Shankar Shanmugam is a famous movie director not only in Kollywood but also in the Tollywood and the Bollywood. He is also the writer for most of the movies which he had directed. He won the FIlmfare Best Director Award and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director. Shankar has created a new wave of technological brilliance in cinema ranging from a white headless Prabhu Deva dancing to Aishwarya Rai’s Skeletal Bharatanatyam, we have truly been mesmerised.
Shankar is a landmark name in the history of Indian cinema. He claimed his own records of directing the most expensive film of that period and the box office is alway shaken. He has never given a single flop in 25 years.
The Gentleman (1993)
The film Gentleman, became a blockbuster at the box office and a lot of positive reviews. The music scores were done by A.R Rahman. Robinhood-esque protagonist Arjun Sarja, is an innocent Brahman running an ‘appalam’ business to the vigilante stealing money due to a gruesome backdrop.
Shankar’s entry was clear that he was supposed to take on social issues and loudly protest. Gentleman’ took upon corruption and bribery in the education system, it’s inequality and how even for toppers of a state.
Humse Hai Muqabala (1994)
Humse Hai Muqabala was a blockbuster film which received several accolades. The film was critically appreciated. Having been the first one to use such a technique in Indian cinema. The movie also had late Raghuvaran, Girish Karnad and Vadivelu play pivotal role
Indian (1996)
The film Indian starred Kamal Haasan in dual roles along with Manisha Koirala, Urmila Matondkar, Sukanya and Goundamani in pivotal roles. The movie revolves around a 70 years old vigilante who is on a killing spree. Haasan is outraged by the growing corruption in the country and makes it his motive to kill all the corruption.
Jeans (1998)
Jeans is extremely stylish film in a fashionable way. The most expensive film made at that time, India’s official entry to the Academy awards. Jeans stirred a buzz across the nation for its newness.
Nayak (2001)
Nayak acclaimed film Mudhalvan was directed by SShankar, with Arjun Sarja, Manisha Koirala and late Raghuvaran in lead roles. With a challenge put in front of a TV Journalist, (played by Arjun Sarja) by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (played by Raghuvaran).
Aparichit (2006)
Aparichit brought a new perception to the problem faced by a common man because of corruption. Film starrer Vikram as the law abiding lawyer who suffers from multiple personality disorder and develops two egos. Shankar explains, his hatred and observation during childhood is closely captured on why India as a country has failed to grow.
Sivaji (2007)
Sivaji is a runaway hit and Shankar’s first with superstar Rajinikanth, was a blockbuster hit breaking all box office records. Bachelor of social service perfectly describes ‘Sivaji’ in the movie. a computer architect from USA who wishes to provide free education and hospitalization to the poverty ridden, grows enemies and whirls in the existent corrupt system of governance leading to bankruptcy.
Robot (2010)
The film Robot was known for his big budget ideas. The film Enthiran was stalled for nearly a decade in its development. The film stands as the highest grossing films in Kollywood. The film also won several awards including two National Film Awards.
(Robot) 2.0 (2018)
Shankar’s 2.0 , the sequel to Enthiran, is larger in scale and ambition from the first film. Shankar delivers his most ambitious project yet without deviating from the theme of the movie—there are no unnecessary songs.
