By Anil Merani: Ronit Roy’s return to television with “Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan,” where he portrays King Someshwar, is not an indication of a lack of success in web series or films, as some have suggested. Rather, it reflects his deep connection to television and the increasingly blurred lines between different media. Roy has consistently emphasized his loyalty to television, calling it his “home” and crediting it for revitalizing his career after earlier struggles in film. His iconic roles in shows like “Kasautii Zindagii Kay” and “Adaalat” established him as one of India’s highest-paid TV actors. His return after a three-year hiatus (since “Swaran Ghar” in 2022) showcases his selective approach to projects, favoring meaningful roles over the medium itself.
Roy’s career spans films (“Udaan,” “2 States,” “Kaabil”), web series (“Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain,” “Candy”), and television, achieving both critical and commercial success across all platforms. His performance in “Udaan” (2010) earned him a Filmfare Award and was recognized among the decade’s best by Film Companion. His recent projects include the upcoming film “Maa,” set for release in June 2025, alongside his television return, illustrating his active involvement across various platforms. Choosing a historical drama like “Prithviraj Chauhan” aligns with his preference for well-defined characters, as he has noted that he avoids roles that do not resonate with him, regardless of the medium’s prestige or compensation.
The merging of mediums is evident in the industry’s shift toward finite series and cross-platform storytelling. Roy himself has advocated for shorter, season-based TV formats (50–90 episodes) to cater to modern viewing habits, as seen in his comments about a potential “Adaalat” reboot for 2025. This aligns with the preferences of many viewers who favor shorter, more engaging content. High-quality production values in television, such as the grand scale of “Prithviraj Chauhan,” and the involvement of film stars like Padmini Kolhapure in the cast, further blur the lines between television, OTT, and cinema. Audiences now consume content fluidly across platforms, with Sony TV utilizing both traditional broadcasts and SonyLIV streaming for the premiere of “Prithviraj Chauhan” on June 4, 2025.
Ronit Roy’s return to television is not a fallback but a conscious choice to embrace a significant role in a medium he values. His ability to balance work at a security agency, along with films and television, underscores his versatility rather than a lack of success in any one area. This return serves as a testament to his adaptability and the evolving industry that is erasing rigid boundaries between television, web, and film.