Shakuntalam, the upcoming Telugu mythical period drama film starring Samantha Akkineni in the titular role, was launched in Hyderabad on Monday.
Shakunthalam is written and directed by Gunasekhar. The film will be produced by Dil Raju and Gunasekhar’s daughter Neelima Guna under Gunaa Team Works.
Shakunthalam will also feature Dev Mohan, who will be portraying the role of King Dushyant. The actor, who was previously seen in the 2020 Malayalam romantic film Sufiyum Sujatayum, will be making his Telugu debut with this film.
“With my first film with Aditi Rao Hydari and second with Samantha, I am happy to share the screen with big people. It is a critical and important character,” Dev said.
Addressing the media, Akkineni said she has always wanted to play a princess. “Ever since my childhood, if I was sad or upset, I used to watch Disney films. It is been my greatest strength. Even now, when I am free, I watch Disney films. it makes me feel better,” she said.
“There has been no reference for this role or film and every single thing is from the director’s head. I am excited to make his vision come true,” she added.
#MythologyForMillennials Pan-India film, Epic Love Story #Shaakuntalam launched today 🤍
Regular shoot kick starts next week. @Samanthaprabhu2 @ActorDevMohan @Gunasekhar1 @neelima_guna #Manisharma @GunaaTeamworks @SVC_official @DilRajuProdctns pic.twitter.com/NS49uNXGwr
— Dil Raju Productions (@DilRajuProdctns) March 15, 2021
Speaking about Mohan, Gunasekhar said: “He had researched a lot for the film, including where skills like horse-riding and sword-fighting training would be available, either in Hyderabad or Kerala.”
Here’s introducing our Prince Charming … DUSHYANT 🤴🏽 @ActorDevMohanhttps://t.co/cqFNzAUsiI #Shaakuntalam @gunasekhar1 @neelima_guna @gunaateamworks
— Samantha Akkineni (@Samanthaprabhu2) March 6, 2021
The film’s publicity manager BA Raju told Silverscreen India that the film will go on floors on March 22. “Since it is a period drama, most of the shooting will happen within sets,” he said.
