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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Mangaluru (Karnataka), Nov 2: The Mangaluru police have uncovered a multi-state, multi-crore scam with the arrest of two men accused of defrauding an e-commerce giant across India, officials said on Saturday.

The suspects, Raj Kumar Meena (23) and Subhash Gurjar (27) from Rajasthan, are alleged to be part of a large-scale fraud spanning over 10 states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Karnataka, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal described the arrests as a significant breakthrough.

A case has been registered at Urwa police station in Mangaluru.

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The scam, reportedly, involved orders worth Rs 11.45 lakh placed under a false identity. The accused used the name Amith, to place orders, for two high-value cameras and other items, providing a fictitious address near the KSRTC bus stand in Mangaluru.

Upon delivery, Meena collected the items and provided the OTP while Gurjar distracted the delivery personnel. They, then, swapped the original stickers on the Sony camera boxes, with those of other items in the order, delaying delivery confirmation by using an incorrect OTP and arranging to collect the cameras the next day.

Suspicion arose when the accused later canceled the camera order, prompting the private logistics, the e-commerce platform's delivery partner, to inspect the boxes and uncover the sticker swapping. Investigation confirmed that the accused had taken the cameras, leaving behind tampered boxes, police said.

The Urwa Police initiated an investigation, seizing Rs 11.45 lakh obtained from the sale of fraudulently acquired goods.

Meena was first detained by Salem Police in Tamil Nadu before being taken into Urwa Police custody on October 18. Gurjar was subsequently apprehended in Mangaluru on October 28 following Meena's interrogation.

Meena had previously been arrested on October 4 in a similar case involving the e-commerce giant. Both suspects face charges across multiple states, including Assam, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The investigation continues with authorities coordinating with police in states where additional cases are pending.

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