First Look: Vidya Has a Striking Resemblance to Shakuntala Devi

Math Genius will be directed by Anu Menon and is scheduled for a 2020 release.

Vidya Balan to play ‘human computer’ Shakuntala Devi in next film.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

After the success of Mission Mangal, Vidya Balan is gearing up for the biopic on mathematical whiz Shakuntala Devi. The first look of the character is out, and Vidya has a striking resemblance to the “human computer”, as Devi was known.

The actor took to Twitter to reveal her new look through a motion poster. Sporting a saree with her hair done in a short bob, Vidya is ready to own the role.

“She was extraordinary, in every sense of the word! Know the story of the child prodigy & the human computer, #ShakuntalaDevi,” she wrote.

The film will be directed by Anu Menon, who has previously worked on Amazon Prime Video web series Four More Shots Please!, and is being backed by Abundantia Entertainment, the production house behind films such as Airlift and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.

Shakuntala Devi earned the moniker ‘human computer’ for her impressive ability to memorise and compute numbers in record time, a talent that earned her a spot in The Guinness Book of World Records in 1982. She also authored several books on several subjects such as arithmetic, puzzles and astrology during her lifetime. Her book, The World of Homosexuals, is considered to be the first study of homosexuality in India.

Speaking about her role, Vidya Balan had said in a statement:

“I am extremely excited to play the human computer, Shakuntala Devi, on the big screen. She was truly someone who embraced her individuality, had a strong feminist voice and braved many a naysayer to reach the pinnacle of success. But what truly fascinates me is that you wouldn’t normally associate a fun person with math... and she completely turns that perception on its head.”

Vidya Balan. 

In an interview to mid-day, director Anu Menon said, “Shakuntala Devi was a woman who lived ahead of her times and I have always been very fascinated by her life. I feel this is an incredible story that needs to be told.”

Math Genius is scheduled to go on floors later this year and is up for a summer 2020 release.