Andhrawatch.com Movie rating 2.5/5
Cast: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan
Direction: Gunasekhar
Music: Mani Sharma
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s latest film debuted today to great acclaim (April 14). Viewers were mesmerized by Samantha’s ethereal portrayal of Shakuntalam in this adaptation of Kalidasa’s famous Sanskrit play, Abhijnana Shakuntalam. The story follows Shakuntala, the daughter of sage Vishwamitra and Apsara Menaka, who was abandoned as a child and raised in sage Kanva’s hermitage. When Shakuntala falls in love with the king, Dushyant, played by Dev Mohan, the two elope and marry under the divine law of Gandharva. This epic love story has captivated audiences for centuries and Samantha’s performance brings it to life in a whole new way.
Plus :
Samantha stuns as Shakuntala, delivering a breathtaking performance that’s equal parts beauty and talent. Her portrayal of the emotional aspects left viewers captivated. Joining her were a talented ensemble cast that included Sachin Khedekar, Mohan Babu, Gautami, Aditi Balan, Jisu, and Ananya Nagalla, who all held their own. And let’s not forget about the guest appearances from Prakash Raj and Madhu, who each left an indelible impression on the screen.
The real show-stopper of this movie is none other than the adorable and talented Allu Arha. Her cameo appearance steals the spotlight and leaves audiences mesmerized by her captivating performance. In spite of her limited screen time, Arha’s charisma and ability to deliver complex dialogue with ease is nothing short of impressive. Fans of Allu Arjun will be enchanted by her presence on the big screen, and there’s no doubt that this young starlet is a game-changer for the movie.
Minus :
The first half of the film may not leave you spellbound. Despite the brilliant performances of the cast, the characters lack depth and their actions might fail to move you. The film fails to capture the audience’s attention due to its sluggish screenplay and unsatisfactory visual effects. Although the aesthetics are commendable, the VFX is a major disappointment, especially when it comes to the creation of wild animals. Nevertheless, the second half of the film provides some redemption and makes Shaakuntalam an average watch.
Conclusion:
Barring occasional moments, Shaakuntalam is boring and a missed opportunity. It neither comes across as a Disney-like film nor does it have the gravitas to whet the appetite for mythology among contemporary viewers.