The Royals (2025) – A Modern Fairy Tale That Blends Romance, Comedy, and Class Dynamics
Streaming on Netflix since May 9, 2025, The Royals is a delightful eight-episode series that seamlessly merges the charm of a fairy tale with the gritty realities of modern-day India. Created by Neha Sharma and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications under Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, this comedy-romance series stars Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter in lead roles, supported by a stellar ensemble including Nora Fatehi, Zeenat Aman, Dino Morea, and Sakshi Tanwar. Available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English, The Royals explores the collision of two opposing worlds—royalty and tech entrepreneurship—delivering a fresh narrative that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. Here’s my take on why this series is worth your weekend binge.
A Clash of Worlds: Plot Overview
The Royals centers on the fiery dynamic between an entitled prince, played by Ishaan Khatter, and a driven tech startup CEO, portrayed by Bhumi Pednekar. Khatter’s character, Prince Vikram, is a charming yet spoiled royal who has lived a life of privilege, surrounded by opulence and tradition. On the other hand, Pednekar’s character, Ananya, is a self-made woman who has clawed her way up in the cutthroat world of tech startups, embodying the hustle of modern India. Their worlds collide when Ananya’s startup catches the eye of the royal family for a potential investment, leading to a partnership that sparks both romance and rivalry.
The premise is simple but effective: what happens when old money meets new ambition? Over eight episodes, the series dives into themes of class, privilege, and the evolving role of royalty in a democratic, tech-driven society. Along the way, we’re treated to a mix of witty banter, romantic tension, and moments of self-discovery as both characters challenge each other’s worldviews.
Performances That Shine
Bhumi Pednekar delivers a powerhouse performance as Ananya, bringing depth to a character who is both ambitious and vulnerable. Pednekar nails the nuances of a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, with her sharp dialogue delivery and expressive eyes conveying the weight of her struggles. Her chemistry with Ishaan Khatter is electric, balancing playful flirtation with genuine emotional connection. Khatter, as Prince Vikram, is equally compelling, portraying a character who starts off as insufferable but gradually reveals layers of insecurity and a desire for purpose. His transformation from a carefree royal to someone who values responsibility feels earned, thanks to Khatter’s natural charisma and impeccable comic timing.
The supporting cast elevates the series further. Nora Fatehi, as Vikram’s glamorous but manipulative ex-fiancée, adds a layer of drama that keeps the stakes high. Zeenat Aman, playing Vikram’s regal grandmother, brings gravitas and warmth, serving as the moral anchor of the royal family. Sakshi Tanwar, as Ananya’s mentor, offers a grounded perspective, while Dino Morea’s cameo as a rival tech mogul injects a dose of corporate intrigue. Each character, no matter how small their role, feels fully realized, contributing to the rich tapestry of the story.
A Visual and Cultural Feast
Visually, The Royals is a treat. The production design contrasts the opulent palaces of Rajasthan—filmed on location—with the sleek, minimalist offices of Bengaluru’s tech hub. The juxtaposition isn’t just aesthetic; it underscores the thematic clash between tradition and modernity. The costume design is equally impressive, with Vikram’s royal attire evolving from ornate sherwanis to more contemporary suits, mirroring his personal growth, while Ananya’s wardrobe of power blazers and sarees reflects her duality as a modern Indian woman rooted in her culture.
The series also weaves in cultural commentary with finesse. It subtly critiques the relevance of royalty in today’s India, where 1.4 billion people are more focused on economic growth than monarchic traditions. At the same time, it doesn’t vilify the royals, instead showing how they, too, grapple with identity in a changing world. The show’s writers cleverly use Ananya’s startup—a platform promoting sustainable tourism—to tie the narrative to real-world issues, like India’s $30 billion tourism industry (as per 2024 WTTC data) and the need for eco-conscious innovation.
What Works and What Doesn’t
The strength of The Royals lies in its ability to balance humor, romance, and social commentary. The dialogue is sharp, often poking fun at both the royals’ outdated customs and the tech world’s obsession with buzzwords like “disruption.” A standout scene in Episode 3 sees Vikram attempting to pitch Ananya’s startup to his family, hilariously mangling tech jargon while Ananya struggles to keep a straight face. Moments like these keep the series lighthearted, even as it delves into heavier themes like class disparity and gender roles.
The romance between Vikram and Ananya is a slow burn, which works in the series’ favor. Their relationship feels organic, built on mutual respect rather than just physical attraction. However, some subplots—like the rivalry between Ananya and her former business partner—feel underdeveloped, resolved too quickly to have a lasting impact. Additionally, while the series excels in its character-driven moments, the pacing falters in the middle episodes, with a few unnecessary detours into Vikram’s royal duties that don’t add much to the central narrative.
Why It Resonates
At its core, The Royals resonates because it taps into universal themes: the search for purpose, the tension between tradition and progress, and the transformative power of love. It also reflects India’s current cultural moment, where the startup ecosystem is booming—raising $36 billion in 2021 alone, per NASSCOM—and the fascination with royalty persists, as seen in the popularity of royal weddings and heritage tourism. By blending these elements, the series offers a narrative that feels both timeless and timely.
Final Verdict
The Royals is a refreshing addition to Netflix’s Indian catalog, offering a mix of romance, comedy, and social insight that’s hard to resist. While it has its flaws—uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots—it more than makes up for them with its engaging leads, stunning visuals, and heartfelt storytelling. Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter are the heart of the series, their chemistry carrying the show through its weaker moments. Whether you’re a fan of fairy tales, rom-coms, or stories that explore modern India, The Royals has something for you. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars—perfect for a cozy weekend watch with a side of popcorn.
