Shaakuntalam Review: A Grand But Futile Attempt At Epic Mythological Love-Story

Photo Credit:

Introduction:

To distract Viswamithra's penance, Lord Indra sends Apsara Menaka (Madhoo) to earth. She successfully accomplishes the task and gets pregnant with Viswamithra's child. Since a child born through human cannot enter the Devalokam, Menaka leaves the new born child on earth and returns to Indralokam. A flock of birds leave the new born baby at the Aashram of Kanva Maharishi (Sachin Khedekar), who accepts it like a responsibility from God. He names the baby Shakuntala and takes care of her.

One fine day, Dushyanta (Dev Mohan) arrives at Kanva Maharishi's Aashram and meets Shakuntala. Both fall in love and get married in the Gandharva style. When the time comes for his departure, Dushyanta gives a finger ring as a token of their love and assures to take her back to his Kingdom with due respects rendered to a Queen.

Story:

Dushyanta and Shakuntala get married, and when he leaves with a promise to take her back home, Shakuntala, who is reeling under the separation ignores Durvasa Maharishi (Mohan Babu). An enraged Durvasa Maharishi curses Shakuntala that the person who she is in love with will forget her forever. Amidst this curse and her growing tension as a full-pregnant, Shakuntala also loses the ring given to her by Dushyanta. What happens next? How did the duo reconcile? Who are Asura mooka Kaalaaneemulu? Why do they try to kill Dushyanta? What is the role of Prince Bharatha? are answered on the big screen when you watch it.

Analysis:

Shakuntala story is based on the epic written by Kalidasa in his 'Abhignana Shaakuntalam.' The love story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala is one of the greatest sagas, according to what was taught in schools and Mahabharatha. While there were so many films already made depicting the same story, these mythological subjects can be interesting if made in interestingly. Over usage of visual effects, improper conflict, too many characters with notable actors, all of these contribute to nothing a bit worthy.

Photo Credit:

Performances:

Samantha tries very hard to impress as the petite Shakuntala. Although the character has so much to bring out emotionally, Samantha doing it seems pretty superficial. The plethora of notable actors cast in other characters appear in respective roles without an impact. Mohan Babu as Durvasa Maharishi, which is like a cake-walk for him, shined on the screen.

Samantha and Dev Mohan's characters do not churn out drama and convince the viewers of their deep love. Had someone else played Dushyanta, who is a more familiar face, things would have been a bit better for Shaakuntalam.

Allu Arha, who made her acting debut as Prince Bharatha makes an interesting appearance on the screen and steals the show towards the climax. Her screen presence is enthralling.

Technical Aspects:

Mani Sharma's music is one of the notable works of Shakuntalam. The VFX are not up to the mark, and cinematography was striking.

Positives:

Samantha's styling and costumes as Shankuntala
Songs and music
Climax and Interval

Negatives:

Dead slow narration
Lack of Conflict in the story

Verdict:

If you are fan of Gunasekhar's larger-than-life sets, heavy visual effect shots, and mythological films, you can give a try but do not hope to get 'disnified.' Shaakuntalam is another misfired attempt of Gunasekhar to bring this epic love story to the fore using technical advancements to the millenials.