'Kaunsa Nasha Kiye Ho?': Netflix TROLLED For Comparing Ishaan Khatter's The Royals To Bridgerton; Indian Fans Upset

Netflix recently faced backlash online after drawing comparisons between Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's The Royals and the globally popular drama Bridgerton. On Tuesday (May 20), the streaming platform posted a series of images on Instagram, placing stills from The Royals side-by-side with strikingly similar frames from Bridgerton.

In one image, Ishaan is seen horseback riding, mirrored with a scene featuring Jonathan Bailey from the original series. Another slide shows Ishaan and Nora Fatehi in a ballroom dance, echoing a similar moment with Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley.

Yet another shot parallels swimming pool scenes from both shows. A fourth slide featured a photo of Ishaan and Sakshi Tanwar, who played his mother. It was accompanied with a still of Bridgerton featuring Jonathan and his on-screen mother Ruth Gemmell.

The caption that accompanied the post was borrowed directly from Bridgerton's dramatic tone, "⁠I am a gentle-admin. My father raised me to act with honour, but that honour is hanging by a thread that grows more precarious with every moment I spend in their presence. They are the bane of my existence. And the object of all my desires."

However, the bold comparison did not sit well with many social media users. Some fans felt the likeness was forced and called out Netflix for trying too hard to market The Royals. Some also pointed out the lack of originality.

"Oh please do not even try to compare Bridgerton with The Royals," wrote a fan in the comments section of Netflix's post.

"Bridgerton can never be compared to Royals❤️ specially the season 2," wrote another user.

"You are comparing Johnathan bailey with lshan Khattar!!???? Konsha sasta nesha kiye ho bhai," asked another angry fan.

"There’s only one Anthony Bridgerton. There’s only one kanthony. There’s only one Kate Sharma-Bridgerton," read another comment.

"Bridgerton is the GOAT," read a fifth comment. "Are u seriously comparing The Bridgerton with royals??? Plz use some brain. Worst comparison ever," was another comment on the post.

Here's how others reacted:

For those unversed, The Royals released on Netflix earlier this month and it received mixed reviews from critics and the audience. Some of those who watched the show expressed concerns, ranging from the lead pair's lack of chemistry to Zeenat Aman's minimal presence on screen.

The story of The Royals revolves around the royal family of Morpur. It follows Aviraaj, aka Fizzy (Ishaan), who wants nothing to do with royal responsibilities. However, after his father's passing, he learns that the family is financially struggling and is forced to step up as the new Maharaj of Morpur.

With the palace on the brink of collapse, the family partners with a start-up led by CEO Sophia (Bhumi), who proposes turning the ancestral home into a luxury 'Royal B&B.' As royalty and entrepreneurship collide, Aviraaj and Sophia struggle to navigate their clashing worlds, romance, and mounting responsibilities.

The show also stars Sakshi Tanwar, Milind Soman, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea and others.

About Bridgerton

Inspired by Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, Bridgerton has become a global sensation, winning hearts across the world, including in India.

Set in Regency-era England, the drama revolves around the lives of the Bridgerton family as each sibling faces the pressures and politics of London's high-society marriage scene. Known for its opulent costumes, romantic intrigue, and diverse casting, Bridgerton has released three successful seasons to date.

A fourth season is already in the works, keeping fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the glamourous and drama-filled world of the ton.