Shakuntala Devi Review – It is a perfect math formula for entertainment. Vidya Balan has truly enchanted us, as she brings alive the character of genius mathematician Shakuntala Devi on screen in fabulous manner. She is simply adorable, and excels in the titular role. – An effortless performance as Shakuntala Devi from the 1950s to 2000s absolutely, captivating to watch scene after scene, as every pages of her life unfolds. Vidya has also deep dived in to Shakuntala Devi’s mannerisms and attitude for the character in an natural manner.
Shakuntala Devi Review: A Perfect Math Formula for Entertainment, all the way
Shakuntala Devi Movie Review: ‘Shankuntala Devi’ is about the legendary mathematician’s hypnotizing relationship with numbers and beyond – it is also about her life as a mother and a woman.
The title role has inspired rave after rave. This role reaffirms Vidya Balan as actor, in a class of her own
The story is Shankuntala Devi’s fascinating journey which begins as a three-year-old solving difficult math problems and doing her own shows across schools in a mesmerizing way – What also enthralls you is her valiant and individualistic spirit as a young woman in the 1950’s, who lived by her own rules, lending immense charisma to her persona.
What we view is how she fiercely she protects her beliefs and life faith, at every stage of her life. Truly summarizing with her powerful dialogue ‘Why should I be normal, when I can be amazing?’ Shakuntala Devi (Vidya Balan) asks her daughter Anupama (Sanya Malhotra), when during a confrontation the later questions why she can’t be a ‘normal’ mother.
The movie is truly enjoyable, as it gives you inside view of Shakuntala Devi’s life, her equation with numbers , her personal equations and how in her life journey she often ended up being miscalculated. While the spotlight is on her glorious on stage moments during her Maths Shows, it also exposes us into her string of troubled relationships – with her parents, the over riding anger towards her mother for not standing up to her father when it mattered, the men in her life and finally her strained relationship with her daughter.
The first hour of the film keeps one engaged, and a pleasure to watch, due to its strong well laid out narrative – where in 1950s London, we see an eager and endearing Shakuntala Devi giving it her all and trying to pull off her shows despite all the odds. Her makeover and brushing up of English language skills spearheaded by her Spanish friend Javier (Luca Calvani), sees her undergo a transformation which brings out her vivacious nature.
Shakuntala is soon the toast of parties and a woman who lives her life with abundance. And when love comes in form of Paritosh Banerji (Jisshu Sengupta), she jumps right into the moment, by proposing marriage to him and becoming mother soon. The conflict within between motherhood and being the woman who she inherently is – a maths whiz, doing shows world over, that lead her to make some compelling choices.
Director Anu Menon brings to us the life, through the talented vidya balan – life of a woman whose story is so magical, that is just not possible to take your eyes off. Though there are moments the narrative does seem to be rushed, as though turning the pages of Shakuntala’s milestones ,swiftly (which we understand as there is so much and so little time when it comes to a movie). Also the transformation of scenes from breezy to a dramatic and emotional one is a bit tad and slackening at times (writers – Anu Menon, Nayanika Mahtani though crafted the script quite well).
The movie has been cinematographed well by (Keiko Nakahara) keeping the different periods in mind and Balan’s looks (Costumes – Niharika Bhasin) through the ages blend beautifully. The soundtrack (Sachin-Jigar) is peppy, the number ‘Jhilmil Piya’ (singers – Benny Dayal, Monali Thakur, lyrics – Priya Saraiya) is among the most soulful of all and leaves you to hum after the movie is over.
Vidya Balan is truly = to Shakuntala Devi as she mirrors the genius is an absolute manner, that you can’t resist admiring her talent and skill to go in to the skin of her character, which she excelled over the years in her films. She presents the character of the mathematician in absoluteness from the 1950s to 2000s .
Performances : Besides the brilliance of Vidya Balan, her story is well supported by Jisshu Sengupta as the suave and sensitive Paritosh is a treat to watch and Amit Sadh as Anupama’s supportive husband, Ajay leaves a good impression with his limited screen time. Sanya Malhotra as an elderly Anupama brings in grace to her character.
Who is Shakuntala Devi ?
#ShakuntalaDevi was born in 1929 to Kannadiga parents. Her ability to solve complex mathematical problems amazed her family & relatives from an early age. This was more astounding as she had not received any formal schooling. Who exactly was Shakuntala?
Mixed Reactions: BioPics work only when the film showcase highs and lows of the lead character, this is where Anu Menon excelled. While we would have loved to see the director used more screen time to show the excellence behind Shakuntala Devi’s magic with numbers.
Our Verdict: ‘Shakuntala Devi’ is a joy to watch, it gently, draws the audience into the empowering, and fascinating life and times of the maths whiz – a human computer faster than an actual computer, the free-spirit. What adds energy into the film is Vidya , you have a true cinematic entertainer, that you cant afford to miss.
Watch Vidya Balan’s Shakuntala Devi on Amazon Prime Video
Watch the trailer of Shakuntala Devi