Prince (2022 film)

Prince is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by K. V. Anudeep; and produced by Suniel Narang, D. Suresh Babu, Pushkar Ram Mohan Rao under the banners Sree Venkateswara Cinemas and Suresh Productions. The film, which stars Sivakarthikeyan, Maria Ryaboshapka and Sathyaraj, revolves around a teacher from Pondicherry who falls in love with a British teacher at his school, which attracts opposition from some of the town's residents.

Prince
Theatrical release poster
Directed byK. V. Anudeep
Written byK. V. Anudeep
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyManoj Paramahamsa
G.K Vishnu (1 song)
Edited byPraveen K. L.
Music byThaman S
Production
companies
Distributed bySuresh Productions
Gopuram Cinemas
Release date
  • 21 October 2022 (2022-10-21)
Running time
143 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Box officeest. ₹40 crore[1]

The film was announced in January 2022. Principal photography began the following February and ended that September. Thaman S composed the film's music, and Manoj Paramahamsa and Praveen K. L. handled cinematography and editing, respectively. Prince was released on 21 October 2022; it received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics and failed at the box office.

Plot

Anbarasan (Anbu) is a popular, social science teacher at a secondary school in Pondicherry. Anbu, whose father is Ulaganathan, comes from a rich and successful family. In Ulaganathan's village, society is based on the Indian caste system and religion; Ulaganathan eschews these conventions and encourages other villagers to do the same. Ulaganathan is embarrassed because his daughter married her cousin without his consent; he hopes Anbu will not do the same and makes him sign a document promising not to do so.

Jessica, a British woman who was born and raised in India, begins working as an English teacher in the school where Anbu works. Anbu develops a crush on her. Jessica's father Williams wants to return to England; his ownership of the land is challenged by Boopathy, who discriminates against Williams, stating he is not Indian. Jessica's student Mahesh scores poorly on a test; the principal is disappointed in Jessica so Anbu decides to tutor Mahesh. Mahesh's grade improves, which Jessica notices, and she develops a liking for Anbu. Anbu confesses his love for Jessica; she is doubtful at first but soon reciprocates his feelings. Williams takes his case to the police but it is withdrawn. Anbu tells his parents about Jessica, who meets them. She states she is from the French Colony of Cambridge. Ulaganathan likes Jessica, and Anbu and Jessica are happy.

Anbu starts supporting Williams's case, telling Boopathy to stop, but Williams still dislikes Anbu. Ulaganathan had believed Jessica was French but when he realises she is British, he disapproves of Anbu's relationship with her, mainly because Ulaganthan's grandfather was killed by the British. At a pub, Anbu and Jessica celebrate Anbu's friend's birthday. They inadvertently start celebrating when the England cricket team defeats the Indian side, and Boopathy believes they are celebrating India's defeat. A fight ensues and Anbu hits Boopathy's head, which starts bleeding. Williams sees this and realises Anbu is a good man. Williams invites Anbu for dinner and Anbu learns Williams' family has lived in India for 50 years.

Every year, Ulaganthan is given the honour to raise the Indian flag on India's Independence Day. This year, he is not allowed because of Anbu's actions in hitting Boopathy and supporting the English cricket team. Ulaganthan wrongly believes Boopathy owns the land. Ulaganathan is angry and waits with some villagers at Williams' house. Ulaganathan confronts Williams, who wants to talk with Ulaganthan in private. When he tries to guide Ulaganathan into his house, the villagers pull on Williams, causing Ulaganthan to fall into some mud. The villagers spread rumours Williams pushed Ulaganathan into the mud. The villagers assemble in front of Williams' house and throw rocks at it.

Williams decides to return to England with his family. Anbu and his friends start fighting the protesting villagers but police are called, and Williams and his friends are taken away. Williams is exiled from the village for a week. Jessica goes to Ulaganthan's house and tells him the truth, she also on behalf of the Britishers who ruled India apologises for ruling them. Ulaganathan and his wife feel pity for Jessica and her family. Anbu makes a speech and is ejected, and says patriotism or humanity. The villagers realise their mistake and let Anbu back in. Anbu catches up to Williams, Jessica and their grandmother, who have been pulled over. They all apologise and Ulaganthan welcomes them back into the village, promising to treat them with respect, and accepts Anbu's and Jessica's relationship.

Cast
  • Sivakarthikeyan as Aanand/Anbarasan (Anbu)
  • Maria Ryaboshapka as Jessica
  • Sathyaraj as Ulaganathan and Ulaganathan's grandfather Veluchamy (dual role)
  • Premgi Amaren as Boopathy
  • Subbu Panchu as DRO
  • Pramodhini as Aanand's mother
  • Carl A. Harte as Williams
  • Svetlana Grigorashchenko as Jessica's grandmother
  • Sabita Roy as abroad guy's wife
  • Rethika Srinivas as school principal
  • Sathish Krishnan as Anbu's friend
  • Prankster Rahul as Anbu's friend
  • Finally Bhaarath as Anbu's friend
  • VTV Ganesh as Doctor
  • Pondy Ravi as SI
  • Gnanaprasad as Boopathy henchman
  • Smrudhi as Malar
  • Anandha Kannan as Ulaganathan's son in law
  • Harishankarnath as vegetable shop Ganapathy
  • Master Shakthi as Mahesh
  • Madhavan as student
  • Saathvik as student
  • S. R. Ranjith as reporter
  • Hello Kandasamy as villager
  • George Vijay as villager
  • Finally Raj as villager
  • Anandaraj as Inspector Muthupandi, cameo appearance
  • Soori as abroad guy, cameo appearance
  • Anudeep K. V. (cameo appearance)

