Netflix is rolling out the red carpet for its latest original series The Royals, a quirky royal romantic comedy premiering on May 9, 2025. Created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, the show brings together the charm of Indian royalty with the sass of modern-day ambition.

The Royals trailer: Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter lead Netflix’s modern-day royal rom-com

Set in the grand yet crumbling city of Morpur, the story follows an unlikely partnership between a reluctant prince and a fiercely driven CEO. Ishaan Khatter stars as Aviraaj Singh, a polo-playing royal struggling to find purpose, while Bhumi Pednekar plays Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, a sharp and self-made CEO determined to turn Morpur’s aging haveli into a luxury B&B. What begins as a strategic business move quickly spirals into a whirlwind of romance, comedy and chaos. Sparks fly, egos clash, and old secrets come to light as the duo tries to reinvent the royal estate — and perhaps themselves in the process.

Speaking about her character, Bhumi Pednekar shared, “Playing Sophia felt like stepping into a world that’s both aspirational and deeply relatable. She’s fierce, ambitious, and emotionally honest — qualities I’ve always been drawn to. I’m glad I could collaborate with Netflix and Pritish Nandy Communications for The Royals and extremely grateful that they brought this series to life — I hope people have as much fun watching it as we did making it.”

Ishaan Khatter added, “To share the screen with such legendary and accomplished actors has been inspiring and a joy. This marks my second collaboration with Netflix globally and my first with Netflix India and it has been an adventure yet again. The Royals is a fresh, modern-day rom-com — zany, unpredictable, and packed with surprises. I can’t wait for audiences to dive into the world of Morpur and binge it all! There’s a lot of love, drama, humour — something for everyone. Maharaja Aviraaj is the most frustratingly charming character I’ve essayed and I hope the audience enjoys him as much as I enjoyed playing the role.”

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman, who also stars in the series, was unable to attend the trailer launch but shared her thoughts, “I find myself as passionate as ever about embracing new roles and opportunities. The Royals has been both refreshing and creatively fulfilling. Collaborating with vibrant young talents, brimming with energy and fresh perspectives, ensured that every moment on set was lively and engaging. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Pritish Nandy Communications and Netflix for bringing this extraordinary tale of romance, and for including me in this project.”

Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, and written by Neha Veena Sharma, The Royals features a robust ensemble cast including Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Chunky Panday, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Sumukhi Suresh, Udit Arora, Lisa Mishra, and Luke Kenny.

The Royals promises a blend of glamour, humour, and heartfelt drama as it explores what happens when royal tradition meets modern ambition — and maybe even love. The series drops exclusively on Netflix on May 9.

Also Read: Netflix unveils poster for The Royals featuring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, premiering May 9

Tags : Bhumi Pednekar, Bollywood, Features, Ishaan Khatter, Netflix, Netflix India, OTT, OTT Platform, The Royals, Web Series, Web Show

BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES

Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.

Jammu and Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack: At least 27 tourists were killed and about a dozen have been injured, mostly from Gujarat and Karnataka, in a deadly terror attack aimed at civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, said reports. However, official figures confirmed death of 16 tourists including two foreigners – one from the UAE and other from Nepal. The attack took place around 3 PM, when terrorists descended from the hills surrounding the Baisaran valley and opened fire on a group of tourists. The area, often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’ for its expansive green meadows, is a popular destination for visitors. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K LG Manoj Sinha have reached Srinagar and are holding a high-level meeting with security officials. 

The Kashmir government has issued helpline numbers: Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651; Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar – 7006058623.

Follow Kashmir Terror Attack Live Updates Here:

23:03 PM: Pahalgam Terror Attack LIve Updates: US President Trump Condenms Attack

US President Donald Trump said on his social media platform, “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!”

22.53 PM: Pahalgam Terror Attack LIve Updates: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Reacts

President of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq calls for shutdwon in protest against killings. “Whoever kills an innocent soul…it is as if he had slain mankind entirely… Another day of carnage in the blood-soaked history of Kashmir, when visiting tourists are mercilessly killed in a most gruesome manner. Hapless people of Kashmir know the pain and grief of such tragedies for those who have lost their loved ones today. Such gruesomeness is abhorred in Islam, which is essentially a religion of peace and goodwill, and against all human ethics. The Islamic fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, through Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) in support and solidarity with the bereaved families of those killed, appeals to people of Jammu and Kashmir to peacefully protest this heinous crime tomorrow by a shutdown,” said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

22.43 PM: Embassy of Iran in India tweets, “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi strongly condemns the terrorist attack in the city of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death and injury of a large number of innocent people. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, especially to the families of the victims of this attack, and wish a speedy recovery and good health to the injured.”

