Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- spirited
- witty
- warm
- inspirational viewing
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film spirited, intelligent, and entertaining, praising its feminist humanization of Shakuntala Devi despite a conventional biopic approach.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The narrative follows Shakuntala Devi’s rise as a world-renowned mental calculator while emphasizing her personal life.
Shakuntala’s mathematical fame and self-directed life repeatedly intersect with her relationship with her daughter Anu.
The film contrasts Shakuntala and Anu’s different struggles and aspirations across generations of women.
Mathematical feats are presented through spirited, humorous dramatization rather than technical exposition alone.
Films like Shakuntala Devi, and why
The Theory of Everything
biographical drama centered on an extraordinary woman, with family conflict and an energetic lead performance
Hidden Figures
warm, accessible biographical entertainment about a brilliant outsider balancing public achievement with intimate relationships
The Danish Girl
women-centered period biographical drama combining ambition, social constraints, and a charismatic central performance
Movie Details
- Director
- Anu Menon
- Release Date
- 2020-07-31
- Runtime
- 127 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (42)
Cast
- Vidya Balan
- Sanya Malhotra
- Jisshu Sengupta
- Amit Sadh
- Luca Calvani
- Sheeba Chaddha
- Prakash Belawadi
- Ipshita Chakraborty Singh
- Ahan Nirban
- Chahat Tejwani
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Shakuntala Devi about?
- A spirited Hindi biographical drama about a mathematical prodigy whose world-famous brilliance collides with the demands of motherhood and an evolving bond with her daughter.
- What is Shakuntala Devi like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Shakuntala Devi as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Shakuntala Devi violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Shakuntala Devi.
- What did critics think of Shakuntala Devi?
- Critics broadly found the film spirited, intelligent, and entertaining, praising its feminist humanization of Shakuntala Devi despite a conventional biopic approach.
- Which films are like Shakuntala Devi?
- Films with a similar feel include The Theory of Everything, Hidden Figures, and The Danish Girl.
- How long is Shakuntala Devi?
- Shakuntala Devi runs 127 minutes.
- Where can I watch Shakuntala Devi?
- In United States, Shakuntala Devi streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
