With Netflix India renewing the regal rom-com ‘The Royals’ for a second season, the question of global streamer’s choice for what stays and what goes has once again come above the radar.
‘The Royals’ faced some pretty harsh criticism for its lackluster chemistry, shallow storytelling, and stereotypical portrayal of Indian royalty, but looks like the show’s impressive viewership numbers, including securing a global top 10 spot, were enough to sway Netflix’s decision for renewal.
Meanwhile, ‘Kaala Paani’, a gripping survival thriller praised for its narrative depth and social commentary, was earlier scrapped by Netflix after the renewal announcement, reportedly due to budget constraints.
Now this does raise some disturbing trends in Netflix’s priorities. ‘The Royals’ with its glossy production, glamorous star-studded cast including Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, and a familiar rom-com formula, probably pleased the escapist audience and despite being called a “regal mess”, it’s noticeable commercial potential likely gave Netflix the confidence to move ahead with the decision.
On the contrary, set against the backdrop of Andaman Islands, ‘Kaala Paani’ offered a nuanced exploration of human resilience and systemic failures but was still cancelled. Not that it did not have a dedicated fanbase and or wasn’t critically praised, but looks like Netflix is reluctant to put their money in ambitious, less formulaic stories when budgets are tight and simply choose to go forward with something that’s more massy in appeal and comparatively commercially safer.
These recent cancellation and renewal decision raises questions about Netflix’s commitment to diverse, high-quality Indian content. Streaming platforms can only thrive when they balance profitability with artistic integrity and Netflix must understand that it risks alienating audiences craving meaningful storytelling when it sidelines gems like ‘Kaala Paani’ and gives preference to shows like ‘The Royals’ which may draw casual viewers.
The global streaming giant needs to reconsider its metrics for renewals, and understand that it’s not just the numbers that matter all the time. Streamers like Netflix should support creators of bold, original content to ensure India’s streaming landscape remains vibrant and diverse and we don’t get lost in mass frenzy.