Written by Ridhima Shaw
Netflix’s The Royals, starring Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, and Nora Fatehi, aspires to be a contemporary fairy tale, intertwining the grandeur of Indian royalty with the ambitions of modern entrepreneurship. However, beneath its lavish sets and designer wardrobes lies a narrative riddled with stereotypes and superficial characterizations.
Royalty Reduced to Tropes
The series centers on Aviraaj Singh (Khatter), a reluctant prince thrust into leadership after his father’s demise, and Sophia Shekhar (Pednekar), a self-made CEO aiming to transform the royal palace into a luxury B&B. While the premise holds promise, the execution leans heavily on clichéd depictions. The royal family is portrayed as out-of-touch and financially inept, relying on Sophia’s modern sensibilities to salvage their legacy. This dynamic reinforces the trope of the “progressive outsider” rescuing the “archaic elite,” a formula seen far too often.
Watch the trailer here:
Nora Fatehi as Princess Ayesha Dhondi Leaves Audiences Mesmerised
Nora Fatehi plays Princess Ayesha Dhondi, a character described as graceful yet commanding. Though her screen time is limited, critics have noted her significant impact on the narrative.
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Fatehi’s performance has been praised for its nuance and screen presence, captivating audiences and emerging as a revelation in the series. She also shared behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set, expressing heartfelt gratitude to fans for their support.
Despite the ensemble cast and the central focus on royal-modern conflict, Fatehi’s Ayesha adds depth and intrigue, standing out as one of the series’ highlights.
Gender and Class Stereotyping
Sophia’s character, though introduced as a formidable entrepreneur, often oscillates between being a savior and a romantic interest—undermining her agency. Her interactions with Aviraaj frequently devolve into predictable romantic tension, overshadowing her professional strengths. Moreover, the portrayal of royal women, including veterans like Zeenat Aman and Sakshi Tanwar, borders on caricature. Their roles lack depth and mostly serve as narrative accessories.
Missed Opportunities in Representation
The series attempts to explore themes of identity and acceptance—such as the late Maharaja’s hidden sexuality and the emotional struggles of the royal siblings—but these threads are introduced abruptly and lack the sensitivity or nuance needed for authentic storytelling. As a result, these moments feel like token inclusions rather than impactful arcs.
Audience Reception and Critique
Both critics and viewers have expressed disappointment over the series’ reliance on stereotypes and underdeveloped characters. While some praise its aesthetics and Khatter’s performance, others point to the lack of chemistry between leads and a weak script. Pednekar’s portrayal of Sophia has been particularly critiqued for being inconsistent and underwhelming.
Final Verdict:
The Royals had the potential to present a fresh take on India’s evolving social fabric. Yet, weighed down by clichés and shallow writing, it ultimately becomes more spectacle than substance.
(Ridhima Shaw is an intern with The Theorist)
