Biographical drama starring Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons. In early 20th century Madras, labourer Srinivasa Ramanujan proves himself remarkably adept at complex mathematics. Sent off to the University of Cambridge, he studies under the renowned GH Hardy, who initially struggles to understand the prejudice and hardship faced by Ramanujan. However, the two soon develop a close friendship.
Slumdog Millionnaire star Dev Patel has few blessings to count in this earnest portrait of genius mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, whose pioneering research didn't protect him from racist treatment at Cambridge University. On the eve of the First World War, Ramanujan is brought across the seas from India to England, where Professor GH Hardy (Jeremy Irons) is keen to work on proofs to equations that Ramanujan has mailed him. The significance of these findings needs plenty of explaining in dialogue between Hardy and faculty member JE Littlewood (Toby Jones) and also Jeremy Northam as Bertrand Russell. Were it not for the British actors' sterling performances (Irons does a great job of softening Hardy's edges), the whole affair would be rather too dry and academic. Patel, too, has a natural warmth that tempers his character's slight egotism and ultimately brings home the tragedy of Ramanujan's short life. It's not quite as elegant as A Beautiful Mind or as charming as Good Will Hunting, but being a true story lends it weight and poignancy.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Srinivasa Ramanujan | Dev Patel |
| GH Hardy | Jeremy Irons |
| Littlewood | Toby Jones |
| Sir Francis Spring | Stephen Fry |
| Bertrand Russell | Jeremy Northam |
| Major McMahon | Kevin McNally |
| Doctor | Enzo Cilenti |
| Janaki | Devika Bhise |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | Matt Brown |
