Why Is 'The Royals' Netflix's Most Talked-About Indian Series Right Now?

Netflix's The Royals has been making waves ever since its trailer dropped on Youtube thanks to its unique vibe, royal setting, star-studded cast, and a Bridgerton meets Bollywood kind of vibe. The new and lavish show by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana is a mix of royalty, drama, family politics, humour and a fresh on-screen pairing supported by a slew of talented actors. Moreover, the glossy visuals, which seem straight out from Pinterest, serve like a cherry on the cake. All this is tightly wrapped in 8 episodes of 50 minutes each, which promises you a modern-fairy tale kind of vibe. But does it meet this aim? Read more to find out. 

What is The Royals about? 

The Royals is based on the story of 'Sophia Kanmani Shekhar', played by Bhumi Pednekar and 'Maharaja-to-be Aviraaj Singh', a.k.a 'Fizzy'. Sophia is a sharp and strong-minded CEO who is trying to strike a deal to save her company and meets the royal prince in Srilanka where they have a one-night stand followed by their business partnership.

The deal? Sophia will turn the ancestral royal palace into a luxury BnB where a normal person can experience luxury with the royal family who needs an income source. However, the journey which follows is full of ego clashes, steamy romance, drama, and secrets from the past which threaten to endanger their future. All-in-all? Expect the unexpected! 

The Royals cast: A mix of hit and miss

Casting is a major highlight of The Royals, apart from its aesthetic visuals. It's both a hit and miss with a strong ensemble cast which includes Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman and more. Ishaan Khatter, as 'Aviraaj Singh', has an impressive screen presence where he brings charm, intensity, and grace to the modern-day soon-to-be Maharaja. He is well-suited to his role, and he pulls off the royal act with ease, whether he's riding horses, dancing, or brooding in regal robes. However, his bare chest becomes the highlight more often than required. 

On the other hand, Bhumi as 'Sohpia' delivers a mixed performance. She portrays the role of an ambitious woman well but her dialogue delivery is less powerful than she did in her other popular films. She is a hit in some scenes while a miss in others. At the same time, the showstopper style is more dominant in her wardrobe than formal attire for a CEO. Sakshi Tanwar is a success as a queen mother where her poise, emotionally layered role and unique style seem to be a reflection of TV's iconic 'Maya Sarabhai'. Apart from them, Zeenat Aman, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan and Sumukhi Suresh add notable impressions in supporting roles.

What makes The Royals, the talk of the town?

The Royals is not just any other Indian Series on Netflix. There are multiple reasons why people are talking about it, beginning with its production design with the majestic palace to the rich costumes and sweeping visuals that bring a modern Indian fairy tale fantasy to life. Each frame seems to be a Pinterest aesthetic, while the background score and soulful music, including the redemption of Tu Tu Hai Wahi, steal our hearts. It adds an emotional value to the storyline and saves the extreme ups and downs in the plot. However, the inconsistent writing, forced tropes, and rushed transitions take away some of the charm. Also, the chemistry between Ishaan and Bhumi fails to impress the audience. 

What are the people saying about The Royals?

After the much-awaited release of The Royals, netizens binge-watched the series and shared mixed reviews about it. One netizen praised the show and penned, "Hooked on The Royals on Netflix- Scandals, Sass, and Palaces turning into B and B. What makes it wilder? It's shot at Nahargarh place I have actually stayed in. Nothing like watching a royal drama unfold at a place where you once had breakfast." Another user who was impressed with Bhumi's acting wrote, "Bhumi Pednekar delivers Sophia with depth and agency. Here is the most touching character in the show, and one root for her from start to finish."

Overall, the royal drama, attractive leads, visual grandeur, soulful music and modern-day rom-com vibes have made The Royals the most talked-about Indian series on Netflix.

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