Two biopics have been released in last fortnight and both of them are getting attention for different reasons. I have watched both and here is what I feel about them.
In this tweetview, I am not going to review two films. Actually, I will try to show the difference between the two. Yes, it will be like the difference between answers we used to write in our academic life.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
This is the difference between two biopics released in last fortnight.
#ShakuntalaDevi and #GunjanSaxena are the two biopics I am talking about.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
I watched both the films and I would say one of them is really well made film and other one is disappointing.
Before I start the comparison, I would like to mention when #GulaboSitabo released,…
I was in two minds. I didn’t know how to review it?
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
I was thinking, should I review it as if I am watching it in a multiplex? Because in multiplex, I would have got completely different atmosphere which would have led to totally different experience.
But now I am used to it.
Now coming back to the movies, both Shakuntala Devi and Gunjan Saxena are subjective but the fields of both the personalities are totally different.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
Both movies should have shown the process of achieving the greatness but unfortunately only one of them shows that process.
I will start with the #MarketingStrategy.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
While promoting Shakuntala Devi, they promoted Maths, World Records and Genius.
And while promoting Gunjan Saxena, they promoted first lady IAF officer, The Kargil Girl, her struggle and her hard work.
After promotional strategy, I will straight away talk about #Delivery.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
In Shakuntala Devi, they deliver a family drama. The film focuses on the mother – daughter bond instead of focusing on the practice and process of a world record holder mathematician cum astrologer.
In Gunjan Saxena, they show the whole process, from getting fascinated about becoming a pilot to how she ended up in Kargil War as an Indian Air Force officer.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
The film focuses on the journey and struggles she faced. It shows you how IAF officers train for war.
Shakuntala Devi clearly shows that she passes on some tricks to her daughter but they don’t reveal those tricks.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
If I had to watch a family drama then I would watch any of the bollywood movies. Why would I eagerly wait for the family drama of a Math genius?
On the contrary Gunjan Saxena shows all the crucial moments of the IAF officer. They shows how she gets into IAF, how she trains there & how she overcomes all the obstacles on professional as well as personal front.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
Overall it is a good mixture of drama & technical aspect.
Both the films promotes women empowerment and both of them do that to the point.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
As far as #Acting is concerned then both the films have done a great job in that department.
In Shakuntala Devi, Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra, Amit Sadh & Jisshu Sengupta shine.
All the supporting actors adds the flair in film. The bond of mother & daughter (Vidya Balan & Sanya Malhotra) is the highlight of the film. Both Amit Sadh and Jisshu Sengupta creates the magic in that bond.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
In Gunjan Saxena, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Angad Bedi…
Manav Vij & Vineet Kumar makes the film what it is.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
The bond of father & daughter (Pankaj & Janhvi) is highlight of the film. Janhvi did whatever she could as an actor. Pankaj Tripathi delivers calm yet powerful performance. Angad Bedi is great as protective brother.
Manav Vij & Vineet Kumar brings the best out of Gunjan.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
If I talk about the #Gripping factor then Gunjan Saxena held me till end, I finished it one go. The valley scenes in the film are beautiful and breathtaking.
Shakuntala Devi mein toh I was happy to switch off in between.
I watched Shakuntala Devi in two parts.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
So basically the only difference in both the films is the story. If producers hadn’t turned Shakuntala Devi into a family drama (only) then it would have been a great film.
Gunjan Saxena is a well made film but it should have…
included couple of more rescue missions as The real Gunjan Saxena performed 40 odd rescue missions during the Kargil war.
— Paresh Godhwani (@Par_God) August 14, 2020
In my opinion #GunjanSaxena is way better than #ShakuntalaDevi on the basis of story and ‘what the makers promote & what they deliver’ theory.
I havent watched gunjan saxena but I am sure it would be better coz I really found SD boring.
Yes, as I mentioned above if I had to watch a family drama then why would I wait for the family of math genius?
I still have to watch both …Your on point review made me more curious to watch Shakuntala devi.
Watch them and let me know your thoughts.
Have heared a lot about the above movies definitely will be planning out for this weekend… Thanx for the review
Let me know your thoughts.
Based on your feedback, going to watch Gunjan Saxena first only if someone agrees to share their Netflix account 🙂
Haha, find some friends and buy a joint account.
Have’nt Watched any. But my love for Vidya Balan is tremendous. Will watch this movie for her. She is a great actress.
YEs she is and she has done a fab job in the film.
Having watched both the movies, I tend to agree with you. For me the acting of Pankaj Tripathi in Gunjan Saxena and that of Vidya Balan in Shakuntala Devi are the highlights.
Pankaj Tripathi was awesome in Gunjan Saxena and Vidya Balan too did really great job as an actor.
I am going to pick up The Kargill Girl soon and will then watch the movie. Idk about Shakuntala Devi much but people who have seen her and met her have told that the movie is way too glamourized. But will be catching up soon. Thanks for the review
yes, glamourized and of topic I feel.
To be honest, somehow I am not really looking forward to watch any of these even if the real characters behind these bipoics are just amazing. Thanks for the review now I am clear which one I should watch.
I haven’t watched both the movies yet. I think I will go for Shakuntala Devi ..
Watch it and let me know your thoughts.
Thats a very valid comparison between the 2 biographical films. I have not watched either but would love to watch Gunjan Saxena.
it is a well made film. Go watch it.
These movies are the best biopics. Shakuntala Devi delve into personal life of women scientist. Gunjan Saxena shows the difference between patriotism and jingoism.
Even I had same thought when i watched Shakuntala Devi, where is the math genius? It was more of family drama. I like Gunjan Saxena, but even its a one time watch.
Yes, it is a one time watch but I felt it is better than Shakuntala Devi.