Prince (2022 film)

Prince
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	K. V. Anudeep
Screenplay by	S. R. Prabhakaran Anand Narayanan
Story by	K. V. Anudeep Mohan Sato
Produced by	Suniel Narang Pushkar Ram Mohan Rao D. Suresh Babu
Starring	Sivakarthikeyan Maria Ryaboshapka Sathyaraj
Cinematography	Manoj Paramahamsa
Edited by	Praveen K. L.
Music by	Thaman S
Production companies	Sree Venkateswara Cinemas Suresh Productions
Distributed by	Suresh Productions Gopuram Cinemas
Release date	21 October 2022 (2022-10-21)
Running time	143 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil
Budget	est. ₹50-60 crore
Box office	est. ₹40 crore [1]

Prince is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by K. V. Anudeep, who co-wrote the script with Anand Narayanan and Mohan Saro. The film is produced by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas and Suresh Productions. It stars Sivakarthikeyan, alongside Maria Ryaboshapka and Sathyaraj in the lead roles. Premgi Amaren, Subbu Panchu, Sathish Krishnan and VTV Ganesh appear in supporting roles. The film follows Anbu, a teacher from Pondicherry, who falls in love with Jessica, a British teacher at his school, which attracts opposition from some of the town's residents.

The film was officially announced in January 2022 under the tentative title #SK20, as it is Sivakarthikeyan's 20th film as the lead actor, and the official title was announced in June 2022. Principal photography commenced in February 2022. It was shot predominantly in Karaikudi and Pondicherry, and wrapped by late-September. The film has music composed by Thaman S, cinematography handled by Manoj Paramahamsa and editing by Praveen K. L..

Prince was released on 21 October 2022. The film received 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 British. 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 Anbu and his friends are taken away. Anbu 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 Anbarasan (Anbu)
• Maria Ryaboshapka as Jessica
• Sathyaraj in a dual role as :
  • Ulaganathan
  • Veluchami
• Premgi Amaren as Boopathy
• Subbu Panchu as DRO
• Pramodhini as Aanand's mother
• Carl A. Harte as William Shafton
• 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
• K. V. Anudeep (cameo appearance)

Production

Development

In July 2021, K. V. Anudeep, who made his debut that year with Jathi Ratnalu, was reported to join hands with Sivakarthikeyan for his next directorial. Production was reportedly set to begin after the actor completed his commitments to Doctor (2021), Don (2022) and Ayalaan (2024); sources claimed that it would be filmed in both the Telugu and Tamil-languages. ^[2] On 1 January 2022, the occasion of New Year, the project was officially announced. Tentatively titled SK 20, music composer Thaman S was chosen to compose the score, in his first collaboration with both the actor and director. Producers Suniel Narang, Suresh Babu D and Pushkar Ram Mohan Rao of banners Sree Venkateshwara Cinemas and Suresh Productions were revealed to jointly fund the venture. ^[3] A muhurat puja was held on 10 February 2022 with the cast and crew. ^{[4] [5]} Though many sources reported the film would be a bilingual Tamil and Telugu production, Sivakarthikeyan said it was filmed only in Tamil. ^[6] In June 2022, it was announced that the film was titled Prince. ^[7]

Casting

Sivakarthikeyan reportedly received ₹30 crore (US$3.6 million) as remuneration. ^[8] 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. ^[9] Olivia Morris, who previously acted in RRR (2022), was reported to be playing the female lead role. ^[10] Ukrainian actor Maria Ryaboshapka was also reported to have been cast in the female lead role. ^[11] In March, Ryaboshapka was confirmed as the film's female lead. ^[12]

Filming

Principal photography commenced on 10 February 2022 with the first schedule in Karaikudi. ^{[13] [14]} The first schedule concluded in March and the same month, the team moved to Pondicherry for the second schedule. ^[15] Ryaboshapka joined the sets in the second schedule. ^{[16] [17]} In May 2022, 90 percent of filming was completed; only a song was left to shoot. ^{[18] [19]} The final schedule commenced in May 2022 in Pondicherry. ^{[20] [21]} Filming wrapped in late September following some re-shoots. ^[22]

