Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar starrer 'The Royals' was recently released on Netflix. The web series opened to a mixed response, with many viewers criticising the Netflix royal drama. The story revolves around the lives of modern-day royals struggling under financial strain to maintain their lifestyles and palaces.
Now, a heritage platform called Royal Fables has called out Netflix for “misrepresentation” that caused what many online have described as “second-hand embarrassment.”
Royal Fables Issues Strong Statement
Royal Fables took to their official Instagram handle and penned a long note “on behalf of the 565 princely states of India.” The note began: “We just finished watching The Royals and immediately felt the strong urge to reach out to you on behalf of the 565 Princely States of India who were portrayed fairly sweepingly in your show.”
The platform highlighted how former royals were generous patrons of the arts and culture. They noted that today’s descendants continue this legacy by preserving forts, palaces, vintage cars, antique art, and culinary heritage.
“Royal Families Are Not Poor”
One of the major criticisms Royal Fables made was that the series falsely portrays Indian royals as poor or desperate.
“Royal families are not poor. They are not selling their palaces or making money from bat poop! They are landowners and inheritors of a rich legacy they are monetising,” the note read.
They acknowledged that restoring centuries-old palaces is a massive task, and unlike popular belief, these royals do it largely without corporate or government support.
“Agreed, conserving palaces is a tough task. Our backs break if we have to whitewash our flats! They have to restore a 400-year-old, 100-room monument without losing its historic essence.”
The Ravi Varma Scene Sparks Outrage
Another scene that drew particular criticism was one in which Bhumi Pednekar’s character, Sophia, gifts a Raja Ravi Varma painting to a Rajmata.
“Surely no Ravi Varma that costs hundreds of crores is ever sold. Incidentally, how could your smart CEO gift a Ravi Varma to the Rajmata? That too in the hope of starting a homestay that’s spread over a single palace wing comprising of a few rooms! The painting would’ve cost four times her entire seed capital.”
“Royals Are Educated, Employed Citizens”
Royal Fables also disagreed with how the series portrayed royals as idle and disconnected from real life.
“Your series glorified the royals as not needing to do anything. That is not true. Present-day royals are educated and employed citizens who fight elections, become ministers, support temples, run hotels, work as artists, operate NGOs, empower women, serve in the army, and helm major hospitality brands like the Taj and Oberoi.”
They emphasized that the royals are no longer decadent or feudal, but modern professionals with a sense of purpose.
Costume and Aesthetic Choices Criticised
Beyond storyline flaws, Royal Fables even took issue with wardrobe and set design.
They criticized how the women in the series were styled in “overdressed bridal jewellery” and “embellished sarees”, instead of the more subtle and authentic “pearl strings and chiffon” or “delicately embroidered poshak.”
They also ridiculed the “ugly red sofas” and the portrayal of polo scenes, questioning their accuracy and aesthetics.
“Our humble request is that the next time you profile The Royals, who are true custodians of Indian history, just be sensitive to their heritage and do some research and homework.”
Internet Reacts: “Touch Some Grass, Maharani”
Since Royal Fables published the note, it has gone viral across Instagram, sparking sharp reactions from social media users. Many found the note overdramatic and tone-deaf, and the internet had a field day:
“I felt second-hand embarrassment reading this.”
“Touch some grass, maharani.”
“Oh no, a fictional Netflix series didn’t portray some made-up royals authentically :( Oh nooooo.”
“Oh no, the rich and privileged weren’t depicted accurately on screen.”
Some users slammed the post as elitist:
“Honestly, cry me a river. Of all the things to pick apart, this is the hill to die on? In 2025?”
“The chauvinism in this post and the tone-deaf dissonance with both past and present is ASTOUNDING. Waste of Doon School/Ivy League education.”
“Is this satire? Please say it’s satire.”
While Royal Fables clearly intended to defend the dignity and history of India’s royal heritage, the online backlash reveals a generational and cultural divide. The debate has ignited a larger conversation around how India’s former royals are represented in modern pop culture—and whether those depictions should strive for more accuracy or are free to lean into creative liberties.