"The Royals Review: Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's Series Drowns in Style Over Substance"

The newly released period drama The Royals attempts to sweep viewers into a world of opulence, political intrigue, and royal betrayals. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles, the series looks like a visual feast on the surface—but sadly, the storytelling collapses under the weight of its grand costumes and excessive pageantry.

Set in a fictional kingdom modeled loosely on pre-independence princely India, The Royals promises court politics, forbidden romance, and moral dilemmas. The trailer hinted at a gripping power play, but the execution ends up being more style than substance.

Ishaan Khatter plays Prince Veer, a restless royal torn between duty and desire, while Bhumi Pednekar portrays Princess Meher, a reformist trapped in tradition. While both actors have shown range in past performances, here they appear to be struggling with shallow character arcs and overwritten dialogue. Their chemistry flickers in moments but never fully ignites.

Director Reema Jaiswal tries to conjure a world that feels immersive—complete with ornate palaces, elaborate dances, and intricately embroidered costumes. Visually, the series is undeniably rich. Every frame appears curated, with lighting and set design meticulously planned. Yet, this very polish becomes a burden. The visuals demand attention, often distracting from the thinly written plotlines and underdeveloped secondary characters.

One of the biggest issues is pacing. The series stretches itself across eight episodes, but the narrative momentum stumbles repeatedly. Scenes that should deliver emotional impact—such as betrayal, love confessions, and moments of loss—are rendered hollow due to a lack of character depth. Dialogues are often weighed down with clichés, and even moments of action feel overly choreographed, stripping away tension.

Bhumi Pednekar, known for her powerful screen presence, is underutilized. Her Princess Meher is written more as a symbol than a person, with little room for complexity. Ishaan Khatter fares better, injecting youthful defiance and vulnerability into his role, but even his efforts are undercut by predictable writing.

The supporting cast, including veteran actors in roles of royal advisors and scheming relatives, have the potential to elevate the drama but are given little narrative substance to work with. Subplots are introduced with promise but abandoned midway.

The Royals had the ingredients for compelling storytelling—a star cast, a historical setting, and the chance to explore themes of identity, power, and modernity versus tradition. But the series chooses visual excess over emotional depth.Despite the ornate spectacle, The Royals fails to leave a lasting impression. It may appeal to viewers seeking visual grandeur and dramatic costumes, but for those craving layered characters and strong storytelling, it struggles to deliver. In the end, it's a crown without a kingdom.