DNA (May 9, 2019)

It’s all about numbers in Bollywood, whether the ranking of stars or the moolah a movie rakes in. Now, it seems to be extending to movie subjects, too. As Hrithik Roshan’s Super 30 readies for a July 26 release, comes the news of a biopic on another numbers expert, Shakuntala Devi. Vidya Balan has signed up to essay the role of the ‘human computer’ for her speed and accuracy in calculating numerical problems, which won her a place in the 1982 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. The film will be helmed by Anu Menon, who has previously directed Waiting (2016) and London Paris New York (2012).

The Tumhari Sulu actress shared the news on social media saying, “BIG DAY! Excited to play the role of Math Genius, #ShakuntalaDevi. @vikramix @anumenon1805 and I are thrilled to bring to life the true story of ‘the human computer’ — a small-town Indian girl, who took the world by storm! (sic).” The biopic is likely to release in the summer of 2020.

Vidya says, “Shakuntala Devi 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 Maths... and she completely turns that perception on its head. I am thrilled that Vikram (producer Vikram Malhotra), whom I’ve worked with on Kahaani, and his team are producing the film. Vikram, Anu and I are excited to be bringing to life the story of one of the most inspiring women of this country.”

Asked how the idea came about, Anu, who is winning laurels for her web series Four More Shots Please!, says, “I have always been passionate about telling positive female narratives - to show their contribution to maths and science. And Shakuntala Devi is the ultimate role model.” As for casting Vidya in the title role, she states, “From the day I decided to tell this story, I have only imagined Vidya. There is no other actor who can capture the spirit of Shakuntala.”

Interestingly, the two women have already begun their journey on this movie together. “Vidya has been an incredible partner in this journey. We have been developing it together, piece by piece, for a long time,” says Anu, adding, “She is the most generous actor that a writer could ask for, willing to go into all kind of spaces to find the truth.”

Considering that Shakuntala Devi also contested polls against Indira Gandhi in Medak (now in Telangana) in 1980, will the biopic cover all aspects or focus more on the numerical genius? “We have a perspective which will be revealed at the right time,” is all the director is willing to reveal at this point.

Anu sums up saying, “The world has seen the computer side of the Human-Computer - we hope to dig deep into the human side to understand what makes her extraordinary.”