The Black Prince

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.