Big changes are brewing at Netflix India. Filmmaker Jasmeet K. Reen has been brought on to direct the upcoming season of The Royals, replacing original director Nupur Asthana.
Reen, who directed Darlings (2022)—the Alia Bhatt–Shefali Shah thriller—is now directing Ishaan Khatter's romantic comedy. Asthana, who co-directed season 1 with Priyanka Ghose, stepped away due to prior commitments on another Netflix project backed by Ekta Kapoor.
Bhumi S. Pednekar, who played opposite Khatter in season 1, is reportedly not returning. Pednekar had revealed that trolling around the show left her "emotionally depleted" and she took a nine-month break.
Priyanka Ghose is staying on as co-director, providing continuity. Pre-production is already underway, with filming set to begin in July 2026.
Reen is also attached to direct a period drama about legendary actress Madhubala—a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production starring Sara Arjun. She will complete The Royals S2 before starting the biopic later this year.
Season 1 was a hit for Netflix. With Reen's direction, Khatter's involvement, and a new leading lady, season 2 will test whether the show can sustain its momentum.
