Netflix's recent release, "The Royals," starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, has been generating significant buzz, not all of it positive. While some viewers have been captivated by Ishaan Khatter's performance and on-screen presence, the show has also faced criticism for its plot, perceived misrepresentation of Indian royal families, and other creative choices. Now, reports are surfacing that Ishaan Khatter himself had disagreements with the makers of the show.
According to sources, Khatter reportedly clashed with the creative team during production. While the specific details of these disagreements remain under wraps, it is suggested that they revolved around the portrayal of his character and certain narrative elements. Khatter, known for his dedication to his craft and his thoughtful approach to his roles, seemingly felt strongly enough about his vision for the character that he engaged in creative discussions, and at times disagreements, with the show's creators.
Adding fuel to the fire, "The Royals" has also come under fire from other sources. Anshu Khanna, founder of The Royal Fables, a platform dedicated to preserving the culture and craftsmanship of India's princely states, penned an open letter to Netflix expressing her disappointment with the show's "sweeping misrepresentation" of Indian royal families. The letter criticized the show's portrayal of royal families as struggling financially or eccentric, arguing that it perpetuated a false stereotype. The Royal Fables stated that royal families are landowners and inheritors of rich legacies, not individuals who "are selling their palaces or making money from bat poop."
This criticism quickly gained traction online, sparking a debate about the show's depiction of Indian royalty. While some social media users agreed with The Royal Fables' concerns, others dismissed them, accusing the platform of being elitist and out of touch. Some online commentators quipped, "Touch some grass, Maharani," and "Oh no, the rich and privileged weren't depicted accurately on screen."
Adding to the controversy, some viewers have criticized Bhumi Pednekar's performance, with some even speculating about possible cosmetic surgery influencing her appearance. Others have criticized the show's script and overall storyline, with one user summarizing the sentiment by saying the show spent all the money on set costumes, horses, jewelry and Bhumi's lips and were left with nothing for decent script acting and originality. Despite the mixed reviews, some viewers have praised Ishaan Khatter's performance and his on-screen presence.
Amidst all this, Ishaan Khatter also shared his perspective on the "entourage culture" prevalent in Bollywood. In an interview, he emphasized the importance of discretion, stating that "no one person should have enough people to burden an entire setup." He also shared his personal experiences of working on sets with minimal support, highlighting his preference for a collaborative environment where he can directly engage with the team.