Mumbai, Sep 16: Principal photography of Vidya Balan's next on math genius Shakuntala Devi commenced on Monday.

Directed by Anu Menon, "Shakuntala Devi - Human Computer" is produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia Entertainment.

"I have always been fascinated by Shakuntala Devi and truly felt that hers is an incredible story that had to be told. She was an extraordinary woman, who lived ahead of her times and on her own terms, unapologetically," Menon said in a statement.

"From Vidya to the rest of the cast and crew, and my producers Vikram and Sony Pictures Networks Productions, I am so glad that all the elements have come together for us to put our best foot forward. I'm delighted that everyone will finally get to witness it on the big screen," she added.

Shakuntala Devi, the mathematical wizard, was known for her ability to make incredibly swift calculations. Shakuntala's genius was first discovered at the age of 5, when she solved a math problem for 18-year-old students.

Vidya also took to social media to share the news.

"Excitement is multiplying each day! Time to dig into the 'root' of the mathematical genius, #ShakuntalaDevi. #FilmingBegins," the actor wrote on Twitter.

She also shared the poster of the film.

"On very few occasions, you get an opportunity to tell a story of an individual who has had a journey that has inspired the entire world. The achievements of Shakuntala Devi are unparalleled globally...

"Vikram and his team are great to work with and Vidya is someone I wanted to work with forever! I am looking forward to beginning this new association and bring this phenomenal story to our audience," Sneha Rajani, Studio Head, Sony Pictures Networks Productions said.

Menon has written the story along with Nayanika Mahtani. Ishita Moitra has penned the dialogues.

The makers are aiming for a summer 2020 release.

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Cooch Behar (WB) (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre was using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law in Parliament as a front for the Delimitation Bill that would "break the country into pieces".

The TMC will fight this Central government's move at every step, she asserted at her party's poll rally here.

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to tweak the women's quota law, along with the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, to implement the proposed amended women's quota law, in the Union territories of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir, were introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

According to the Constitution amendment bill, Lok Sabha seats will be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to "operationalise" the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.

Seats will also be increased in state and Union territory assemblies to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women.

Opposing the Centre's move, Banerjee alleged that "the BJP brought the Delimitation Bill while keeping the women's reservation bill at the front".

"The BJP is trying to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha to nearly 850 through the Delimitation Bill. It will break the country into pieces," the TMC supremo said.

She also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not speaking the truth about the development of north Bengal at a BJP rally last week.

"The prime minister said nothing was done for the development of north Bengal. But we spent Rs 1.72 lakh crore on the development of the region," Banerjee said and asked Modi to cross-check data before making such remarks.