Palaces, power dynamics, and a prince with a penchant for shedding his shirt — Netflix’s “The Royals” is set to introduce a fictional Indian aristocracy to audiences around the globe.

This latest Indian series from Netflix offers a modern take on the romantic comedy genre, showcasing the lives of a fictional royal family in the declining kingdom of Morpur.

Created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy under their banner, Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC), the series features Ishaan Khatter as Aviraaj Singh, a modern, polo-playing prince, alongside Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, an ambitious CEO with corporate aspirations.

A Unique Concept

The idea originated from what Rangita describes as a “dichotomy,” examining the clash between traditional royalty and contemporary entrepreneurship. “Technically, Indian royalty doesn’t exist. It hasn’t existed since 1950 when it was abolished,” she explains. “So we have the palaces and the display of wealth, but unlike other parts of the world, India lacks a monarchy.”

Historical Context

Royalty officially ended on January 26, 1950, when India became a republic. However, former royals retained certain privileges, including a monetary allowance known as the privy purse, which was largely abolished in 1971. Today, many former palaces operate as luxurious five-star hotels.

A Shift in Power Dynamics

“The aim is to redistribute wealth from traditional holders to a new generation of entrepreneurs who are eager to stake their claim and navigate the evolving landscape of privilege… all while centering a romance, because I’m a rom-com enthusiast,” Nandy shares with Variety.

The Storyline

The series chronicles the unexpected partnership between Aviraaj and Sophia as they endeavor to transform Morpur’s struggling haveli (royal mansion) into a luxury B&B, leading to a clash of egos that blossoms into something deeper. Nandy emphasizes that what distinguishes “The Royals” from typical romantic comedies is its setting in a vibrant world filled with “a dysfunctional family and a chaotic workplace,” which creates dynamic forces that both separate and unite the main characters.

A New Direction for Bhumi Pednekar

For Bhumi, portraying Sophia marks a significant shift from her previous roles. “She has excelled in a specific genre, and this role offers her a fresh challenge,” Nandy explains. The character embodies the strong, unapologetic female leads that have become a hallmark of PNC, particularly in Prime Video’s Emmy-nominated series “Four More Shots Please”, also created by Nandy.

Empowering Female Characters

“We never apologize for our women,” Nandy asserts. “Our narratives allow them to stumble, make mistakes, and organically find their way to their goals.”

Casting Chemistry

The choice to cast Bhumi alongside Ishaan was intentional, aiming to create a captivating on-screen dynamic. “They represent yin and yang,” Nandy reveals. “From the moment they were in the same room, their chemistry was evident, but it’s not the conventional kind; they are both alphas.”

Talent Selection

Ishaan Khatter, who recently appeared in Netflix’s hit series “The Perfect Couple,” was on the casting list from the start, while Bhumi was recommended by Netflix. “The moment I met her, I knew she was the one… she’s perfect,” Nandy shares. “Sometimes, it just takes meeting an actor to realize their potential, especially when they excel in their craft.”

The Appeal of Shirtless Scenes

For viewers intrigued by Khatter’s frequent shirtless scenes in the trailer, Nandy humorously admits, “I’m embarrassed to say it happens quite a bit, and I doubt anyone will complain.”

An Impressive Ensemble

The ensemble cast includes Indian cinema icons such as Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Chunky Panday, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Sumukhi Suresh, Udit Arora, Lisa Mishra, and Luke Kenny.

Cultural Authenticity in Global Content

Discussing the evolving landscape for Indian series on global platforms like Netflix, Nandy emphasizes the need for cultural authenticity. “As content creators from India, we must place India at the forefront of our narratives,” she asserts. “By doing so, we can share our unique stories with the world without merely imitating Western content.”

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

“Much of today’s content shares a similar tone to global productions, which is where “The Royals” distinguishes itself. We’re exploring Indian royalty that technically doesn’t exist,” she continues. The series provides a glimpse into “the world of palaces and the inner workings of royal life,” which Nandy describes as “exciting and exotic for international audiences.”

Crafting Memorable Characters

Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, and penned by Neha Veena Sharma, the show took about a year and a half to develop. Nandy reveals, “Our ultimate goal is to secure another season. If we don’t create memorable characters that viewers want to welcome into their homes, they won’t enjoy the show.”

Attracting Top Talent

This focus on crafting well-rounded characters has enabled PNC to attract top-tier talent. “Actors are eager to join because there’s so much depth to explore, and they can have a lot of fun with these roles,” Nandy explains.

PNC’s Evolution

Reflecting on PNC’s journey since its inception, Nandy notes that their core approach has remained consistent. Their early films like “Chameli,” “Jhankaar Beats,” “Pyaar Ke Side Effects,” and “Shaadi Ke Side Effects” were “never traditional Bollywood products” but found success as multiplexes emerged, allowing them to connect with a more contemporary urban audience.

Looking Ahead

“I envision continuing to explore the palaces of India,” Nandy states regarding potential plans for a second season. “India is incredibly beautiful, and I believe we haven’t told enough stories set here. We often look abroad for inspiration, but there’s so much to share within our own borders.”

“The Royals” is now streaming on Netflix worldwide.