Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the series The Royals, which premiered on Netflix on May 9, 2025!
This Hindi series is a 2025 Netflix Original production created by Neha Sharma. With episodes running approximately 40-45 minutes each, the first season features 8 episodes that blend romance, comedy, and business drama in a contemporary fairytale setting.
The plot follows the clash between opposite worlds: traditional Indian royalty and the modern startup universe. The narrative explores how a financially struggling royal family attempts to reinvent their ancestral legacy through an unexpected business partnership.
The story follows Sophia Shekhar
The story follows Sophia Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), a determined and ambitious CEO who created an innovative hospitality startup. Her revolutionary idea is to transform royal palaces into luxury resorts where ordinary people can experience authentic royal living.
On the other side, we have Prince Aviraaj (Ishaan Khatter), heir to an Indian royal family facing serious financial difficulties. When Sophia proposes transforming the family’s ancestral palace into a luxury resort, two worlds collide in an explosive mixture of tradition and innovation.
Sophia Shekhar: The Determined Entrepreneur
Bhumi Pednekar delivers a solid performance as Sophia, a woman who breaks conventional Bollywood beauty standards. Her character represents the new generation of Indian businesswomen fighting to balance professional ambition with cultural traditions.
Sophia evolves throughout the series, transitioning from a profit-focused businesswoman to someone who understands the value of traditions and cultural heritage. Her journey includes moments of self-discovery when she must navigate the complexities of royal protocol.
Prince Aviraaj: The Reluctant Heir
Ishaan Khatter brings charisma and vulnerability to the role of a prince who must choose between maintaining family traditions or embracing change. His performance was widely praised by critics, showing the complex layers of a young royal caught between expectations and necessities.
The character faces deep internal conflicts when he realizes that saving the family legacy might mean giving up his privacy and comfort. His chemistry with Bhumi Pednekar creates interesting tension moments, though some critics have questioned the naturalness of their dynamic.
Family Secrets and Royal Dilemmas
The season’s decisive moment occurs when family secrets from the past surface, including a revealing letter from Aviraaj’s father. This moment forces the prince to confront both his stepmother Padmaja and his own prejudices about change and modernization.
The Royal BnB launch coincides with a painful anniversary for Sophia, creating an emotional parallel between the protagonists that deepens their connection beyond business.
Supporting Characters
The series features standout performances from Sakshi Tanwar and legendary Zeenat Aman, who steals scenes as the eccentric grandmother with her unique fashion style and hilarious one-liners. Vihaan Samat also joins the supporting cast, adding layers of complexity to the royal family dynamic.
Success on Netflix
The series received mixed reviews from audiences and critics on Netflix. While Ishaan Khatter’s performance and production design were widely praised, some aspects of the direction and storyline were questioned for lacking depth. The chemistry between the protagonists divided opinions, with some considering it artificial. Despite this, the production stands out for its stunning royal palace settings and contemporary approach to Indian royalty in The Royals.
If you love romantic comedies with touches of business drama and Indian culture, The Royals is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
A fun mix of tradition and modernity that explores how love can bloom between completely opposite worlds.
Series Details:
Episode Count: 8 episodes (40-45 minutes each)
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 6.8/10 (IMDb)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Protagonists: Bhumi Pednekar (Sophia Shekhar), Ishaan Khatter (Prince Aviraaj)
Antagonist: Financial circumstances and cultural differences
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Creator: Neha Sharma
Language: Hindi
Supporting Cast: Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Vihaan Samat