Music

Prince
Soundtrack album by Thaman S
Released	2022 (2022)
Recorded	2021–2022
Genre	Feature film soundtrack
Language	Tamil Telugu
Label	Aditya Music
Producer	Thaman S
Thaman S chronology
Godfather (2022) Prince (2022) Varisu (2023)
Singles from Prince
"Bimbiliki Pilaapi" Released: 1 September 2022 "Jessica" Released: 23 September 2022 "Who Am I?" Released: 14 October 2022

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

Tamil

No.	Title	Lyrics	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Bimbiliki Pilapi"	Vivek	Anirudh Ravichander, Ramya Behara, Sahithi Chaganti	4:29
2.	"Jessica"	Arivu	Thaman S	4:42
3.	"Who Am I?"	Arivu	Arivu	3:59
Total length:				11:10

Telugu

No.	Title	Lyrics	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Bimbiliki Pilapi"	Ramajogayya Sastry	Ram Miriyala, Ramya Behara, Sahithi Chaganti	4:29
2.	"Jessica"	Ramajogayya Sastry	Thaman S	4:42
3.	"Who Am I?"	Ramajogayya Sastry	Dinker Kalvala	3:59
Total length:				11:10

Release

Prince was released on 21 October 2022, three days before Diwali. ^{[28] [29]} It had been planned for release on 31 August that year but the release was postponed. ^[30] Streaming rights for the film were sold to Disney+ Hotstar, where it began streaming from 25 November 2022. ^[31]

Reception

Critics gave Prince negative reviews. ^{[32] [33]} 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". ^[34] 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." ^[35] 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". ^[36] 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". ^[37] 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". ^[38]

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." ^[39] 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". ^[40] 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". ^[41] 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." ^[42] 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". ^[43] The film failed at the box office and Sivakarthikeyan agreed to compensate distributors who lost money. ^[44]

