The trailer of the much-anticipated biopic Shakuntala Devi starring Vidya Balan in the titular role was released today. The film – directed by Anu Menon – is a biographical drama based on the life of the globally-celebrated mathematician, Shakuntala Devi, who was also famously referred to as the “human computer” for her ability to do incredibly fast calculations.
Vidya, as the world-renowned math genius steals our hearts within a few seconds into the preview. The actress is a performer par excellence and looks like she is all set to nail many more laurels essaying this role. Playing the math wizard who was ahead of her times and lived on her own terms unapologetically, the role seems like an extension of Vidya’s own self to a large extend and the actress fits the role to the T. Like she says on screen, ‘Why be normal when you can be amazing!’, Vidya does look amazing in the part. She infuses her brand of impish spunk in this awe-inspiring and impressive trailer that spans her journey as a young girl to becoming the celebrated ‘human computer’. But beyond celebrating Shakuntala Devi’s genius on screen, the film also promises to explore her lesser-known personal side – the woman and mother, with all her brilliance, vulnerabilities and flaws.
Sanya Malhotra is looking equally promising as Vidya’s screen daughter with whom she shares a layered and complicated, yet endearing relationship. Their equation looks interesting, as does Vidya’s screen chemistry with Jisshu Sengupta. Also starring in the film is Amit Sadh, who looks convincingly good too. The dialogues hit home too! Overall, the trailer has heightened our curiosity and interest in the life of Shakuntala Devi and her best friend ‘Maths’. Entertaining and interesting, it seems to be a perfect family watch and we are now awaiting it’s global premiere on July 31 when it streams on Amazon Prime Video. Check out the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HA1HRufYso&feature=emb_title
Talking about her upcoming film, Vidya says, “Stepping into the world of Shakuntala Devi was as intimidating as it was exhilarating. Her story is inspirational and makes you see how if we believe in ourselves, the world is our oyster.”
Director Anu Menon adds, “I’ve always been fascinated by Shakuntala Devi and felt hers is an incredible story that resonates with today’s world. While most of us will be familiar with her natural ability for math, the film also explores the lesser-known personal story of Shakuntala Devi.”
Produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra, the screenplay is written by Anu Menon and Nayanika Mahtani, while the dialogues are penned by Ishita Moitra.