Lakshmi Manchu has stepped forward to defend the Netflix series "The Royals," starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, amidst a wave of criticism. The show has faced backlash from viewers and heritage advocates alike, but Manchu has expressed her enjoyment of the series and admiration for the lead actors.

"The Royals," a fictional drama centered around a modern-day royal family facing financial challenges, has been criticized for its perceived misrepresentation of Indian royalty. Royal Fables, a platform dedicated to celebrating the culture and craft of princely India, issued an open letter to Netflix expressing their disagreement with the "false narratives" presented in the show. They argued that the series inaccurately portrays royal families as poor or desperate, and criticized the costume and set design for lacking authenticity.

Viewers have also voiced their disappointment with "The Royals," citing a weak screenplay, lack of chemistry between the lead actors, and the underutilization of veteran actress Zeenat Aman as key factors contributing to their dissatisfaction. Social media has been flooded with critical comments, with some users questioning Bhumi Pednekar's acting choices and others finding the storyline unbearable.

Amidst this criticism, Lakshmi Manchu has emerged as a vocal supporter of the show. In an interview with Hindustan Times, she admitted that she loved "The Royals" and defended the performances of Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. Manchu stated that she doesn't always need to see Bhumi in meaningful roles, and that it was refreshing to see her having fun and wearing fabulous clothes. She also praised Ishaan Khatter for his appearance in the series.

Manchu addressed the criticism that "The Royals" is not a typical Netflix show, arguing that it provides a lighthearted escape from the abundance of dark and intense content in the OTT space. She referenced the critically acclaimed series "Paatal Lok" as an example of such content, acknowledging its quality but also pointing out its focus on the grittier aspects of Indian society. Manchu suggested that there is value in a show that offers opulence, joy, and "some nonsense," providing a contrast to the often serious and socially conscious narratives that dominate streaming platforms.

Despite the flak, "The Royals" has reportedly achieved high ratings on Netflix and is listed among the top ten non-English shows. This suggests that while the series may not have resonated with all viewers, it has found an audience that appreciates its escapist entertainment value.