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» » The Black Prince (2017)

Short summary

'The Black Prince' is a story of Queen Victoria and the Last King of Punjab, Maharajah Duleep Singh. His character as it evolves, torn between two cultures and facing constant dilemmas as a result. His relationship with Queen Victoria will be the most impactful relationship in the film, the Queen representing the English culture he was drawn into. The Black Prince begins a lifelong struggle to regain his Kingdom. It takes him on an extraordinary journey across the world.

A romantic strategy. To twitch KOHINOOR (finest diamond on planet) from Maharaja Duleep singh.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Lailace
    Disconnected and clinical look at what should have been a fascinating true story. Plastic acting, oversimplified script, terrible direction and editing which made one much better off googling the real "Black Prince". Almost unworthy even for TV. Very disappointing especially as there were so many high reviews on IMDb.
  • comment
    • Author: Shan
    I was quite excited to see this film. India is a great nation with a rich and vast history. The premise and title showed it could be a great historical film. Sadly I was left rather disappointed. A number of things could have been tweaked or changed which makes this a missed opportunity.

    For most of this film it was somewhat hard to follow what was going on in some parts. We can understand the premise but the background that led to his exile and how he lost everything was loosely depicted. One could not follow exactly what was happening and I had to look up Wikipedia for information. Certain historical figures could have been used more such as Queen Victoria. This film never felt too coherent and quite disjointed, it recklessly jumped from scene to scene. With such great subject matter its a shame such a good story was badly told.

    Another thing I feel to mention is the lack of compassion I feel for the main character and historical figure. It is undeniable that India was under brutal and horrid British rule but did this Prince really get the short end of the straw? He was treated as royalty in England, captured the Queen's attention and lived in luxury for his young adult life. He also could have any woman he chooses. Life is not always fair but you make do with the hand you are dealt and the hand Duleep Singh was dealt was not so bad and he could make the best of his situation rather than completely turn his back on those who cared for him. Based purely on the film and information available online perhaps Duleep experienced so much loss in his adult life because he did not appreciate what he already had. Important to note that as an Indian he was treated with great respect and affection on British soil unlike Indians on Indian soil, it was his choice to denounce his new family. As Queen Victoria said there is no government built on truth. Nevertheless it could have been a great film but sadly lacked coherence and acute direction.

    6/10
  • comment
    • Author: Auridora
    This epic movie on the the Last King of Punjab is a MUST WATCH!! Having worked on the production as well as the passion for the history behind the movie plays close to heart. The cast was amazing as was the production. It gives the message as true as possible to the facts based on the research completed to make this feature. The main thing for me as a Biritish SIkh born and raised in England was how it shows Maharaj Duleep Singh was kept as a Christian and how he finds his faith and gets baptised as a Sikh, his true heritage.
  • comment
    • Author: Ericaz
    About 70-75% of Sikhs/Punjabis are really unaware of this part of our history. The movie is based on true story and facts about 'Maharaja Duleep Singh', who was exiled to Britain. His relation with Queen Victoria and his mom 'Jind Kaur' and his fight to get his kingdom back from Britishers is beautifully explained.

    It is not only about Sikhs or Punjabis, It is for all who tried hard or fought for their pride and rights.
  • comment
    • Author: Ttexav
    10/10 story nice depicted, A must watch

    The last Sikh prince of Punjab is placed on the throne at five, but when India is annexed to the British, he is sent to England and never allowed to return to his home.

