The Royals 2: Delhi Crime’s Tanuj Chopra Takes Over as Director

The second season of Netflix’s The Royals is starting its shoot with a new name in the director’s chair. Tanuj Chopra, who directed seasons two and three of Delhi Crime, has taken over from Jasmeet K Reen.

Days after reports suggested Mitakshara Kumar was the replacement, producers Rangita and Ishita Nandy have clarified that Kumar was never formally signed, never shot a scene, and that Chopra replacing Reen is the only confirmed change in the director’s seat.

What the production actually said

The update comes from a Mid-Day report. The producers had discussed the project with Kumar, and she was reportedly excited, but there were concerns about whether she could manage a show of this scale. Those talks didn’t convert into a contract, yet her name got pulled into the story anyway.

Netflix, the report adds, was keen on Chopra. He is now filming in Jaisalmer, with shooting starting on October 19, and he may reshoot some of the material Reen directed before the parting.

Nitya Mehra is still in the mix

The original plan was split: Reen was expected to direct four episodes, while Nitya Mehra was expected to direct the remaining four. When the relationship between Reen and the makers broke down over creative differences, Mehra was asked to step in and directed the opening episode. She remains associated with the series.

That keeps some continuity. The bigger challenge is emotional continuity: when a season is built across multiple directors, the edit and performances need a unified feel.

Who is coming back

The new season brings back the stars viewers tuned in for:

• Returning: Ishaan Khatter, Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar and Nora Fatehi, with Fatehi reportedly getting a more substantial storyline this time.
• New face: Sini Shetty as the female lead opposite Khatter.
• Expanded ensemble: Gurfateh Pirzada, Sheeba Chadha, Gajraj Rao and Sanjay Suri join the cast.
• Out: Bhumi Pednekar, who appeared in the first season, will not return.

Why the new director fits

Chopra’s Delhi Crime work is the strongest signal here. That franchise runs on tension, character and tight storytelling, which could bring a more grounded register to The Royals’ glossy world. It is not a guarantee of success, but it gives the second season a clear directorial identity at a moment when the show needed one.

The producers are also reportedly interested in working with Kumar on another project, so this isn’t a burned bridge, just a job that went a different way.

What to watch next

Cameras are rolling, but possible reshoots mean the season may take time to find its final shape. The cast expansion and Nora Fatehi’s larger role are likely to be early marketing hooks for Netflix. For viewers, the next sensible signal is whether the new Jaisalmer footage matches the visual language of the first season, or deliberately departs from it.

Source: The Times of India