Common Sense Media Review
By Sakhi Thirani
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bollywood drama has violence, sexual harassment, smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Shehzada
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SHEHZADA tells the story of Bantu (Kartik Aaryan), the heir of the renowned and wealthy Jindal family. Valmiki (Paresh Rawal), a conniving employee working for the Jindals, swaps Bantu at birth with his own son. Growing up as a middle-class Indian boy, happy-go-lucky Bantu falls in love with his boss, Samara (Kriti Sanon). But upon discovering his true biological identity, along with the problems that impair his blood ties, will Bantu be able to safeguard them and marry the love of his life?
Is It Any Good?
This action-packed romance drama is silly, chaotic, and hard to sit through. A film that endorses biological determinism, Shehzada (which literally means "prince") is an unnecessary remake that seldom entertains. It constructs an absurdly illogical world where babies are easily juggled around in hospital wards, billionaires have no security, and women are mere objects. Female characters continually need to be saved from harassment, threats, and kidnappings by the typical male hero who can throw punches in slow-motion. They only enter the screen for romantic appeal or to be ruthlessly killed off for shock value. A stale tale that wastes the potential of a renowned cast, this film fails to meet even the most basic expectations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Shehzada. Did you find it entertaining or over-the-top? Did the film's style make it less impactful? If so, why?
How were female characters portrayed? Were they well developed? Parents, talk to your teens about the sexual harassment some of the characters faced.
How did the movie represent smoking? What are some real-life consequences of it?
Have you seen the original Telugu-language movie? How did this compare? What makes a good remake?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 17, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : April 14, 2023
- Cast : Kartik Aaryan , Kriti Sanon , Paresh Rawal
- Director : Rohit Dhawan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Viva Entertainment , Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 142 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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