Gandhari

Gandhari is a biographical drama exploring the life of Gandhari, the queen of Hastinapur and mother of the Kauravas, from the epic Mahabharata. The film delves into her unwavering devotion to her blind husband, Dhritarashtra, and her stoic acceptance of her fate, even as her sons embark on a destructive path. It examines her internal struggles and the profound impact of her choices on the course of the epic war. The narrative highlights her strength, resilience, and the complex moral landscape she navigated.

As a fictionalized account based on ancient mythology, "Gandhari" received mixed reviews. Critics lauded Shilpa Shetty's powerful portrayal of the titular character, appreciating the film's attempt to provide a deeper psychological insight into a pivotal Mahabharata figure often seen through a limited lens. However, some found the pacing uneven and the dramatic interpretations occasionally straying from established lore, leading to a divided audience response.

• Shilpa Shetty delivers a commanding performance as the stoic queen.

• The film offers a compelling, albeit dramatized, re-examination of a complex mythological figure.

• Some viewers found the narrative to be too slow in parts.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's ambition in bringing Gandhari's story to the forefront and praised Shilpa Shetty's acting. However, a segment of viewers felt that certain narrative liberties taken with the epic detracted from their viewing experience.

Nominated for Best Actress (Shilpa Shetty Kundra) at the Filmfare Awards.

The elaborate blindfold Gandhari wears throughout the film was specially designed to reflect her self-imposed penance and unwavering commitment to sharing her husband's blindness, symbolizing her deep empathy and sacrifice.