Is The Royal web series worth watching?
Starring: Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Naseeruddin Shah, Jim Sarbh, Shahana Goswami
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Political Thriller | Family Drama | Mystery
Episodes: 8
Runtime per episode: 45–55 minutes
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Introduction
The Royal: Season 1 is a slow-burning, emotional, and political web series that explores the downfall of a royal family in modern India. Created and directed by Zoya Akhtar, the series features powerful performances by Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, with strong support from veterans like Naseeruddin Shah and Jim Sarbh. This series is not about grandeur—it’s about secrets, guilt, lost power, and personal awakening.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows Veer Singh Rathore (Ishaan Khatter), the estranged heir of the royal family of Ameergarh. Veer has spent years abroad, running away from his past and family legacy. However, after the mysterious death of his grandfather, Maharaja Rajveer Singh (Naseeruddin Shah), Veer returns to India for the funeral and is slowly pulled into the old palace politics and buried family secrets.
There, he meets Rajkumari Devyani (Bhumi Pednekar), a strong-willed and sharp royal family member who stayed behind to protect their name. She’s involved in local politics and holds critical knowledge about what truly happened to the late Maharaja.
As Veer digs deeper, aided by a few loyal insiders and driven by suspicion, he uncovers lies, betrayals, and a dangerous truth about his family’s past. The question isn’t just how the Maharaja died—it’s why the truth was hidden, and what it would mean if it came out.
Main Performances
Ishaan Khatter as Veer Singh Rathore
Ishaan plays his most emotionally layered character yet. Veer is intelligent but confused, strong but broken, and Ishaan balances those emotions well. His transformation throughout the 8 episodes—from an outsider to a man confronting his legacy—is believable and gripping.
Bhumi Pednekar as Rajkumari Devyani
Bhumi is the backbone of the series. Her character is bold, graceful, and deeply conflicted. Devyani isn’t just a princess—she’s a political strategist, a family guardian, and someone carrying many secrets. Bhumi portrays her with power and sensitivity.
Naseeruddin Shah as Maharaja Rajveer Singh
Though his character is dead in the present, flashbacks and voiceovers keep him alive throughout the series. Shah adds depth and mystery to the show’s emotional core.
Jim Sarbh as Government Liaison Officer
Jim Sarbh’s character is cool, clever, and morally ambiguous. You never quite know whose side he’s on, and that’s what makes him interesting.
Shahana Goswami as the Journalist
A brave reporter investigating old royal cases, Shahana’s character adds a modern, outsider’s view into this royal world.
Direction & Storytelling
Zoya Akhtar’s direction is elegant and controlled. She avoids melodrama and lets the story unfold like a novel. Each episode ends with a soft cliffhanger—enough to keep you curious but not forced. The dialogues are realistic, subtle, and full of unspoken emotion.
The show explores key themes:
- The burden of legacy
- The silencing of truth in powerful families
- Power vs. responsibility
- Identity, class, and modern royalty in India
Unlike many political dramas, The Royal focuses more on emotional consequences than sensational scandals.
Visuals & Music
The show is beautifully shot. The palace is a character in itself—grand, decaying, and full of whispers. The use of natural light, slow zoom-ins, and long silences helps build tension.
The music is atmospheric. The background score is soft but haunting—never overused. One standout track, “Yaadon Ka Mahal”, plays during key emotional scenes and lingers in the mind.
Strengths
- Outstanding performances by Ishaan and Bhumi
- High production quality with rich visuals
- Unique take on royal dramas—more human, less glam
- Strong female characters
- Mystery builds gradually, keeping you invested
Weak Points
- The pace is slow, especially in the first 2 episodes
- Some political subplots could have been tighter
- Viewers expecting action or heavy romance may be disappointed
- Ends on a cliffhanger, leaving some answers for Season 2
Final Verdict
The Royal: Season 1 is not just a show about a royal family—it’s about broken people trying to hold on to their truth. Ishaan Khatter shines in a mature, emotional role, and Bhumi Pednekar proves once again why she’s one of the most dependable actors today. Zoya Akhtar crafts a story that’s bold, thoughtful, and layered with meaning.
This series is perfect for viewers who enjoy character-driven political thrillers that go beyond surface-level drama. With its rich atmosphere, clever writing, and emotionally complex storytelling, The Royal stands out as one of the best Hindi series of 2025.
Best Movie Review Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Verdict: Smart, elegant, and emotionally gripping—a royal mystery worth watching.