22.27 PM: Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said that Kremlin stands with New Delhi. “Deepest condolences to the people and the Government of India over the heinous terror attack against tourists in Pahalgam. Russia resolutely stands with India,” said Alipov.

22.18 PM: LG Manoj Sinha on X, “Anti-terror ops launched to neutralise terrorists. Entire nation is angry & blood of our forces is boiling. I want to assure the nation that perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families.”

22:10 PM: One Indian Navy Officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal (aged 26 years), who was posted in Kochi, has been killed in the Pahalgam attack while he was on leave. He is a native of Haryana and got married on 16 April: Defence Officials.

22.03 PM: US Vice President reacts to the Kashmir terror attack. “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” said Vance.

22.02 PM: Security forces carry out checking of vehicles as security is heightened throughout J&K in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

21:42 PM: J&K Vishva Hindu Parishad president, Rajesh Gupta said, “Currently, the amount of loss and number of deceased are unclear. This incident is condemnable. The people of the Jammu region are furious with this incident. Tomorrow there will be a ‘bandh’ in the Jammu region. We appeal to the government not to spare the terrorists. There should not be any leniency while dealing with them.”

21:30 PM: The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility.

21:20 PM: Alert in Delhi after the terrorist attack in J&K’s Pahalgam. Delhi Police has also been instructed to keep a close watch on tourist places and other important places: Delhi Police Sources.

21:15 PM: According to reports, a Nepali national has died in Pahalgam terror attack.

21:05 PM: Locals in J&K’s Baramulla hold candlelight protest against Pahalgam terror attack. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is chairing a high-level review meeting with security officially. 

#WATCH | Srinagar | J&K CM Omar Abdullah briefs Union Home Minister Amit Shah over Pahalgam terrorist attack. LG Manoj Sinha and other high-level officials also present. pic.twitter.com/bxgkiVRmW0
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025

20:32 PM: NCP-SP MLA Supriya Sule seeks Omar Abdullah’s help for victims. NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule tweets, “Requesting Omar Abdullah for providing immediate medical aid and support to the following people hailing from Pune who have suffered injuries in the Pahalgham firing incident today: Asawari Jagdale, Pragati Jagdale, Santosh Jagdale (gunshot wound), Kaustubh Ganbote (gunshot wound), & Sangeeta Gabote from Pune. The family has requested for clarity on their condition please. Thank you for your efficient & quick administration!”

20:13 PM: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the nation in condemning the terror attack. “The news of the death of tourists and injuries to many in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely condemnable and heartbreaking. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The whole country is united against terrorism. Instead of making hollow claims of the situation being normal in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should now take accountability and take concrete steps so that such barbaric incidents do not happen in the future and innocent Indians do not lose their lives like this,” he said.

20:06 PM: Ambassador of Argentina to India Mariano Caucino said on X, “We convey our condolences to the victims of this abominable terrorist act. Argentina stands with India in rejecting all forms of terrorism, extremism, and bigotry. Always with Life and against Terror.”

20:00 PM: Guy Nir, Spokesperson of Israel Embassy in India, says, “Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terrorism.”

19:56 PM: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen MV Suchendra Kumar is rushing to J&K’s Srinagar from New Delhi. He will be briefed by local formation commanders on the present security situation in Kashmir Valley. He was in New Delhi for a conference: Defence sources

CM Reacts To Pahalgam Attack

“The death toll is still being ascertained so I don’t want to get in to those details. They will be officially conveyed as the situation becomes clearer. Needless to say this attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” said Abdullah on X.

They were killed as they were Hindus, terror attacks have increased in Jammu & Kashmir from the time you became CM. There were less attacks when J&K had President rule. Resign, you are incompetent. You didn’t say Terrorists will be vanquished.pic.twitter.com/17yCcPYPQC
— Lady Khabri (@KhabriBossLady) April 22, 2025

A purported video of the attack site emerged showing several people bleeding and lying motionless on the ground while women tourists were wailing and frantically looking for their near and dear ones. No independent official verification was available.

A doctor at the Pahalgam hospital said 12 injured tourists were admitted to the hospital and the condition of all of them was stable.

