Apr. 14, 2023|India|Not Rated
Genre: 4K-2160p;Fantasy;History;Romance;South;Indian
Description: Shaakuntalam is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language mythological romantic drama film written and directed by Gunasekhar. Produced by Neelima Guna under Gunaa Teamworks and distributed by Sri Venkateswara Creations, the film is based on Kalidasa’s renowned play *Abhignyana Shakuntalam*. It stars Samantha in the lead role of Shakuntala and Dev Mohan as King Dushyanta of the Puru dynasty. Supporting roles include Mohan Babu, Jisshu Sengupta, Madhoo, Gautami, Aditi Balan, and Ananya Nagalla. The story revolves around Shakuntala and King Dushyanta, who marry but face separation when a sage’s curse causes Dushyanta to forget Shakuntala.
Announced in October 2020, the film’s production began in February 2021 at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad and concluded in August 2021. Shot extensively in locations like Ramoji Film City, Ananthagiri Hills, and Gandipet Lake, the film was made on a budget of ₹65 crore. Released theatrically on April 14, 2023, it received negative reviews from critics and performed poorly at the box office.
*Abhijnanasakuntalam* is celebrated as one of the masterpieces of world literature, narrating the love story of the beautiful Shakuntala and the noble King Dushyanta. Despite his bravery and virtue, Dushyanta is unable to remember Shakuntala due to Sage Durvasa’s curse.
In 2017, Gunasekhar announced *Hiranya Kashyapa*, a historical epic starring Rana Daggubati, based on the tale of the Asura Hiranyakashipu. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was postponed. In November 2020, Gunasekhar shifted focus to *Shaakuntalam*, bringing Kalidasa’s timeless story of Shakuntala and Dushyanta to the screen.
The film is available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Cast director: Gunasekhar
Cast actor: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan, Aditi Balan, Mohan Babu, Madhoo, Allu Arha, Ananya Nagalla, Prakash Raj, Gautami Tadimalla, Kabir Bedi
Original name: శాకుంతలం