Overview

• ‘The Royals,’ starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, premiered on Netflix on May 9, 2025, garnering mixed reviews for its opulent visuals and criticized storyline.
• Director Priyanka Ghose acknowledged feedback on the lead pair’s chemistry, promising to improve in future projects while noting the polarized audience response.
• Actor Lakshmi Manchu defended the show’s escapist tone, praising its glamour and calling it a refreshing break from darker OTT content.
• The Royal Fables heritage organization criticized the series for its portrayal of Indian royals, calling it unrealistic and lacking sensitivity.
• Netflix’s comparison of 'The Royals' to 'Bridgerton' drew backlash from fans, further fueling debates over the show’s originality and execution.