The Royals Season 2 Hit by Director Exit as Jaisalmer Shoot Stalls

Netflix's The Royals has run into trouble during production of its second season, with director Jasmeet K Reen said to have walked out of the project midway.

Reen, who directed Darlings (2022), had been brought on board to helm the new season, taking over from Nupur Asthana, who had directed the first season along with Priyanka Ghose. She was sharing directing duties on Season 2 with Nitya Mehra, known for Hunkkaar – The Roar.

Sources present on the set say Reen left the show following an alleged altercation with producer Rangita Nandy. According to those present, Nandy is said to have addressed Reen over a loudspeaker, in an exchange that members of the crew could hear. One source described the episode as "humiliating", adding that no director would tolerate such treatment.

The shoot was subsequently stalled, and several cast and crew members are reported to have returned to Mumbai. There is no confirmation yet on whether Reen will return to the set.

With the next schedule expected to begin shortly in Udaipur, it remains unclear whether Mehra will now direct the season on her own. A crew member said both directors were highly regarded and that the team hoped Reen would come back, but that clarity would only emerge once filming resumes.

The first season starred Bhumi Pednekar opposite Ishaan Khatter. Khatter returns as Maharaj Aviraaj in Season 2, with Sini Shetty reportedly stepping in as the new female lead. Gurfateh Pirzada also joins the new season.