Movie: Shakuntalam
Shaakuntalam cast: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan, Sachin Khedekar, Kabir Bedi, Madhoo, Mohan Babu and more
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Shaakuntalam director: Gunasekhar
Shaakuntalam release date: April 14, 2023
Where to watch Shakuntalam: In theatres
Love stories as a genre can be very debatable. And the same goes for epic love stories that we’ve read, heard, or watched countless times. Recreating or bringing back what has been passed down from generation to generation and is part of our culture is not new, but the experiment can trigger a wide range of reactions. The same goes with Shakuntalam by Gunasekhar those stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu And Dev Mohan in leading roles. Before you decide to watch Shaakuntalam in cinemas, read our review below:
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Shaakuntalam is an epic love story based on a play called Abhijnanashakuntalam by Indian poet Kalidasa. It features Shakuntala’s story told in a more dramatized manner. Gunasekhar has attempted to retell the epic love saga of Shakuntala and King Dushyant in Shaakuntalam. Talking about the movie, Shakuntala is the daughter of Apsara Menaka and Sage Vishwamitra. However, Menaka has to abandon her daughter right after giving birth. Shakuntala is taken under his wing by Sage Kanva. Shakuntala grows into a beautiful girl in Kanva ashram. Everyone loves her. When King Dushyant comes across the Aashram, he meets Shakuntala, and they fall in love. They get married right away according to Gandharv Vivah and consummate their marriage. However, Dushyant has to leave due to war. He promises to come back one day and take her back. The twist comes when Shakuntala receives a curse from an evil sage. How their love stands the test of time, and how the curse forms the rest of the story.
WATCH SHAAKUNTALAM TRAILER VIDEO HERE:
WHAT’S HOT?
Samantha Ruth Prabhu looks exceptionally beautiful. She will make you fall in love with her in every frame. Dev Mohan as Dushyant is also good and looks very charming on screen. His action sequences are better. Sachin Khedekar as Rishi Kanav is brilliant. Madhoo as Apsara Menaka will blow your mind. You can’t miss Kabir Bedi, but his appearance has changed, so watch out. Prakash Raj plays a completely different role this time and poetically advances the story. Mohan Babu as Rishi Durvasa is also convincing. The music score is good if not the lyrics (watch in Hindi). However, the highlight is Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy’s daughter Allu Arha as Bharat. She just steals everything in the last few minutes. The images are quite attractive and seem mystical, but in a limited way. Also Read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Has Fever Before Shahakuntalam Released; Director reveals that actress has lost her voice
WHAT NOT?
The VFX is a major disappointment. Mind you, because the film is 3D and therefore comes across as very childish. The Shaakuntalam pace in the first half would feel rather rushed if you don’t believe in love at first sight. The chemistry falters in bits and pieces, but there are some moments where their chemistry is believable. The second half is what you are waiting for the most, as it is the main core of the story. Some songs could have been cut, but they weaved it in to move the story forward. Still, the film could have easily been trimmed. The tacky VFX and setting in some places are less appealing, after watching Brahmastra and even Baahubali 1 & 2.
BL RATING: Shaakuntalam would have been a beautiful watch without the boring VFX. Check it out for Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan and Madhoo and for the love of epic love stories if you love love stories. I’m going for 3 stars. Also Read: Shaakuntalam public movie review OUT: Samantha Ruth Prabhu receives only positive comments; fans call it ‘next level’
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