Netflix’s The Royals is reportedly going through a change behind the scenes. Darlings director Jasmeet K Reen, who was brought on to direct the second season, has allegedly walked out of the project midway through the shoot.
Reen had replaced Nupur Asthana, who directed the first season along with Priyanka Ghose. She was directing the second season alongside Nitya Mehra, who recently directed Hunkkaar: The Roar. According to reports, Mehra may now take charge of the entire season.
Sources from the sets claim that Reen left the show after an alleged altercation with producer Rangita Nandy. People present on the set reportedly said that Nandy spoke to Reen over a loudspeaker, with members of the crew able to hear the conversation.
One source described the incident as “humiliating” and said that such behaviour would be difficult for any director to accept.
Following the reported incident, the shoot was said to have been temporarily stopped, with some members of the cast and crew returning to Mumbai.
There is currently no confirmation on whether Reen will return to the sets of The Royals Season 2. The next shooting schedule is expected to take place in Udaipur, and it remains unclear whether Mehra will direct the season alone.
A crew member said both directors are respected by the team and added that the crew hopes Reen returns to complete the show.
The first season of The Royals starred Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter. Ishaan is set to return as Maharaj Aviraaj in Season 2. Sini Shetty is reportedly joining the show as the new female lead, while Gurfateh Pirzada is also part of the upcoming season.