Shakuntala Devi is released on 31st July, 2020 on OTT plateform amazon prime.

Well the film is based on the life of world famous mathematician ‘Shakuntala Devi‘. It explores her journey from rags to riches.

The story takes off from the childhood of Shakuntala Devi where she starts showing her mathematical skills and one day her father notices it. He then left his job as lion tamer and trapeze artist from circus to use Shakuntala Devi’s talent to earn money. She starts to earn money and fame as well. Soon she lost her handicapped sister because of financial reason, she then promises to herself to become a very big woman in terms of money and fame. She left her home and family to continue her mathematical showbusiness in London. Then the story follows on how she falls in love for three times, how she marries and how she tackles her life as a mother, wife and a world famous mathematician.

Vidya Balan who has portrayed the titular role, has given a powerful performance. She stays true to her character in every scene. She beautifully shows the different angle of a woman. She justifies the character in every sense because she never tries to overemphasize it. She has done a commendable job by sounding like a tamilian(Convincing Accent).

Sanya Malhotra has portrayed the role of Shakuntala Devi’s daughter and she has given an average performance but it could’ve been better.

Jisshu Sengupta has portrayed the role of Shakuntala Devi’s husband and he’s damm good, he charms in every scene. He has given an amazing performance.

Amit Sadh who has portrayed the role of Shakuntala Devi’s son in law, looks convincing and he’s given a fine performance. Prakash Belawadi who has portrayed the role of Shakuntala Devi’s father, has only few scenes in the film but he owns that scenes.

Screenplay is written by Anu Menon and Nayanika Mahtani. It takes off very well but all of a sudden loses it’s grip and declines very drastically because of the loose ends. They sensationalized and commercialized the story and that’s the highly negative point of the film. How they’ve shown that Shakuntala Devi left alone to London but in reality she had gone with her father. It’s a pity that such a potential film is ruined by cliche screenplay.

Cinematography is done by Keiko Nakahara and it’s executed very poorly. It doesn’t set the right tone to the screenplay. Like the 50s and 60s era doesn’t look like one, it’s been over done in a very glamorous manner. Visuals are good in 00s era but poor in classic era.

The film is directed by Anu Menon( who’s also written the screenplay) and she’s done a good job. She has showcased every character beautifully. The best thing about direction is that every character justifies it’s own point and characters aren’t biased. But had it not been commercialized, it could’ve been top notch.

Well it’s not a must watch but if you love Vidya Balan and Biopics, you can watch it on Amazon Prime.

Note : Please don’t indulge in piracy