The biopic of 'Shakuntala Devi' who was hailed as a human-computer is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film has Vidya Balan playing the title role while Sanya Malhotra will be seen as her daughter. The trailer released a few days ago was decent but the film turned out to a mixed bag.
The film is narrated from the perspective of her daughter Anumapa Banerjee. This made the film more dramatic and less inspirational. Rather than stressing upon the brilliance of Shakuntala Devi, the movie turned into an emotional drama between Shakuntala Devi and her daughter in the latter half. It effectively showcases the rise of a mathematical genius named Shakuntala Devi but where it loses the path is when the director shows the motherhood angle in her. Shifting between past and present may not work against the film.
Despite all the odds, it is the performance of the supremely talented Vidya Balan that keeps you invested in the film. Her big smile is sure to lighten up the screen. She was so energetic and she flawlessly did a complicated role. There are times when Shakuntala Devi's selfishness and not caring enough about her family make you turn against the lead character but it is Vidya's acting in emotional scenes that makes it convincing. On the whole, this is another brilliant performance from Vidya Balan. Sanya Malhotra ably supported Vidya Balan with her good performance. The mother and daughter scenes were emotional and well carved out. The rest of cast including Amit Sadh, Jisshu Sengupta, and others did their part.
There are some scenes that appear unnatural and forced. You may feel that the genius mathematician angle is underused while the drama takes the center stage in the film. The makeup and the colors are also very bright to the normal eye at times but some good performances from the cast make it for a decent watch.
The film is narrated from the perspective of her daughter Anumapa Banerjee. This made the film more dramatic and less inspirational. Rather than stressing upon the brilliance of Shakuntala Devi, the movie turned into an emotional drama between Shakuntala Devi and her daughter in the latter half. It effectively showcases the rise of a mathematical genius named Shakuntala Devi but where it loses the path is when the director shows the motherhood angle in her. Shifting between past and present may not work against the film.
Despite all the odds, it is the performance of the supremely talented Vidya Balan that keeps you invested in the film. Her big smile is sure to lighten up the screen. She was so energetic and she flawlessly did a complicated role. There are times when Shakuntala Devi's selfishness and not caring enough about her family make you turn against the lead character but it is Vidya's acting in emotional scenes that makes it convincing. On the whole, this is another brilliant performance from Vidya Balan. Sanya Malhotra ably supported Vidya Balan with her good performance. The mother and daughter scenes were emotional and well carved out. The rest of cast including Amit Sadh, Jisshu Sengupta, and others did their part.
There are some scenes that appear unnatural and forced. You may feel that the genius mathematician angle is underused while the drama takes the center stage in the film. The makeup and the colors are also very bright to the normal eye at times but some good performances from the cast make it for a decent watch.