Netflix's 'Royals' to star Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman
Netflix seems to have pulled off a casting coup. Per Mid-Day, the streamer has greenlit a new series titled Royals, starring Zeenat Aman, Bhumi Pednekar, and Ishaan Khatter. The show, produced by Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, will offer an intriguing peek into the opulent world of Indian aristocracy. Rather than focusing on a specific royal lineage, Royals combines fact and fiction from the rich histories of various Rajasthani royal families, reported the portal. An official announcement is awaited.
'Royals' to blend past and present, fact and fiction
The storyline will oscillate between the present day and past decades, with Pednekar playing a high-profile entrepreneur. "Like The Crown, it is being made on a grand scale," a source told Mid-Day. "The desert state has seen generations of royal families, from Jaipur to Mewar and Alsisar. Bits and pieces have been taken from the lives of these families, marrying it with a generous dose of fiction," the source added.
The show is billed as a 'rom-com'
The source further said, "At its core, Royals is a romantic comedy that will delve into the style, politics, and fabulous lives of the aristocrats. Four More Shots Please!'s success showed that the producers have a finger on the audience's pulse, and this time, they are putting out a stylish and emotional drama." Reportedly, Nupur Asthana (Four More Shots Please!) and Priyanka Ghose (The Night Manager) are directing the upcoming show. There's no tentative release date yet.
'Royals' filming: From Rajasthan palaces to Mumbai studios
The initial filming phase began on February 10 in Rajasthan with an ensemble cast including Pednekar, Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Chunky Panday, and Milind Soman. "The unit shot at real locations like the City Palace and the Rambagh Palace," said the source. After wrapping up in Rajasthan, the team embarked on a month-long shoot in Mumbai, with a brief stint in Goa planned before the series concludes.
Upcoming projects of the three leads
Khatter will reportedly next be seen in his Hollywood debut series The Perfect Couple, which also stars Nicole Kidman. It is directed by Sussane Bier (Birdbox). Meanwhile, Aman is planning to make a comeback and will be seen in Bun Tikki, which also features Abhay Deol. As for Pednekar, she has Mudassar Aziz's Mere Husband Ki Biwi in the pipeline, also starring Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh.
