It delves into how a financially troubled royal family seeks to revitalize their legacy through an unanticipated business alliance.
Meet Sophia Shekhar
The narrative centers on Sophia Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), a resolute and aspiring CEO who has launched an innovative hospitality startup. Her groundbreaking concept involves converting royal palaces into upscale resorts that allow everyday individuals to experience genuine royal life.
On the flip side, we find Prince Aviraaj (Ishaan Khatter), the successor of an Indian royal lineage grappling with significant financial struggles. When Sophia suggests revamping the family’s ancestral palace into a luxury resort, the collision of their worlds creates a dynamic mix of tradition and modernity.
Sophia Shekhar: The Ambitious Visionary
Bhumi Pednekar shines as Sophia, a character who defies conventional Bollywood beauty ideals. She embodies the new wave of Indian businesswomen striving to harmonize their professional aspirations with cultural customs.
Throughout the series, Sophia undergoes significant growth, evolving from a profit-driven entrepreneur to someone who appreciates the importance of heritage and traditions. Her journey features moments of self-exploration as she navigates the intricacies of royal customs.
Prince Aviraaj: The Hesitant Royal
Ishaan Khatter infuses charm and depth into the character of a prince torn between upholding family traditions and embracing change. Critics have lauded his performance, highlighting the intricate layers of a young royal caught between expectations and realities.
The character grapples with profound internal struggles as he realizes that preserving the family’s legacy may require sacrificing his personal freedom and comfort. His dynamic with Bhumi Pednekar offers intriguing tension, although some reviewers have questioned the authenticity of their chemistry.
Unveiling Family Secrets and Royal Challenges
A pivotal moment in the season arises when past family secrets emerge, including an impactful letter from Aviraaj’s father. This revelation compels the prince to confront both his stepmother Padmaja and his own biases regarding change and modernization.
The launch of the Royal BnB coincides with a somber anniversary for Sophia, creating an emotional resonance between the leads that transcends mere business.
Supporting Cast Highlights
The series features remarkable performances from Sakshi Tanwar and the iconic Zeenat Aman, who captivates audiences as the quirky grandmother with her distinct fashion sense and witty remarks. Vihaan Samat also enriches the supporting cast, adding depth to the royal family dynamics.
Reception on Netflix
The series garnered mixed reactions from viewers and critics alike on Netflix. While Ishaan Khatter’s acting and the production design received accolades, aspects of direction and storyline were critiqued for their lack of depth. The chemistry between the leads sparked debate, with some viewers deeming it forced. Nonetheless, the production is notable for its breathtaking royal palace visuals and its modern take on Indian royalty in The Royals.
If you enjoy romantic comedies interwoven with elements of business drama and Indian culture, The Royals is a must-watch series on Netflix.
A delightful blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing how love can flourish between entirely different worlds.
Series Overview:
Episode Count: 8 episodes (40-45 minutes each)
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 6.8/10 (IMDb)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Bhumi Pednekar (Sophia Shekhar), Ishaan Khatter (Prince Aviraaj)
Antagonist: Financial struggles and cultural clashes
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Creator: Neha Sharma
Language: Hindi
Supporting Actors: Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Vihaan Samat