Netflix’s latest drama, ‘The Royals,’ has quickly become the talking point for its dramatic portrayal of royal life, filled with secrets, betrayal, and power struggles. While the storyline feels eerily believable, viewers are left wondering: Is it based on a true story, or does it just draw inspiration from the world’s fascination with royalty?
The Royals: plot, cast, and story
Netflix’s May-premiered rom-com ‘The Royals’ is a story set in the fictional city of Morpur, where tradition meets ambition. The story follows Prince Aviraaj (Ishaan Khatter), a broke royal, and Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar), a savvy entrepreneur, as they team up to turn his crumbling palace into a luxury homestay. Amid palace politics, witty clashes and unexpected sparks, love finds its way.
The series also stars Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Milind Soman, and Nora Fatehi, blending modern sensibilities with old-world charm. Its lavish visuals, believable character arcs, and royal family dynamics have led many viewers to ask - Could it be based on real-life events? Questions were also raised on whether the show is an Indian version of the western show of the same name?
Is it Fictional? Is it a Western adaptation?
As per reports, the creators, Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy confirmed that the show is neither based on real-life events nor an adaptation of a Western show of the same name. The Royals is an original Indian rom-com crafted specifically for Netflix, with a fresh storyline and characters that reflect contemporary themes through a royal lens.
While the title may remind viewers of the 2015 Western drama series The Royals, the creators have clarified that there is no connection between the two. As the director Priyanka Ghose confirmed in an interview, “Not just Jaipur, I had to do multiple trips of location recce because you can’t restrict yourself to one palace”, she met multiple Royal families and on the basis of her observation she developed the royal-drama series.
With its refreshing take on royalty, relatable characters, and a blend of humor and heart, The Royals stands out as a homegrown romantic comedy. Though entirely fictional, it mirrors our fascination with power, tradition, and love. Whether you’re here for the lavish visuals or the slow-burn romance, this May release is a royal treat worth streaming.