‘The Royals’ is Ridiculous — and That’s Okay

The meet-cute makes no sense, but makes for great cinematic payoff. A woman, Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), is running in slow motion on the beach — faster than a beautiful horse atop which a nearly shirtless, unnamed man (Ishaan Khatter) gallops. The camera zooms out to capture the majesty of the white stallion rhythmically gliding along the blue Sri Lankan coastline. It pans to the man’s face, then hers. She’s running fast, of course, or how else would she be ahead of the horse? (Is that even possible?) But as the frame slows down, she raises her middle finger to the man and his horse, running ahead. No, this isn’t a dream, but the opening scene of The Royals (2025).

This is the latest offering from production company Pritish Nandy Communications, known for off-the-beaten-path films, such as Chameli (2003) and Shabd (2005), and streaming rom-com Four More Shots. The Royals can best described as Khoosburat (2014) — where a physiotherapist encounters a charming prince who must convince a headstrong royal to agree to a hotel deal — meets Running Point (2025) — where Kate Hudson as a new basketball team owner must prove her mettle — meets Bridgerton. It’s a show where the female CEO is constantly questioned (though we don’t know why), the two leads are constantly bickering (over what we’re not sure), and the plot — just like that meet-cute — is more beauty than substance. But thanks to delectable cameos (more Zeenat Aman, Chunky Panday, and Dino Morea please!), lots of camera shots for the female gaze (thank you, Ishaan Khatter!), intricate costumes, and just plain old fun, it’s probably the weekend watch you need right now.