Plot
The film opens with Krishna (Viraat), a charming yet cunning con artist, being escorted by police after a high-profile arrest. Through a series of flashbacks, the narrative reveals Krishna’s life as a street-smart swindler who thrives on trickery and quick money. His escapades include duping a group of girls led by Sanjana (Sanjana Anand) during a trip to Goa, where he poses as a male entertainer, steals their phones, and demands ransom. Initially furious, Sanjana gradually discovers Krishna’s softer side, learning about his troubled childhood and his dream of living a “royal life.”
Krishna’s world turns upside down when he learns that he is the estranged son of Sudarshan (Achyuth Kumar), a wealthy food-products tycoon who has been in a coma following a freak accident. Raised by his mother (Chaya Singh), who once opposed unethical practices in the family business, Krishna inherits not just a fortune but a crumbling empire on the brink of bankruptcy. The revelation forces him to abandon his conman instincts and shoulder the responsibility of saving the company, honoring his mother’s ideals.
As Krishna steps into the corporate world, he faces a formidable adversary in Raghu Mukherjee, a ruthless rival businessman determined to seize control of the food empire. What follows is a gripping battle of wits, where Krishna uses his street-smart skills to outmaneuver boardroom conspiracies, legal traps, and sabotage attempts. Amidst this chaos, his relationship with Sanjana evolves from mistrust to love, adding emotional depth to the high-stakes drama.
The climax blends family sentiment, corporate intrigue, and action, as Krishna fights to protect his mother’s legacy and restore the company’s lost glory. In doing so, he transforms from a carefree trickster into a responsible heir, proving that true royalty lies in character, not wealth.
Production
Royal marks director Dinakar's return to cinema after six years. The title launch was held on 6 February 2023 which was presided by Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar and producer Vijay Kiragandur. [7] In March 2021, it was reported that Dinakar would team up with Jayanna Films and direct a film with Puneeth Rajkumar in the lead role. [8] However, with the death of Puneeth, the project was shelved and subsequently called off by the makers. Later, with the same producers, Dinakar teamed up and cast Viraat of Kiss (2019) fame upon the decision made by the producers. In July 2022, Dinakar tweeted "We are Overwhelmed to present our next vision Production 23 to be directed by me and produced by Jayanna Films’ Jayanna and Bhogendra Sir" confirming that the project would be an youthful commercial entertainer with thriller elements. He roped in Salaga actor Sanjana Anand to play the female lead. She joined the film sets in August 2022. He further confirmed that the subject he intended to do with Puneeth Rajkumar was not the same as this film's story. The principal photography of the film began in February 2023 in various parts of Karnataka and Goa states.
Reception
The Movie received mixed reviews from critics, with opinions split on its commercial masala appeal and reliance on clichés. The Hindu’s Vivek M. V. wrote, “Royal is a typical Dinakar Thoogudeepa entertainer with Viraat’s charisma carrying the film, but it struggles to rise above formulaic storytelling and predictable tropes.” [11] Times of India’s Sridevi S. noted, “Royal delivers a vibrant commercial package with action and romance, but its over-the-top drama and uneven pacing may not appeal to all.” [12] A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express offered praise, stating, “Viraat shines in Dinakar’s signature family entertainer, with emotional highs and action sequences making Royal a crowd-pleasing watch, despite some narrative flaws.” [13] Shashiprasad S. M. of Times Now echoed this, writing, “Dinakar returns to form with a typical commercial masala entertainer in Royal, where Viraat’s energy and the film’s vibrant execution make it engaging.” [14] Conversely, Deccan Herald’s Swaroop Kodur was critical, stating, “Royal struggles with clichés and a lack of fresh ideas, making it a forgettable addition to Dinakar’s filmography despite Viraat’s efforts.” [15] Y. Maheswara Reddy of Bangalore Mirror had a more positive take, noting, “Royal offers much action and more romance, with Viraat and Sanjana Anand’s chemistry elevating this commercial entertainer.” [16] Manjunath B. Kotagunasi of Hindustan Times remarked, “Royal is a formulaic yet enjoyable masala film, with Viraat’s performance and Dinakar’s direction catering well to commercial cinema fans.” [17]
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