Netflix’s romantic comedy series The Royals is getting a major shake-up behind the camera. Filmmaker Jasmeet K. Reen, who made waves with her directorial debut Darlings in 2022, has been roped in to direct the second season of the Ishaan Khatter-led show.
Industry insiders confirm that Reen will replace Nupur Asthana, who helmed the first season alongside Priyanka Ghose. Asthana reportedly had to step away due to prior commitments—she is currently working on another Netflix series backed by Ekta Kapoor’s production banner. Ghose, however, is expected to continue her association with the show.
The change in direction comes hot on the heels of news that Bhumi Pednekar, who played the female lead opposite Ishaan in the first season, will not be returning for the next chapter. Sources suggest her exit is linked to a broader creative restructuring of the series.
What’s Cooking Behind The Scenes?
According to reports, pre-production on The Royals Season 2 is already underway, with filming likely to begin in July 2026. Yes, that’s a while away, but Netflix seems to be taking its time to get the script and casting just right.
Reen, who earned critical acclaim for Darlings starring Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, and Vijay Varma, is also attached to direct a period drama based on the life of legendary actress Madhubala. That project, backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will reportedly feature Dhurandhar actress Sara Arjun in the lead role.
It looks like Reen has a packed schedule—she is expected to complete filming for The Royals Season 2 before diving into the Madhubala biopic later this year. Talk about a busy filmmaker!
What About The Cast?
While Bhumi’s exit has been the talk of the town, there’s no word yet on who might replace her. Ishaan Khatter is expected to return as the male lead, but the female lead is up for grabs. Will Netflix go for a fresh face or a bigger name? Only time will tell.
Fans are also curious about the rest of the ensemble. The first season featured a mix of fresh faces and veterans, and the second season could see some new additions. Stay tuned for more updates as the project moves into production mode.
Why The Hype?
The Royals is one of Netflix India’s most anticipated romantic comedies, and the creative overhaul has only added to the buzz. With Jasmeet K. Reen at the helm, audiences can expect a fresh take on the story—her work on Darlings proved she knows how to blend humor with heart.
As for Nupur Asthana, she remains a sought-after director in the streaming space. Her departure from The Royals might be a loss, but her involvement in another high-profile Netflix series means fans haven’t seen the last of her.
With a new director, a possible recast, and a release still a couple of years away, The Royals Season 2 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about projects in Bollywood’s streaming scene. We’ll be keeping our ears to the ground for more inside scoops!