Shakuntala Devi trailer: Vidya Balan becomes a human computer

Vidya Balan transforms herself as the popular mathematician Shakuntala Devi, making complicated maths equations look as simple as one, two, three. The biopic, directed by Anu Menon, journeys through Shakuntala’s extraordinary life, from her simple childhood to her global fame, earning a place in The Guinness Book of World Records. 

The trailer takes us to the UK where a young Shakuntala goes to study and becomes a force to be reckoned with. As she gains more exposure for her quick abilities to solve equations, she meets up with Paritosh Banerji (Jisshu Sengupta), and wants to settle down with him.

The film, co-written by Menon and Nayanika Mahtani, also tackles the contentious relationship between Shakuntala and her daughter Anupama (Sanya Malhotra) who’ve never quite seen eye-to-eye. The trailer indicates that the husband and wife also have a falling out.

Vidya brings a buoyant, genial personality to Shakuntala Devi, who is the lone mathematician in a room full of men. The biopic also shows the personal side of the ‘human computer’, dealing with fractured marriage and being a single parent. 

Sengupta and Amit Sadh, as Anupama’s husband, also have key parts in the film, but it looks like Vidya and Malhotra receive more focus.

“Stepping into the world of Shakuntala Devi was as intimidating as it was exhilarating,” Vidya said in a press release. "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,” filmmaker Anu Menon added. “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.”

Shakuntala Devi, produced by Sony Pictures and Abundantia Entertainment, will have its world premiere on July 31 on Amazon Prime. 

Watch the trailer below and let us know if you are keen to watch the film.