A historic film biopic on the poignant life story of the last King of Punjab – Maharajah Duleep Singh – also known as THE BLACK PRINCE, makes its Canadian Premiere at IFFSA International Film Festival of South Asia on May 11th at Cineplex Orion Theaters in Brampton. Hollywood Director Kavi Raz and Mega-Superstar Punjabi Singer Satinder Sartaaj who makes his acting debut is confirmed to attend with supporting Canadian talent, Rup Magon.
Produced by Brillstein Entertainment Partners (Academy Award winning film 12 Years A Slave), THE BLACK PRINCE, a period drama written and directed by Hollywood filmmaker Kavi Raz and filmed widely across the UK and India, carefully captures the tragic, yet fascinating true story and legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh, providing a visual narrative of one of India’s most noble kings, and his fragile relationship with, Queen Victoria, who was Godmother to his children.
Acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj marks his acting debut in THE BLACK PRINCE, essaying the character of Maharajah Duleep Singh with eloquence. He is joined by an esteemed cast of acting stalwarts including Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) as Dr. Login, the foster parent for the Maharajah, English stage, screen actress Amanda Root (The Iron Lady) who portrays the bold role of Queen Victoria; and veteran actress Shabana Azmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother. The film also features Keith Duffy, David Essex OBE, Sophie Stevens,Canadian-French actor Rup Magon in supporting roles.
As the last King of Punjab, THE BL ACK PRINCE chronicles Maharajah Duleep Singh’s lifelong struggle and daring journey of self-discovery in order to reclaim his identity, his faith, and the Kingdom that was rightfully his. This ultimately leads him to meeting his mother after 13 years of her being in exile. THE BLACK PRINCE spotlights Queen Victoria’s cordial relationship with Maharajah Duleep Singh, as he begins adjusting and embracing the English culture he was drawn to at the age of 15. The film also sheds light into his upbringing as an aristocrat in the UK who converts to Christianity under the influence of his foster parents, but later longs to return to his Kingdom, mother and roots. His character, as it evolves is torn between two contrasting cultures – his royal ancestry from the Kingdom of Punjab as its last King, set against his upbringing in the UK as he embarks in a new journey of exile, away from his mother.
THE BLACK PRINCE is also poised to create a wave of intrigue in India and the UK as the story touches upon the historically significant and priceless Kohinoor diamond, which was purportedly gifted by a young 13-year-old Maharajah Duleep Singh to Queen Victoria in a ceremony held in 1850, at Buckingham Palace, London.
THE BLACK PRINCE releases internationally in cinemas on 21st July 2017.
In anticipation of its worldwide release, THE BLACK PRINCE has won several awards including the award for Best Drama Feature at the LA Film Awards, the Special Jury Remi Award at the 50th Annual WorldFest International Film Festival in Houston, and the Best Male Debut Award for Satinder Sartaaj at the London Independent Film Festival. In recognition of the exciting response and interest the film has received from festivals, the film has garnered interest from a range of new territories including Singapore, Kenya, the U.A.E and Germany in addition to the UK, India, USA.
