Vidya Balan excited about her first direct OTT release Shakuntala Devi
Amazon Prime Video today unveiled the trailer for Shakuntala Devi, the eagerly awaited biographical drama based on the life of the world-renowned math genius. The Hindi title is the first Indian language biopic to make its global premiere exclusively on Prime Video and stars National Award winner, Vidya Balan (Kahaani, Tumhari Sulu, The Dirty Picture) as Shakuntala Devi, who was famously referred to as the “human computer” for her ability to do incredibly fast calculations. Directed by Anu Menon (Waiting, Four More Shots Please S1) and produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra (Abundantia Entertainment), the biographical drama also stars Sanya Malhotra (Photograph, Dangal, Badhaai Ho), who will be seen playing the role of Shakuntala Devi’s daughter with whom the genius enjoyed a complicated but extraordinary relationship. Actors Jisshu Sengupta (Piku, Mardaani 2, Barfi) and Amit Sadh (Breathe, Kai Po Che, Gold) also essay pivotal roles in the film. The screenplay is written by Anu Menon and Nayanika Mahtani, while the dialogues are penned by Ishita Moitra. Prime members in India and more than 200 countries and territories worldwide can watch the highly anticipated biopic from 31st July.
“Stepping into the world of Shakuntala Devi was as intimidating as it was exhilarating” said actress Vidya Balan. ”Her story is inspirational and makes you see how if we believe in ourselves, the world is our oyster. A direct release on Prime Video will bring Shakuntala Devi one step closer to audiences across the globe where they can watch the movie at their convenience.”
“I’ve always been fascinated by Shakuntala Devi and felt hers is an incredible story that resonates with today’s world,” said Director Anu Menon. “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 – a brilliant but vulnerable woman and mother who lived life ahead of her times and on her own terms. I am certain the global audiences will enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed creating it for them.”
“Following the success of our Amazon Original Series – Breathe, we are excited to bring Prime Video viewers the extraordinary and inspiring story of Shakuntala Devi,” said Vikram Malhotra, Producer and CEO – Abundantia Entertainment Pvt Ltd. “This is a story of triumph against all odds, of family, of relationships and above all the story of an Indian woman who held her own against the world. I am confident that this incredible story has the power to cut across geographic boundaries when it reaches audiences across 200 countries and territories.”
Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Films India says, “At Sony Pictures we believe in telling stories that inspire and entertain people. Shakuntala Devi is one such film that echoes our values and will resonate with audiences across the world. We are happy that millions of subscribers of Amazon Prime Video will be able to witness the glory of this super genius on 31st July.”
