Another terrific look poster for Samantha in Shaakuntalam, but why the suspense around release date?

Fans of actress Samantha were incredibly excited with the prospect of watching her in a mythological tale, when Gunasekhar's Shaakuntalam was announced. Big names from multiple industries are part of the film, right from Aditi Balan to Mohan Babu to Dev Mohan and Roja actress Madhoo. An additional interest around the film is also because the tale marks the acting debut of Allu Arha, daughter to Pushpa actor Allu Arjun. The shoot of the film with extensive VFX was wrapped up in record time but there has been no talk of the release date ever since!

Commemorating Samantha's birthday today, the team has released a second poster of the actress from the film where she's at her charming, regal best, wearing a full-on white costume with flowers around her hands, hair and her shoulder. In a dreamy pose, she looks every bit like a princess, while standing near a temple and being surrounded by nature. The various images released by the team do indicate their attention to detail and the visual grandeur of the project.

However, while the actress' Yashoda has already confirmed its release date on August 12 this year, one wonders what's pegging the team of Shaakuntalam behind. One understands a film like Shaakuntalam demands a lot of VFX/CGI work and the post-production is expected to last long, but the least they could do is to announce a tentative release date for spectators. There's immense interest around the film and it's important that the makers utilise it to their advantage.

Based on Kalidasa's adaptation of an episode from the Aadi Parva of the Mahabharata, Shaakuntalam is bankrolled by Neelima Guna and will have music by Mani Sharma. Prawin Pudi is the editor of the film while Sekhar V Joseph is the cinematographer. While Dev Mohan plays Dushantya, Kabir Duhan Singh is cast as an Asura with Mohan Babu essaying the part of sage Durvasa. Allu Arha will be seen as the younger version of prince Bharata.