Lakshmi Manchu has voiced her support for the Netflix series "The Royals" and its cast, particularly Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter, amidst a wave of criticism. Manchu argues that the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform needs more lighthearted content filled with "joy and opulence," rather than solely focusing on dark and intense narratives.
The series "The Royals" has faced backlash from viewers who cited a lack of chemistry between the lead actors and a superficial screenplay as reasons for their disappointment. Many felt the show did not live up to Netflix's usual standards. However, Lakshmi Manchu disagrees with this sentiment. In a recent interview, she defended the show's aesthetic appeal and Bhumi Pednekar's glamorous portrayal, stating that she thoroughly enjoyed the "mind-numbing" experience.
Manchu emphasized that she wasn't necessarily looking for a deep, meaningful performance from Pednekar in this role. She acknowledged Pednekar's proven acting abilities in the past, but appreciated seeing her have fun, wear beautiful clothes, and offer viewers a "royal treatment of India." Manchu's perspective highlights a desire for diverse content on OTT platforms, including shows that prioritize entertainment and visual appeal over complex storylines.
To further illustrate her point, Lakshmi Manchu referenced the popular series "Paatal Lok," known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of crime and society. While she admitted to being a "die-hard fan" of "Paatal Lok," she questioned whether audiences are growing tired of seeing stories that constantly depict the darker aspects of life. She suggested that there's a need for content that provides an escape and offers a sense of joy and extravagance. "Aren't you all tired of looking at how slummy we are? However beautiful a Paatal Lok is...it isn't opulent and doesn't come with joy.... So, isn't it nice to see some opulence and joy and just some nonsense? Why not?" she questioned.
Lakshmi Manchu's defense of "The Royals" also reflects a broader discussion about the types of stories being told and consumed in the digital age. With an abundance of content available at our fingertips, she believes it's important to have a balance between thought-provoking dramas and lighter fare that simply aims to entertain.
Currently, Lakshmi is actively seeking compelling stories to produce, with a strong inclination towards comedy. She believes that in a world filled with challenges and hardships, there is a greater need for laughter and lightheartedness. “There is so much that's going on in the world that we need to bring joy... Right now, I am like, what's the funniest movie that I can find, because I want to laugh and I want to make people laugh. The whole shift of genre right now should move to comedies... Because there is a lot of heaviness with what we all have been through,” she explained.
In conclusion, Lakshmi Manchu's support for "The Royals" and her call for more "joy and opulence" in OTT content highlights a desire for greater diversity in storytelling. She encourages viewers to embrace lighthearted entertainment and argues that there's room for shows that prioritize visual appeal and fun alongside more serious and thought-provoking dramas. Her focus on producing comedies further emphasizes her belief in the power of laughter and its importance in today's world.
