Bhumi Pednekar’s role in 'The Royals' draws online heat as netizens criticise casting & performance

Bhumi Pednekar’s latest project The Royals has sparked polarising reactions across social media. The Netflix series, co-starring Ishaan Khatter, centres around the story of Sophia Shekhar and Aviraaj Singh, who team up to turn a rundown royal haveli in Morpur into a boutique homestay. While the show has grabbed attention for its romantic-drama tone and royal backdrop, not all feedback has been in its favour—particularly when it comes to Pednekar’s performance.

Pednekar recently shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, featuring her as Sophia. Alongside the images, she wrote, “Not born a royal, but destined to reign – Sophia Shekhar – CEO Work Potato. Thank you for all of it.” The post received supportive comments from The Royals team, including creator Rangita Pritish Nandy, who responded, “Nobody else could have been our Sophia. Love, love and love.” Co-star Lisa Mishra called her a “Queen.”

However, the online audience offered a much sharper critique. One user bluntly commented, “You are a powerful actress, but that is not your type.” Another pointed out, “Face looks stiff in so many parts with no emotions.” Some even questioned the chemistry between the lead pair, saying, “No chemistry at all… such a misfire.”

Another harsh remark read, “If Ishaan wasn’t in this, the series wouldn’t have worked. Hope you don’t take the credit for its success.” On X (formerly Twitter), one viewer wrote, “Bhumi Pednekar, once a powerhouse in Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Bhakshak, now finds her talent lost in tales like Thank You for Coming and The Royals—a star dimmed by weak scripts.”

Despite the criticism, the show itself has sparked interest. Its eight-episode format ends on an open note, leading to speculation about a second season. In an interview with Filmfare, Ishaan Khatter, who plays the modern royal Aviraaj Singh, hinted at the possibility. Responding to Lisa Mishra’s joke about his character doing everything except jumping from a helicopter, Khatter quipped, “I would do that in Season 2.”

Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, The Royals boasts an ensemble cast including Zeenat Aman, Chunky Panday, Sakshi Tanwar, Milind Soman, and others. The script, penned by Neha Veena Sharma, explores themes of love, legacy, and self-discovery—but it seems the performances, especially Pednekar’s, haven’t convinced everyone.

As Netflix viewers await word on a possible continuation, the show's current reception reveals a clash between strong concepts and uneven execution.