Darlings Director Steps In: A Royal Shake-Up!
Well, well, well, look what we have here! Netflix India's romantic comedy series, The Royals, is getting a serious creative makeover for its second season. And honestly, it’s a move that has us sitting up and taking notice. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, the very talented Jasmeet K. Reen, the director who gave us the brilliant Darlings in 2022, is now officially on board to direct the upcoming season of the Ishaan Khatter-led show.
This isn't just a minor tweak, mind you. Reen is stepping into some big shoes, taking over directing duties from Nupur Asthana. Asthana, who helmed the first season alongside Priyanka Ghose, has reportedly bowed out due to prior commitments. She’s apparently busy with another Netflix series, backed by none other than Ekta Kapoor’s production banner – so no bad blood there, just a busy schedule, yaar. Priyanka Ghose, thankfully, is expected to continue her association with the show, which is a relief. Continuity is key, even with big changes.
Bhumi's Exit & The Long Road Ahead
This director swap comes right after another significant piece of news: Bhumi S. Pednekar, who charmed us as the female lead opposite Ishaan Khatter in Season 1, will not be returning for the next chapter. Now, this is where it gets interesting. Her exit is being linked to a “broader creative restructuring” of the series. What exactly does that mean? Are they going for a completely different vibe? A new female lead? A whole new storyline? My journalistic spidey-senses are tingling with curiosity!
But before we get too excited about the possibilities, there’s a small detail that’s impossible to ignore. Pre-production for Season 2 is indeed underway, which is great. However, filming isn't likely to begin until… wait for it… July 2026. Yes, you read that right. Two thousand twenty-six! That’s a seriously long wait for a Netflix series, especially in today’s binge-watching era. Fans are going to need some serious patience for this one. Let's hope the creative overhaul is absolutely full paisa vasool to justify that kind of timeline.
Jasmeet K. Reen's Busy Calendar
Jasmeet K. Reen, as we all know, absolutely knocked it out of the park with Darlings. That film, starring Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, and Vijay Varma, received widespread critical appreciation, and for good reason – it was sharp, dark, and incredibly well-made. Bringing that kind of vision to The Royals could be a game-changer, giving it a fresh perspective that it might just need.
And it's not just The Royals keeping her busy. Reen is also attached to direct a period drama based on the legendary Madhubala, backed by none other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali! Reportedly, Sara Arjun (from Dhurandhar) is set to play the lead. So, it seems Reen is juggling some seriously high-profile projects. Reports suggest she'll complete filming for The Royals S2 before diving into the Madhubala biopic later this year. It's a packed schedule for a director who's clearly in demand. Let's see what magic she weaves with Ishaan and the new 'Royals' saga!
