Based on the real life story of the last King of Punjab, of the state of Punjab,  Maharaja Dalip Singh, the project will be directed by Kavi Raz and features the acting debut of acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj.  

Brillstein Entertainment Partners executive Jai Khanna will co-produce The Black Prince, Written and to be directed by L.A.-based Indian filmmaker Kavi Raz, Prince will feature the acting debut of one of Punjab's most acclaimed singer-poets, Satinder Sartaaj.

The bilingual English-Hindi project is budgeted at about $5 million and is out to potential producing partners in India. Set in India and the U.K., Prince is eyeing a late September start date. Brillstein will help shepherd the various international cast, crew and production logistics, as well as begin to secure international sales.

The film follows the story of the last Sikh Maharaja — the son of the powerful ruler Ranjit Singh — who was placed on the throne at the age of 5, after the death of his father. In 1849, Punjab was annexed to British India. The young prince was removed from the throne and eventually sent off to England. His attempts to return to India and reclaim his kingdom were thwarted by the British. He ended up a pauper, dying alone in a Paris hotel in 1893.

Sartaaj — who will play the lead role in the film — has been a big star in India for over a decade, giving traditional Sufi and Punjabi music a contemporary twist and selling out concerts worldwide.

"Besides his patrician resemblance to the young Maharaja Dalip Singh, Sartaaj's artistic instincts are highly intelligent and creative," Raz said.

"Having read a number of screenplays during the past few years, I found a deep and profound connection with this story," added Sartaaj. "It's an emotional journey of identity, dignity and legacy. In the trusted hands of this experienced production team, the decision to come on board was simple."

Credits for the article - Hollywood Reporter