After delivering record-breaking films Like Baahubali, Pushpa, RRR, Tollywood Film Industry is set for another Pan-India release titled, ‘Shaakuntalam’ and this time film is on lady superstar’s shoulders.
The magnum opus is based on Classical Sanskrit author and ancient India’s greatest poet and playwright Maharishi Kalidasa’s Internationally acclaimed Sanskrit play Abhigyanashakuntalam, also known as Shakuntala, The recognition of Shakuntala, The Sign of Shakuntala and many other variants.
The project was announced by National Film Award winning director Gunasekhar of “Okkadu”, “Manoharam” and “Rudhramadevi” fame in October 2020. The film’s production began in February 2021 at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad and ended up in August 2021.
Shakuntalam was extensively shot around Hyderabad, including Ramoji Film City, Ananthagiri Hills and Gandipet Lake, is one of the highly anticipated releases on 2023.
Shaakuntalam Release Date
On Friday, September 23, 2022, the makers of the film revealed the release date of the film with a one-minute-long, stunning motion poster which left fans mesmerized and raised their enthusiasm and expectations to watch this upcoming mythological drama film on the big screen.
The motion poster consists of stunning visuals and excellent music in the background and features Samantha Ruth Prabhu in a goddess avatar along with lead actor Dev Mohan. The chemistry of both the actors looks really stunning in the poster.
The film was to release theatrically on November 4, 2022, but it was later postponed. Makers in Jan 2023 announced 17 Feb 2023 as the new release date of the movie but postponed again and the new date is 14 April 2023. Shaakuntalam will be released in Telugu version, along with the dubbed Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam versions.
Shaakuntalam Star Cast
Set in the Northern Parts of India, in the backdrop of Hastinapur, parts of Kashmir and the banks of Himalaya, the film stars South Indian diva and superstar Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the female lead role as Shakuntala.
On the other side, Malayalam actor Dev Mohan is playing Shankutala’s husband and the great Indian King of Puru Dynasty, Dushyanta in his Telugu debut. The film also marks the acting debut of Telugu superstar Allu Arjun’s little daughter Allu Arha as the Prince Bharata, the son of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala.
Other than these actors, the Pan-India film stars veteran actor Mohan Babu as Durvasa Maharishi, Aditi Balan as Anasuya, Ananya Nagalla as Priyamveda, Prakash Raj as Kanva Rishi, Gautami as Gautamil, Madhoo as Menaka, Kabir Dahan Singh as King Asura, Malhottra Shivam as Mahipala, veteran actor Kabir Bedi actress Varshini Sounderajan.
When veteran actor Kabir Bedi shares his look as Sage Kashyapa:
Shaakuntalam Budget
The makers of the Pan-India film decided to spend lavishly on this romantic saga. It is reported that the film is made on an estimated budget of Rs. 60-70 crore. However, these are just claims as the makers didn’t reveal the budget.
About the Film ‘Shaakuntalam’
The Gunasekhar directorial is being presented by Dil Raju’s Sri Venkateswara Creations. It is produced by Neelima Guna under the banner of Gunaa Teamworks. The craftsmen team includes Shekhar V. Joseph as cinematographer and Prawin Pudi as the editor. The big-budget film has music by Mani Sharma.
Shaakuntalam is a beautiful tale of Shakuntala and the great king of ancient India King Dushyanta, the king of Hastinapur and the ancestor of the Kuru Dynasty. This epic love story is told in the Adi Parva of the ancient Indian Hindu epic Mahabharata. It was dramatised by many writers but the most famous adaptation is Maharishi Kalidasa’s play Abhigyanashakuntalam.
Watch Shaakuntalam Trailer
Shaakuntalam FAQs
A. Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Shaakuntalam gets a release date ‘April 14 2023’
A. Dev Mohan is playing lead opposite Shaakuntalam, Samantha is a lead actor in this Pan India film.
