‘The Black Prince’ trailer takes internet by storm
Brillstein Entertainment debuted the first trailer for Kavi Raz’s The Black Prince during a special presentation at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. Unveiled by renowned Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj, who made his acting debut in the film, the trailer quickly drew attention online and accumulated more than a million views within hours of release.
The Black Prince chronicles the tragic yet fascinating true story of Maharajah Duleep Singh, one of India’s most noble kings, and his fragile relationship with Queen Victoria, godmother to his children. The story centers on exile, identity, and the uneasy bonds formed between colonized royalty and the British crown.
Sartaaj performed four songs for Raz’s film to help carry the story forward, including an impromptu performance of one of his most popular Punjabi Sufi songs, Darda'n Wala Des. He noted that people might not understand the meaning but would feel the emotion behind it.
“I was initially reluctant when the director approached me for the role,” Sartaaj said, describing how he later took acting classes to improve his expression and dialogue. He expressed hope that worldwide audiences would support him as an actor as much as they had supported him as a musician.
To bring the story to millions of people across the world regardless of ethnicity and locality, the international release included English, Hindi, and Punjabi versions of the film. The multilingual strategy aimed to reach both diaspora audiences and wider markets.
The film stars Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch), Amanda Root (The Iron Lady, Jane Eyre), and Shabana Azmi (Neerja, Arth) in leading roles alongside Sartaaj.
Release Information
Theatrical release occurred July 21 2017 worldwide. The film later became available on streaming and digital platforms, shifting from its original cinema-only window to broader home viewing options.
Awards and Accolades
Wins included Best Original Story at Los Angeles Film Awards and Best Newcomer for Sartaaj at London Independent Film Festival plus Gold Remi at WorldFest Houston. Overall critical reception was mixed to negative, tempering early festival momentum.
Critical Reception and Legacy
The film holds a 7% Tomatometer score from 14 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, averaging 4.1/10 as of late 2023. Critics cited sluggish pacing despite the compelling historical subject, leaving the project with limited long-term critical impact.
Box Office Performance
Worldwide gross reached approximately $633,000 to $639,198. The release stayed limited to select territories, supported by the dubbed Hindi and Punjabi versions intended to widen accessibility.
Satinder Sartaaj's Subsequent Career
Sartaaj took roles in Punjabi films including Ikko Mikke in 2020, Kali Jotta in 2023, and Shayar in 2024. He maintained his primary focus on music and poetry, treating acting as an occasional extension of his established performance work.
Availability and Modern Access
The film is available on select platforms such as KableOne and through digital purchase via Apple TV. Viewers can now access it without waiting for theatrical revivals or festival screenings.
Nine years after its debut, The Black Prince remains a modest entry in the catalog of historical dramas about Indian royalty under British rule. Its modest commercial footprint and muted critical response have kept it largely out of ongoing awards season conversations. The multilingual release and Sartaaj’s dual role as singer and actor still mark it as a distinctive project for audiences interested in Punjabi cinema crossing into English-language markets. Current streaming options make it easier for new viewers to discover the story of Maharajah Duleep Singh and his uneasy connection to Queen Victoria without relying on outdated festival buzz or 2017 trailer metrics.
