Shakuntala Devi Review: Difficult equations

Biopics are tricky as you have to show what is already known, more dramatically. Seldom, a filmmaker makes it so cheesy and over the top that it loses the connection with its audience. Similarly, Anu Menon’s directorial Shakuntala Devi suffers from the same clique treatment.

The biopic on the extraordinary life of world-renowned mathematician Shakuntala Devi, who lived life on her terms fails on over-exemplifying the heroism of the lead character. So much so that it almost feels superficial and unreal.

Co-written by Anu Menon, Nayanika Mahtani, and Ishita Moitra, Shakuntala Devi captures the life and achievements of the noted mathematician but fails to give an insight into how this Maths genius beat the computers in computing the solution of a problem. Devi is called “Human-Computer” but as some of the characters keep on asking Shakuntala, “How did you do it Devi?”, well that remains unanswered. The screenplay takes a non-linear approach but feels over the top. We are given sequences after sequences of audiences applauding Devi, who solves equations in a blink of an eye.  The emotional bits of the film feels contrived and predictable.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the film starring Vidya Balan as the mathematic genius fails to engage despite the efforts of everyone involved. Vidya is earnest and sincere as Shakuntala Devi but the screenplay and writing do not capitalize that as a film. Portraying her daughter is Sanya Malhotra, who also delivers an impressive performance. The duo shares an amazing chemistry on-screen, while also supported strongly by Amit Sadh and Jishu Sengupta.

The music and background score in the film is pretty average, while the production design and cinematography deserve the praise. Dialogues are extremely cheesy and take the fun out of the ongoing proceedings.

WATCH OR NOT:

Sadly, the film lacks realism and everything feels “too much” for a biopic of a genuine Maths genius. Shakuntala Devi is a film one can pass.