Production

Development

Prince was announced in January 2022 under the working title SK20.[2][3] The film was directed by K. V. Anudeep; and produced by Suniel Narang, Suresh Babu D and Pushkar Ram Mohan Rao under the banners Sree Venkateshwara Cinemas and Suresh Productions.[4] A muhurat puja was held on 10 February 2022 with the cast and crew.[5][6] Many sources reported the film would be a bilingual Tamil and Telugu production, Sivakarthikeyan said it was filmed only in Tamil.[7] In June 2022, it was announced film was titled Prince.[8]

Casting

Sivakarthikeyan reportedly received ₹30 crore (US$3.8 million) as remuneration.[9] It was reported the film would have two female lead roles, which would be played by Rashmika Mandanna and Anitha Sampath, but these reports were false. Premgi Amaren was reported to play an important role in the film.[10] Olivia Morris, who previously acted in RRR (2022), was reported to be playing the female lead role.[11] Ukrainian actor Maria Ryaboshapka was also reported to have been cast in the female lead role.[12] In March, Ryaboshapka was confirmed as the film's female lead.[13]

Filming

Principal photography commenced on 10 February 2022 with the first schedule in Karaikudi.[14][15] The first schedule concluded in March and the same month, the team moved to Pondicherry for the second schedule.[16] Ryaboshapka joined the sets in the second schedule.[17][18] In May 2022, 90 percent of filming was completed; only a song was left to shoot.[19][20] The final schedule commenced in May 2022 in Pondicherry.[21][22] Filming wrapped in late September following some re-shoots.[23]

Music
Prince
Soundtrack album by
Thaman S
Released2022 (2022)
Recorded2021–2022
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LanguageTamil
Telugu
LabelAditya Music
ProducerThaman S
Thaman S chronology
Godfather
(2022)		 Prince
(2022)		 Varisu
(2023)
Singles from Prince
  1. "Bimbiliki Pilaapi"
    Released: 1 September 2022
  2. "Jessica"
    Released: 23 September 2022
  3. "Who Am I?"
    Released: 14 October 2022

Thaman S composed the music for Prince, it is his first collaboration with Sivakarthikeyan.[24] The first single "Bimbiliki Pilapi" was released on 1 September 2022,[25][26] the second single "Jessica" was released on 23 September,[27] and the third single "Who Am I?" was released on 14 October.[28]

Tamil
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Bimbiliki Pilapi"VivekAnirudh Ravichander, Ramya Behara, Sahithi Chaganti4:29
2."Jessica"ArivuThaman S4:42
3."Who Am I?"ArivuArivu3:59
Total length:11:10
Telugu
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Bimbiliki Pilapi"Ramajogayya SastryRam Miriyala, Ramya Behara, Sahithi Chaganti4:29
2."Jessica"Ramajogayya SastryThaman S4:42
3."Who Am I?"Ramajogayya SastryDinker Kalvala3:59
Total length:11:10

Release

Prince was released on 21 October 2022, three days before Diwali.[29][30] It had been planned for release on 31 August that year but the release was postponed.[31] Streaming rights for the film were sold to Disney+ Hotstar and Star India Network bought the satellite rights.[32] Prince began streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from 25 November 2022.[33]

Reception

Critics gave Prince mixed-to-negative reviews.[34][35] Sakshi Post rated the film 3.25 stars out of 5 and wrote; "Sivakarthikeyan's film is a laugh riot and a total paisa vasool".[36] Arvind V of Pinkvilla rated the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote: "While Jathi Ratnalu looked every bit homegrown, Prince looks half-manufactured. This is not to say that the film is unfunny. It has its moments."[37] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express rated the film 2.5 stars out of 5; according to the reviewer; "Director Anudeep's brand of comedy is unique and might not be for everyone".[38] Soundarya Athimuthu of The Quint rated the film 2.5 stars out of 5 stars and wrote: "Prince has interesting elements and does make you laugh at times, but just that it feels like a film that would have worked better had it come a few years back when he was still not the big thing he is today. Unfortunately, he has set his bars high".[39] According to M. Suganth of The Times of India, who rated the film 2 stars out of 5; "Even Sivakarthikeyan, who turns on the comic persona from his early films that made him a star, is only able to just about keep the film from sinking".[40]

Janani K of India Today rated the film 2 stars out of 5 and wrote: "Prince is a madcap comedy that tries to make the audience laugh throughout its runtime. But, you get only occasional laughs in the latter half."[41] Priyanka Sundar of Firstpost rated the film 2 out of 5, calling it a mixed bag and writing; "For those who enjoy the grand comic set-up with momentary payoff, for those who have the patience to relate with such elaborate set up, it is an enjoyable entertainer".[42] Bharathy Singaravel of The News Minute rated the film 1 star out of 5 and wrote; "Romance, comedy or reference to colonial history, Telugu director Anudeep KV's first foray into Kollywood has no grasp of all three".[43] Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week also rated the film 1 star out of 5 and wrote: "Sivakarthikeyan looks good as always. But the actor fails to deliver the laughs that Prince promised."[44] Navein Darshan of Cinema Express gave the film's rating 2.5 stars out of 5 and wrote; "The title Prince doesn't bear much relevance to the actual film, except as a tribute to its star actor".[45] The film failed at the box office and Sivakarthikeyan agreed to compensate distributors who lost money.[46]

References
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