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

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

Review: One of the most revered poems by the ancient Indian poet Kalidasa is retold by director Gunasekhar for Shaakuntalam. When Shakuntala (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) and Dushyant (Dev Mohan) embark on a romance or even in the star backdrop of war sequences, the visual appeal has been dialed up a notch. A colourful forest replete with butterflies, peacock, deer, and flora set the tone for the film. The CGI and action prowess is also displayed when Dushyant faces off wild beasts to save a village. The film doesn’t lose its grip on grandiosity.

However, even as you marvel at the visuals, VFX, art direction by Ashok Kumar and cinematography by Joseph V Sekhar, you realise that the overall storytelling is just underwhelming. While Shaakuntalam covers a series of events, Gunasekhar never ventures too boldly with the narrative. He takes a straightforward approach despite all the grand standing. Mani Sharma’s melodies add well to the film, his songs are a delight to the senses.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu looks divine on-screen as the daughter of sage Viswamitra and apsara Menaka (Madhoo). Whether as an innocent doe-eyed beauty, a hapless and helpless wife or an indignant woman, her expressions are on point. It also doesn’t hurt that she looks gorgeous as the flower-laden girl or in all the finery as a queen. Dev Mohan also plays the righteous king, a fearless warrior, and a pining lover well. He aces the action sequences as well as the lover’s garb. Madhoo plays Menaka and despite her short screen time, looks exquisite in the impactful role. Allu Arha as Prince Bharata is a natural on-screen and Mohan Babu is a scene-stealer as Durvasa Maharshi.

While Shaakuntalam has a lot to say about the divine purpose behind the titular character’s agony, it would’ve been interesting to see her single-handedly raise their son at sage Kashyap’s (Kabir Bedi) hermitage. Despite its drawbacks, the film is best enjoyed in theatres because the opulent sets, elaborate war sequences and stunning costumes will transport you to another world.