‘Bhumi Pednekar’s casting was a Netflix suggestion’: ‘The Royals’ director responds to critics

Netflix India’s newest romantic comedy ‘The Royals’ made a grand debut final week with its eight-episode run, boasting opulent units, lavish costumes, and a glittering forged. However, whereas the aesthetics have drawn reward, reactions to the storyline and character dynamics have been much more divided.

Viewers and critics alike have identified that ‘The Royals’ lacks narrative depth. Some additionally questioned the chemistry between the lead pair, Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, whereas others critiqued sure inventive selections, together with Ishaan’s frequent shirtless scenes and a quick cameo by display legend Zeenat Aman.

Now, director Priyanka Ghose has responded to the combined reactions in an interview with India Today. Addressing the backlash, she stated that Bhumi’s casting was a Netflix suggestion, and she or he was truly open to the thought of attempting a brand new pairing.

“They are both such powerful actors,” Priyanka stated.

“I was excited to see them embody glamorous roles, which goes against both of their works so far. While Ishaan has not got a chance to play a mainstream hero role, Bhumi has always been the queen of heartland India,” she added.

On criticism relating to the lead pair’s on-screen chemistry, Priyanka acknowledged the polarised suggestions, saying, “If it did not work for some people, I will try better next time,” including “But there are also people who enjoyed the show and their chemistry. It is crazy how polarised the feedback has been.”

Ishaan Khatter’s shirtless scenes additionally drew consideration on-line, however Priyanka stated they have been a part of the unique script and felt pure.

“Ishaan is an intelligent actor, and he would not have agreed to take his shirt off at the drop of a hat. He was always conscious of how much was too much. There were times when we even discussed if we were overdoing it. There was actually a fashionable wardrobe for him, and we would have loved to use more clothes on him,” she added.

Priyanka additionally addressed the temporary look of Zeenat, whose cameo left followers wanting extra.

“It was never meant to be a full track. Whenever legendary superstars make cameos, we naturally crave more. But the script had only those many scenes for her.”

Set within the fictional royal city of Morpur, ‘The Royals’ follows Aviraaj aka Fizzy (performed by Ishaan Khatter), a carefree prince pressured to tackle the duties of Maharaj after his father’s sudden dying. With the royal property on the breaking point, the household companions with a startup led by Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar), who pitches the thought of turning the palace right into a luxurious bed-and-breakfast. As the 2 attempt to save the crumbling legacy, sparks fly and sophistication clashes.

The collection additionally options Sakshi Tanwar, Milind Soman, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat and Dino Morea.