Ishaan Khatter’s Netflix series The Royals is undergoing another major behind-the-scenes shake-up, with Mitakshara Kumar reportedly exiting Season 2 and Tanuj Chopra stepping in as the new director. The development marks the second reported directorial departure since filming began in September 2026.
According to an October 21 exclusive report by Variety India, Chopra, known for directing Delhi Crime Seasons 2 and 3, has taken over the production following creative differences between Kumar and the team.
Why Did Mitakshara Kumar Leave The Royals Season 2?
Kumar joined The Royals after filmmaker Jasmeet K. Reen, known for Darlings, reportedly departed shortly after production began in Jaisalmer.
However, Kumar’s involvement has also ended unexpectedly.
A source told Variety India that her creative vision was incompatible with the production team’s approach, although the two sides reportedly separated amicably.
Kumar previously worked as an assistant director on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi. She also directed episodes of Netflix’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
Neither Netflix nor Kumar has publicly provided a detailed explanation of the latest departure.
Delhi Crime Director Tanuj Chopra Takes Charge
Tanuj Chopra reportedly became Netflix’s preferred replacement following Kumar’s exit.
The Indian-American filmmaker previously directed and served as showrunner on Delhi Crime, earning recognition for his grounded storytelling and character-driven approach.
His appointment represents an interesting creative shift for The Royals, which combines romantic comedy with family drama and royal intrigue.
According to the report, filming has now moved from Jaipur to Mumbai, with production continuing without a major interruption.
Earlier reports suggested that director Nitya Mehra would also join the project. However, her involvement following Chopra’s appointment remains unclear.
What Happens Next for Ishaan Khatter’s The Royals?
The latest change follows another significant departure from the series.
Bhumi Pednekar, who played Sophia Kanmani Shekhar in Season 1, is reportedly not returning for the second installment.
Ishaan Khatter will reprise his role as Prince Aviraaj Singh, while Gurfateh Pirzada and Sini Shetty are among the reported new additions.
The first season, released in May 2025, followed a financially struggling royal family attempting to transform its palace into a luxury hospitality business.
Netflix renewed the romantic comedy after its international streaming success.
However, the repeated directorial changes, script revisions and reported reshoots raise questions about how much the creative direction has evolved since Season 2 was originally planned.
Netflix has not announced an official Season 2 release date.
For now, production is reportedly continuing under Chopra’s direction, although the final creative team and revised shooting schedule have yet to be formally confirmed.
