Prince (2022 film)

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 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 Williams takes his case to the police but it is withdrawn.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 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.

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. 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. A muhurat puja was held on 10 February 2022 with the cast and crew. Though many sources reported the film would be a bilingual Tamil and Telugu production, Sivakarthikeyan said it was filmed only in Tamil. In June 2022, it was announced that the film was titled Prince.

Casting
Sivakarthikeyan reportedly received inr 300000000 as remuneration. 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. Olivia Morris, who previously acted in RRR (2022), was reported to be playing the female lead role. Ukrainian actor Maria Ryaboshapka was also reported to have been cast in the female lead role. In March, Ryaboshapka was confirmed as the film's female lead.

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

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

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

Reception
Critics gave Prince mixed-to-negative reviews. 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". 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." 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". 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". 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".

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." 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". 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". 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." 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". The film failed at the box office and Sivakarthikeyan agreed to compensate distributors who lost money.