    THE TRUE STORY OF MAHARAJAH DULEEP SINGH.
  • comment
    • Author: Andriodtargeted
    First of all, the acting of Satinder Sartaj was sensational as his emotions really matched the tone and mood of the movie. The movie was very well put together and didn't hide any elements of history which in turn added to the realism of the movie. Overall, I'd conclude saying if you're a fellow Punjabi and want to know historically about the region then this movie is for you. Lastly, i don't give many 10/10's but this movie truly deserved it!
  • comment
    • Author: Ytli
    The entire movie is based on one royal family member and his plight from subtle trans cultural ambiguity and emotional turmoil. The hero's acting was outstanding. Even though I have vast experience in life, I was able to learn more about patience, respect, devotion and passion from merely watching the way the hero performed. Outstanding actor and a romantic actor of a kind. The supporting stars such as Queen Elizabeth, his British Father, His real estranged Mother, His personal Aide, The Palace staff and their adoration, the Punjabi Priests and the Revolutionist were meant to edify and reinforce the hero's pleasant and royal persona even in the midst of difficult times. I was amazed by the utmost loyalty of the personal Aide to the hero. The movie ends in sad note which came as a dislike to the audience, who at the end of the show were still mourning. I thought it was very true and real and not confabulated with fiction. I gave an 8
  • comment
    • Author: Oveley
    I was greatly looking forward to seeing this film about one of the most important periods in Sikh history. However I left the cinema feeling very disappointed. The producer and director missed a unique opportunity to portray events properly. For starters, Duleep Singh was portrayed as a morose, colourless, depressed person. There was no spark at all. Queen Victoria did not look remotely like the actual person. The other actors were no better than any school amateur drama group. Many of the events in the film were not shown to their natural conclusions. For example, what happened to the Sikhs being herded in the jail? It's no point writing out in the end that so many were hanged etc. No, I am not looking for gory scenes, but, there are dignified and thoughtful ways of showing such events. I came to see a film not read a book! His exile in Scotland where he got the nickname of the Black Prince, was not shown. Scenes have been put together like a drunk attempting a jigsaw puzzle. The only character who gave a good and realistic performance was Shabana Azmi as the Prince's mother. But it still was not enough to save the film. Don't waste your time and money on this film. See something else.
  • comment
    • Author: Brajind
    The Black Prince brings forth the forgotten chapters of the history. Set in the 19th Century it reminds the Sikh audience about their lost glory and brings in an emotive touch and deep sense of loss. Its tragic story but it makes you positively restless.

    I strongly recommend youngsters to watch it.
  • comment
    • Author: Steel_Blade
    A must watch movie. Best ever in Punjabi cinema...Everyone should watch this movie, as it is the great saga of last king of Punjab 'Maharaja Duleep Singh'. Most people are saying that this movie lacks something, but according to me, this was a great approach to tell the real life history of the maharaja. Satinder sartaj and Shabana Azmi ji both played their roles very well, like a professional. Congratulations to the whole team for bringing such a great saga of maharaja duleep singh to the people.
  • comment
    • Author: Beazezius
    Best understood if you already know something about British History in the Punjab or are of Punjabi origin. That should not detract other interested viewers. The Raj is not portrayed in a great light and this has triggered some knee-jerk reaction in the content of some professional reviews and press elsewhere. However rather than use this to create divide or animosity over historic events, it is testament to the good morals and integrity of the majority of Sikhs who have embraced the UK as their home and positively contributed so much to modern day Britain as well as the sacrifices made during two world wars. They have managed to overlook the earlier battles against the British before Punjab was annexed and this defining period in history where Sikh rule and the Kingdom of Punjab was effectively and abruptly brought to an end. The story of Maharaja Duleep Singh (The Black Prince) whilst tragic for a lost individual and wandering soul could be marginalized by observing his obvious flaws and flamboyant lifestyle. However, realizing that his life was largely out of his control from the tender age of 5 years, his shortcomings should be forgiven to realize the true tragedy lies in the loss of direction for his people and the demise of the grand Kingdom his father (Maharaja Ranjit Singh) justly ruled.
  • comment
    • Author: lifestyle
    totally awesome movie its great honour for me and my respected dr.satinder sartaj as a lead role in this movie.finally this is a first movie who create in punjabi language and most of all the character work in more than good.the hstory of this movie is related to punjabi culture so i really appreciate for this movie.
  • comment
    • Author: Cobyno
    I watched this movie with expectations of an important part of Sikh History delivered with a heavy wash of Indian patriotism. I was suprised that the director showed the Sikh narrative of the tragic events and was honest and sincere in delivering his message. Sartaj took on this project with zero experience in acting and to be honest during the movie I forgot that Sartaj was whom I was watching. Such was the brilliance and dedication from Sartaj in portraying Duleep Singh.
  • comment
    • Author: betelgeuze
    The movie depicts the story of Maharaja Duleep Singh in a very powerful way. Watching the movie was like living the History. The act of Shabana Azmi as Maharani Jindan, mother of Maharaja Duleep Singh, was great. The film makers were successful in presenting the historical facts on silver screen in an artistic way.
  • comment
    • Author: Nicanagy
    Well i catched the screening in Hong Kong yesterday. I was very impressed by the acting, music and flow of the movie. It's a very well given tribute to Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last maharaja of sikhs. Satinder Sartaj played his role very honestly and very good for first timer. His eyes speak more than his dialogues. I would like to thank the team of the black prince who made and brought this beautiful piece of work to the audience. its a must watch for every person especially sikhs to get to know about their rich history. And very well taught lesson on sikh history especially on maharaja duleep singh's life journey. Don't forget to listen to the songs. They lift the quotient of the emotions in the film and they are just beautiful. i watched the Hindi version and it was really good. Will be watching the English version once its out on DVD.
  • comment
    • Author: generation of new
    The tale of Maharaja Duleep Singh in 2 hours could not be told better in 2 hours. The film has done a great job capturing the key moments of his life. I guess it would be fair to say that anybody not aware of who he was and why he was such a crucial figure in Anglo Indian history may not capture the true essence of the film. I have sent all my friends to watch this film given this pointers as a background (All these points have supporting evidence):

