Ok, if I were to ask you what is/was your favourite subject in school, what would you pick? Well, most of us will pick every other subject other than Math’s. Math’s comprising of numbers is both simple and complex at the same time. I will let you in on a secret, I was regarded as a good student yet Math’s did get the better of me once with me failing in a unit test! And so this Friday, I bring to you another one if my early bird reviews. As I had mentioned in my previous review, as many as 5 new releases and I will be working overtime! And I have finished watching Shakuntala Devi. Is this Math’s class worth your time, or can this be bunked, lets find out.

Shakuntala Devi is the story of the Math’s Wiz also known as the Human Computer. But this story is much more than a drab Math’s class, it is much more personal that adds a lot of substance. The screenplay is the story of the two halves – in the first half, her journey to the top of the (Math’s) tree and being regarded as the Human Computer and in the second half her tumultuous relationship with the people around her particularly her daughter. And it is the second half that adds substance to the drama. Well, the melodrama does kick in towards the end but it never gets heavy and what transpires is that you wear a wide smile from start to finish. Very well written screenplay! The dialogues packed with numbers is excellent! Music keeps the
mood light and keeps it vibrant. Director Anu Menon who last directed ‘Waiting’, has done a phenomenal job and her direction deserves ‘distinction’ marks.

Luca Calvani as Javier is subtely lovable. Amit Sadh as Ajay is wonderfully restrained, this is Amit Sadh 2.0 make no mistake! Jisshu Sengupta as Paritosh is such a natural and wish to see more of his Bengali movies too! Sanya Malhotra as Anupama has a great screen presence and she really puts her acting chops on display here in a subtly layered role. And Vidya Balan as Shakuntala Devi- what natural acting! Is there any role she cannot portray?? She literally lives through each beat, whether it is capturing an emotion or her infectious laughter, all of it seems so organic. This is truly an acting masterclass!

Shakuntala Devi is an outstanding watch. This is one Math’s lecture you cannot miss! Available on Amazon Prime and Highly Highly Recommended!