References

1. "'Prince' box office collection week 1: Sivakarthikeyan starrer likely to see its end of theatre screening". The Times of India . 28 October 2022. Archived from the original on 24 November 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
2. "Sivakarthikeyan to do a bilingual with 'Jathi Ratnalu' director Anudeep". The Times of India . 12 July 2021. Archived from the original on 31 January 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
3. "'SK 20': Sivakarthikeyan's character and storyline revealed". The Times of India . 5 January 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
4. "The shooting of 'SK 20' begins with a muhurat puja; Sathyaraj joins Sivakarthikeyan". The Times of India . 10 February 2022. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
5. "Sivakarthikeyan's film with Anudeep is titled 'Prince'". The Times of India . 9 June 2022. Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
6. Rajendran, Gopinath (19 October 2022). "Sivakarthikeyan: The success of Prince will foster more Tamil-Telugu collaborations". Cinema Express . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022. We shot Prince only in Tamil as we felt it would be better to concentrate on one version. Reports that we reshot certain scenes with other actors are untrue.
7. "Sivakarthikeyan's SK 20 titled Prince". Cinema Express . 9 June 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
8. "Sivakarthikeyan to receive Rs.30 crore for 'SK 20'". The Times of India . 7 January 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
9. "Will reality show fame Anitha Sampath join 'SK 20'?". The Times of India . 5 January 2022. Archived from the original on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
10. "Olivia Morris to pair opposite Sivakarthikeyan's SK20?". The Times of India . 12 February 2022. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
11. "Ukrainian actress Maria Riaboshapka to romance Sivakarthikeyan in 'SK 20'". The Times of India . 14 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
12. "Ukrainian actress Maria Ryaboshapka joins Sivakarthikeyan's 'SK20'". The Times of India . 21 March 2022. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
13. "Shooting of Sivakarthikeyan-Anudeep KV film to begin tomorrow". Cinema Express . 9 February 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
14. "A glimpse from 'SK 20' movie sets released on Sivakarthikeyan's birthday". The Times of India . 17 February 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
15. "Sivakarthikeyan meets Chief Minister amidst the shooting for 'SK 20'". The Times of India . 26 March 2022. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
16. "Ukrainian actress Maria Riaboshapka to romance Sivakarthikeyan in 'SK 20'". The Times of India . 14 February 2022. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
17. "Ukrainian actress Maria Ryaboshapka joins Sivakarthikeyan's 'SK20'". The Times of India . 21 March 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
18. "Watch: Sivakarthikeyan shooting for 'SK 20' in Pondicherry". The Times of India . 29 May 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
19. "'SK 20' team shoots a song sequence in Pondicherry". The Times of India . 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
20. "Sivekarthikeyan's SK20 To Clash With Karthi's Viruman On Vinayagar Chaturthi". News18 . 31 May 2022. Archived from the original on 9 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
21. "Sivakarthikeyan says Simbu was emotional after watching 'Don'". The Times of India . 8 June 2022. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
22. "Shooting of Sivakarthikeyan's Prince wrapped up". The Times of India . 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
23. "Sivakarthikeyan collaborates with S Thaman, to write song lyrics for his Telugu film 'SK 20'". The Times of India . 3 January 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
24. "Bimbiliki Pilaapi, first song from Sivakarthikeyan's Prince is out". Telugucinema.com . 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
25. "Bimbilikki Pilapi, the first single from Prince out". Cinema Express . 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
26. "Jessica, second single from Prince to be out tomorrow". Cinema Express . 22 September 2022. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
27. "Third single from Prince Who Am I out". Cinema Express . 14 October 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
28. "Sivakarthikeyan: 'Prince retains flavour of Jaathi Ratnaalu'". The Indian Express . 19 October 2022. Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
29. "Sivakarthikeyan's Prince to hit big screens on Oct 21". DT Next . 4 October 2022. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
30. "Sivakarthikeyan's SK 20 release date is out". The News Minute . 31 May 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
31. "Sivakarthikeyan's 'Prince' to stream on OTT from November last week". Cinema Express . 14 November 2022. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
32. K, Janani (26 October 2022). "Prince box office collection Day 5: Sivakarthikeyan's film witnesses a huge drop". India Today . Archived from the original on 7 November 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2023. The film has been receiving mixed reviews from the critics and audience alike.
33. "HERE's what happened when Karthi watched Sardar and Sivakarthikeyan watched Prince FDFS". OTTPlay . 21 October 2022. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022. It opened to negative reviews at the box office with feedback that the comedy falls flat.
34. "Prince Review: Sivakarthikeyan is A Laugh Riot". Sakshi Post . 21 October 2022. Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
35. V, Arvind (21 October 2022). "Prince Movie Review: A Sivakarthikeyan fun film whose plot is not meant to be taken seriously". Pinkvilla . Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
36. Purushothaman, Kirubhakar (21 October 2022). "Prince movie review: Sivakarthikeyan's absurd comedy drama works in parts". The Indian Express . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
37. Athimuthu, Soundarya (21 October 2022). "'Prince' Review: Sivakarthikeyan's Film Is a Quirky Take on Love". The Quint . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
38. Suganth, M. (21 October 2022). "Prince Movie Review : This comedy falls flat despite quirky premise". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
39. K., Janani (21 October 2022). "Prince Movie Review: Sivakarthikeyan and Anudeep's madcap flick offers sporadic laughs". India Today . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
40. Sundar, Priyanka (22 October 2022). "Prince movie review: A partly effective spoof or a juvenile joke?". Firstpost . Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
41. Singaravel, Bharathy (21 October 2022). "Prince review: Sivakarthikeyan's attempt at romantic comedy is a cringe-fest". The News Minute . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
42. Subramanian, Lakshmi (21 October 2022). "Prince review: Laughter not guaranteed". The Week . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
43. Darshan, Navein (2 October 2022). "Prince Movie Review: A reasonably effective mindless comedy". Cinema Express . Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
44. "Sivakarthikeyan compensates for 'Prince' loss; gives Rs 3 crores to distributors". The Times of India . 4 January 2023. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.

External links

• Prince at IMDb