movie: Shaakuntalam
Shaakuntalam Cast: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan, Sachin Kedekar, Kabir Bedi, Madhu, Mohan Babu and others
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Directed by Shaakuntalam: Gunasekar
Shaakuntalam Release Date: April 14, 2023
Where to watch Shakuntalam: In the theaters
Love stories as a genre can be very controversial. The same goes for the epic love stories we’ve already read, heard or watched countless times. Reworking or bringing back what has been passed down for generations and is part of our culture is nothing new, but the experiment can have a wide range of reactions. The same applies to Shaakuntalam by Gunasekhar which star Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Dev Mohan in leading roles. Before you decide to watch Shaakuntalam in theaters, read our review below:
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
Shaakuntalam is an epic love story based on a play called Abhijnanashakuntalam by the Indian poet Kalidasa. It includes the story of Shakuntala which is told in a more dramatized manner. Gunasekar attempted to retell the epic love saga of Shakuntala and King Dushyant in Shaakuntam. Talking about the movie, Shakuntala is the daughter of Apsara Menaka and Sage Vishwamitra. However, Menaka has to abandon her daughter immediately after birth. Shakuntala was taken under his wing by the sage Kanva. Shakuntala grew up to be a beautiful maiden in the Kanva ashram. Everyone loves her. When King Dushyant comes to the Ashram, he meets Shakuntala and they fall in love. They marry immediately according to Gandharv Vivah and consummate their marriage. However, Dushyant has to leave because of the war. He promises to return one day and take her back. The twist comes when Shakuntala is cursed by an angry sage. How their love stands the test of time and the curse shapes the rest of the story.
WATCH SHAAKUNTALAM TRAILER HERE:
WHAT’S NEW?
Samantha Ruth Prabhu looks extremely beautiful. She will make you fall in love with her in every shot. Dev Mohan as Dushyant is also good and looks very charming on screen. His action scenes are better. Sachin Khedekar as Rishi Kanav is brilliant. Madhu as Apsara Menaka will blow your mind. Kabir Bedi is not to be missed, but his appearance has been changed, so be careful. Prakash Raj plays a very different role this time and takes the story forward poetically. Mohan Babu as Rishi Durvasa is also convincing. The music score is good, if not the lyrics (looking in Hindi). The highlight though is Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy’s daughter Allu Arha as Bharat. She just steals everything in the last few minutes. The visuals are quite attractive and appear mystical, but to a limited extent. Also Read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu with fever ahead of Shaakuntalam release; the director reveals that the actress has lost her voice
WHAT IS NOT?
The VFX is a big let down. Note that the movie is 3D and therefore looks very childish. Shaakuntalam’s pacing in the first half will seem quite rushed if you don’t believe in love at first sight. The chemistry falters at parts, but there are some moments where their chemistry is believable. The second half is what you wait for the most because it is the main crux of the story. Some of the songs could have been removed but they weaved it in to take the story forward. Still, the film could easily have been cut. The weak VFX and setting at some places are less appealing after watching Brahmastra and even Baahubali 1 & 2.
BL REVIEW: Shaakuntalam would have been a beautiful watch without the boring VFX. Watch it for Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan and Madhu and for the love of epic love stories if you are into love stories. I’m going with 3 stars. Also Read: Shaakuntalam OUT Public Movie Review: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Gets Only Positive Comments; fans call it “next level”
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