Netflix’s popular series The Royals, starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, has undergone another major change behind the camera, with filmmaker Tanuj Chopra taking over as director for its second season. The development comes after two directors, Jasmeet K Reen and Mitakshara Kumar, reportedly exited the project within weeks of the start of filming.
According to a report by Variety India, the production faced difficulties last month while shooting in Rajasthan. Jasmeet K Reen, who was initially brought on board to direct the series, reportedly left the project after just three days of filming in Jaisalmer.
The makers subsequently appointed Mitakshara Kumar to take charge of the project. Kumar has experience working on major Bollywood productions, having served as an assistant director on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films, including Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi. She also directed episodes of Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi.
However, her involvement with The Royals Season 2 was also short-lived. A source close to the production reportedly confirmed her departure, stating that her creative vision was incompatible with that of the team. The source added that the separation was amicable.
Tanuj Chopra takes charge
Following Kumar’s exit, Netflix reportedly suggested Tanuj Chopra’s name for the project. The Indian-American filmmaker has previously directed the second and third seasons of the acclaimed crime drama Delhi Crime.
With Chopra now at the helm, filming has resumed in Mumbai after the production unit shifted its base from Rajasthan. The latest change is expected to help the team move forward with the remaining shoot.
The repeated directorial changes have raised questions about the production process, although the makers have not publicly provided detailed explanations for the reshuffle.
What is ‘The Royals’ about?
The first season of The Royals premiered on Netflix in May 2025. The series follows Aviraaj Singh, played by Ishaan Khatter, a young prince whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, an ambitious entrepreneur portrayed by Bhumi Pednekar.
Sophia proposes transforming the royal family’s struggling palace into a luxury homestay. As the two work towards making the business successful, their relationship develops amid financial difficulties, family tensions and differences in their outlook on life.
The show also features Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Chunky Panday and Vihaan Samat, among others.
With Tanuj Chopra now directing the second season, viewers will be watching closely for further updates on the series, including its production progress and eventual release date. Netflix has not announced an official premiere date for the new season in the report.
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