The Royals On Netflix: Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter’s Series Slammed For Twisting Facts, Misleading Viewers

Netflix's series, The Royals, featuring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, has sparked a conversation. Released on May 9, the show depicts a modern CEO's encounter with a royal family from Morpur. While it has captivated many viewers with its visuals, not everyone is pleased. Critics and audiences have shared mixed opinions, questioning the plot's depth.

Royal Fables, an organisation founded by Anshu Khanna to highlight India's real royals, voiced their concerns. They criticised The Royals in an Instagram post and addressed a letter to Netflix India. Their main issue was the portrayal of Indian royal families in the rom-com.

Concerns Over Misrepresentation

The letter began with Royal Fables expressing their disappointment on behalf of India's 565 princely states. "We just finished watching THE ROYALS and immediately felt the strong urge to reach out to you," they stated. They believe the show portrayed these states unfairly.

Royal Fables has worked with Indian royals for 15 years, gaining an insider's view and respect for their cultural contributions. They emphasised that today's royals continue their ancestors' legacies in music, architecture, and antiques.

Addressing False Narratives

The organisation highlighted several inaccuracies in the series. They refuted claims that royal families are "poor" or sell palaces for money. Instead, they described them as landowners monetising their rich heritage.

They acknowledged the challenges of maintaining ancient palaces without external aid. However, they noted that current royals have become entrepreneurs who preserve their inheritance through legitimate businesses.

Clarifying Modern Royal Life

Royal Fables also corrected misconceptions about selling valuable items like Ravi Varma paintings since the Privy Purse's abolition in 1971. "No Ravi Varma that costs hundreds of crores is ever sold," they clarified.

The organisation argued against the show's depiction of royals as idle figures needing no work. Present-day royals are educated citizens involved in politics, business, and social empowerment.

Cultural Sensitivity Request

The portrayal of royal women was another point of contention. Royal Fables criticised their depiction as overdressed and idle. In reality, they wear subtle jewellery designed by ancestors during the Art Deco era.

They urged creators to research thoroughly before using royal legacies in stories. The letter concluded with a plea for sensitivity towards this subject matter.