A little earlier, Army, CRPF and local police rushed to Baisaran meadows after the news started coming down to the town, a senior police official said here. A massive anti-terrorist operation has been launched to hunt down the assailants as security forces have been fanned out in all directions, they said.

Kangana Ranaut lands in legal trouble over Emergency

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s controversial film Emergency has landed in trouble once again after senior journalist and author Coomi Kapoor accused her production house, Manikarnika Films Private Limited, and Netflix of “intentionally and maliciously distorting facts” and exploiting her name by claiming that the film is based on her book, The Emergency: A Personal History. Kapoor, whose book was published by Penguin in 2015, has claimed that the tripartite agreement signed between Manikarnika Films, Penguin and herself regarding the book’s intellectual property rights for adaption into a feature film has been “blatantly breached.” She has accused the makers of the film of “multiple factual inaccuracies and misleading portrayals of historical events.”

“My daughter is a lawyer, so on her advice, I had included two clauses. While the producers had full artistic freedom to create the film, nothing should be altered that contradicts historical facts that are publicly available,” Kapoor explained. “The contract also stated that the author’s name and book could not be used for promoting or exploiting the film without prior written consent. I was in Goa and had not seen the film at the time, believing that they would honour the contract. But they are still claiming that the film is based on the book,” she said, adding that she has already sent two legal notices, but received no response.

To buttress her point, Kapoor cited her August, 2023 WhatsApp exchange with Kangana Ranaut’s brother, Aksht Ranaut of Manikarnika Films, in which she repeatedly emphasised that the contract must be followed and that the phrase “based on her book” should not be used, though referencing the book in the sources section is acceptable. “Aksht replied and had agreed to these terms during the conversation,” she said. The film Emergency, on Netflix includes a disclaimer, stating that it is “inspired by the books, The Emergency by Coomi Kapoor and Priyadarshani by Jaiyanth Vasant Shinde.” However, toward the end, the disclaimer shifts tone, stating that the film is “based on the books, The Emergency by Coomi Kapoor and Priyadarshani by Jaiyanth Vasant Shinde”, which Kapoor argues directly contradicts the terms of their agreement.

The author further pointed out that at the time of signing the agreement, she was told that only a specific chapter on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from her book would be referenced for the film. However, she was surprised to find that the film’s title closely mirrored that of her book. “This now appears to be a deliberate attempt on part of you to get traction for the said film, especially since it had been subject to uncomplimentary remarks,” states a legal notice sent by Kapoor to the filmmakers. The author pointed out that the film contains numerous historical inaccuracies — far more than those detailed in the legal notice. Among those is a scene that shows Gandhi personally threatening the then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed into declaring the Emergency without consulting her Cabinet as well as a depiction suggesting that the Emergency ended when she announced the general election.

“Factually, the Emergency was not removed till after Mrs Indira Gandhi lost the general election in March 1977,” the legal notice said. On June 25, 1975, Gandhi declared a state of Emergency in the country, suspending civil liberties, jailing opposition leaders and dissidents and effecting press censorship. The Emergency was lifted on March 21, 1977. Other distortions highlighted in the legal notice include the incorrect association of Jayaprakash Narayan’s 1974 Total Revolution Movement with Gandhi’s 1972 Shimla Agreement as well as inaccurate portrayals of the arrest and imprisonment of political leaders during the Emergency.

PTI attempted to contact Kangana Ranaut’s sister and manager, Rangoli Chandel, for a comment, but she was unavailable. Aksht Ranaut though, according to Kapoor, did reach out to her over the phone after the media reported the issue. “Yes, he (Aksht) called. I told him ‘you were never available all this while.’ He asked me, ‘What would you like?’. I told him I will talk to my lawyer,” Kapoor said.

However, according to the notice, Kapoor has demanded immediate compensation for the severe reputational, professional, emotional and financial damage suffered by her due to the filmmakers’ reckless and illegal conduct. “If you fail to comply, our client reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings to seek appropriate remedies for this egregious violation of her rights,” the notice said.

Emergency, which was also directed and produced by Kangana Ranaut, had earlier courted controversy over its censor certificate and allegations that it misrepresented the Sikh community. It was not screened at cinema halls in Punjab after protests by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and other Sikh organisations.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from PTI

OTT Releases This Week: Jewel Thief, L2 Empuraan, You Season 5; latest films, series to binge-watch on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar