Shaakuntalam Movie Review : A grand visual experience let down by bland storytelling

RATING: 3/5

Shaakuntalam, a retelling of Kalidasa’s Abhijana Shakuntalam, is a love story between King Dushyant and Shakuntala. When a curse makes Dushyant forget Shakuntala, the spell must break for them to reunite.

Director Gunasekhar brings to life one of the most revered poems by the ancient Indian poet Kalidasa with a grand visual experience in Shaakuntalam. The film boasts stunning visuals, VFX, and art direction by Ashok Kumar, along with spectacular cinematography by Joseph V Sekhar. The film’s CGI and action sequences also do not disappoint, especially during the war scenes.

However, despite all the grandeur, the storytelling falls flat. The director takes a straightforward approach, never venturing too boldly with the narrative. While the film covers a series of events, it fails to deliver on the emotional front.

The music by Mani Sharma adds well to the film, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu looks divine on-screen as Shakuntala. She emotes her character’s expressions perfectly, and her chemistry with Dev Mohan (who plays Dushyant) is a highlight of the film. The supporting cast, including Madhoo as Menaka and Mohan Babu as Durvasa Maharshi, all deliver memorable performances.

While Shaakuntalam has a lot to say about the divine purpose behind Shakuntala’s agony, the film would have benefitted from a more nuanced approach to storytelling. However, the movie is still worth watching in theatres for its opulent sets, elaborate war sequences, and stunning costumes that transport the audience to another world.