    1. Maharaja Duleep was the son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Who ruled the Punjab prior to colonial rule and it was his kingdom that was split to create Pakistan before colonial rule left India 1947 2. Panjab(Duleeps kingdom) was about 4 to 5 times bigger than current day Panjab and was wealthier than England. To give you an idea the Kohinoor is valued at £100m today and that was just one of his thousands of assets. Also his kingdom helped to finance GB industrial revolution 3. Duleep was a threat as he was symbol of hope to his people the fact that he was separated from his mother and never allowed to set foot on his birth soil not even in death support this notion. No other Indian king was taken in this manner. Why would he not be allowed to go back home or be with his mom?

    Sophie Steven played Bamba Muller so well she moved me to tears.

    Shabana Azmi - my god subtle yet powerful.

    Amanda Root - amazing

    Jason Flemming - Smooth.

    Satinder Sartaaj - portrayed the calm before the storm very.

    David Essex - Great

    Leanne Joyce - Sassy

    I think the film created the atmosphere it aimed to created and you can feel it throughout the film It kept me watching from beginning to end and also moved me to tears. Make sure you have tissues with you :-)
  • comment
    • Author: Uanabimo
    An incredibly beautiful looking movie. The story is so rich and the actors bring the people on the page to life. Grwat overall movie, highly recomended.
  • Cast overview, first billed only:
    Satinder Sartaaj Satinder Sartaaj - Maharaja Duleep Singh
    Amanda Root Amanda Root - Queen Victoria
    Jason Flemyng Jason Flemyng - Dr. Login
    Shabana Azmi Shabana Azmi - Rani Jindan
    Emma Kenny Emma Kenny - Lady Login
    David Essex David Essex - Colonel Hurbon
    Rup Magon Rup Magon - Arur Singh
    Sophie Stevens Sophie Stevens - Bamba Müller
    Keith Duffy Keith Duffy - Casey
    Leanne Joyce Leanne Joyce - Ada Wetherill
    Alexa Morden Alexa Morden - Young Victoria
    Tony Hasnath Tony Hasnath - Prince Victor Duleep Singh
    Ranjit Singh Shubh Ranjit Singh Shubh - Thakur Singh
    Ameet Chana Ameet Chana - Aziz-Ud-Din
    Lyndon Ogbourne Lyndon Ogbourne - Sir O'Burne
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