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| alma mater = Central Polytechnic College | | alma mater = Central Polytechnic College | ||
| occupation = Film director, film producer, screenwriter | | occupation = Film director, film producer, screenwriter | ||
<!-- Occupation(s) as given in the lead (see [[MOS:ROLEBIO]]) --> | |||
| yearsactive = 1993–present | | yearsactive = 1993–present | ||
| spouse = Easwari Shankar | | spouse = Easwari Shankar | ||
| children = 3, including [[Aditi Shankar|Aditi]] | | children = 3, including [[Aditi Shankar|Aditi]]<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/shankar-shanmugham-daughter-aditi-to-debut-with-karthi-viruman-7491629/ |title=Shankar's daughter Aditi Shankar to make her silver screen debut with Viruman |date=6 September 2021 |website=indianexpress.com |language=en}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
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Shankar made his debut as a director in the film ''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]'' (1993), for which he won the [[Filmfare Best Director Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Best Director Award]] and the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director]]. He usually collaborates with composer [[A. R. Rahman]], both having done over 11 films together. Some of his films like ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'' (1996) and ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' (1998) were commercially very successful and were submitted by [[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|India for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]], but neither earned a nomination. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by M. G. R. University. | Shankar made his debut as a director in the film ''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]'' (1993), for which he won the [[Filmfare Best Director Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Best Director Award]] and the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director]]. He usually collaborates with composer [[A. R. Rahman]], both having done over 11 films together. Some of his films like ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'' (1996) and ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' (1998) were commercially very successful and were submitted by [[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|India for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]], but neither earned a nomination. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by M. G. R. University. | ||
Shankar's [[psychological thriller]] ''[[Anniyan]]'' was released in 2005 with highly critical and commercial success. After Anniyan, Shankar teamed up with [[Rajinikanth]] on ''[[Sivaji: The Boss|Sivaji]]'' (2007), the most expensive Indian film at that time. | Shankar's [[psychological thriller]] ''[[Anniyan]]'' was released in 2005 with highly critical and commercial success. After Anniyan, Shankar teamed up with [[Rajinikanth]] on ''[[Sivaji: The Boss|Sivaji]]'' (2007), the most expensive Indian film at that time.<ref name="indiatimes.2007.06.18">{{cite news |url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/Movies/Telugu/Sivaji-The-Boss-Now-playing/articleshow/2130888.cms |title=Sivaji&nbsp;– The Boss (Now Playing) |quote=Made on a budget of about Rs. 75 Crores... |date=18 June 2007 |work=[[Indiatimes]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104132833/http://movies.indiatimes.com/Movies/Telugu/Sivaji-The-Boss-Now-playing/articleshow/2130888.cms|archive-date=4 January 2010}}</ref> He again collaborated with Rajinikanth for the [[science fiction]] film ''[[Enthiran]]'' (2010), which again turned out to be [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|highest grossing Tamil film]] at that time and also its sequel ''[[2.0 (film)|2.0]]'' (2018), is the [[List of highest-grossing films in India|seventh highest-grossing film in India]] and the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films#Worldwide gross collection|tenth highest-grossing Indian film worldwide]].<ref name="2.0second">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4535 |title=Top All Time India Grossers All Formats – 2.0 Second|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301063740/https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4535|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4533 |title=2.0 All India Update – Crosses 400 Crore NETT|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225173636/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4533|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also [[List of Indian films of 2018|the highest-grossing Indian film of 2018]]. | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
Shankar was born on 17 August 1963 in [[Kumbakonam]], [[Thanjavur district]], Tamil Nadu to Muthulakshmi and Shanmugam. He completed his diploma in [[mechanical engineering]] from [[Central Polytechnic Chennai|Central Polytechnic College]] and worked in a typewriting company before entering the film industry. | Shankar was born on 17 August 1963 in [[Kumbakonam]], [[Thanjavur district]], Tamil Nadu to Muthulakshmi and Shanmugam. He completed his diploma in [[mechanical engineering]] from [[Central Polytechnic Chennai|Central Polytechnic College]] and worked in a typewriting company before entering the film industry.<ref name=kalki>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |language=Ta |title=Take it easy? Not for Me! |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1994-12-04/page/n59/mode/2up |date=4 December 1994 |pages=58–59}}</ref> He was roped into the film industry as a screenwriter by [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]], who accidentally saw the drama stage shows made by Shankar and his team. Though Shankar wanted to be an actor, he chose to be a director instead.<ref name=kalki /><ref name ="rediff">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04sank.htm |title=Rediff On The Net, Movies:An interview with Shankar |date=4 April 1997|access-date=29 May 2018 |author=Pavithra Srinivasan |work=[[Rediff.com]]|archive-date=2 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602231422/http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04sank.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Career== | ==Career== | ||
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===1985-1990: Early work before directorial=== | ===1985-1990: Early work before directorial=== | ||
Shankar was a wannabe actor who, after small and unnoticed roles in two films such ''Vesham'' (1985) and ''[[Poovum Puyalum]]'' (1986), eventually grabbed the opportunity to assist directors [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]] and [[Pavithran (Tamil film director)|Pavithran]]. | Shankar was a wannabe actor who, after small and unnoticed roles in two films such ''Vesham'' (1985) and ''[[Poovum Puyalum]]'' (1986), eventually grabbed the opportunity to assist directors [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]] and [[Pavithran (Tamil film director)|Pavithran]].<ref name ="rediff"/> He began his career as an actor in the films ''[[Vasantha Raagam]]'' (1986), ''[[Neethikku Thandanai]]'' (1987) and ''[[Seetha (1990 film)|Seetha]]'' (1990). | ||
===1993-2002: Debut and breakthrough=== | ===1993-2002: Debut and breakthrough=== | ||
In 1993, Shankar made his directional debut through ''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]'', starring [[Arjun Sarja]] in the lead role. The film was made with a higher-than-average budget in [[Tamil cinema]] during that time. It received a positive response and became a [[blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]]. | In 1993, Shankar made his directional debut through ''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]'', starring [[Arjun Sarja]] in the lead role. The film was made with a higher-than-average budget in [[Tamil cinema]] during that time. It received a positive response and became a [[blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/Interview1/html/sankar_interview.html |title=Director Shankar's Interview |website=Behindwoods |date=20 January 2005 |access-date=9 November 2011 |archive-date=2 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502025922/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/Interview1/html/sankar_interview.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[A. R. Rahman]], the film's music composer, continued to work with Shankar in his next six directorial ventures. | ||
Shankar's second film, ''[[Kaadhalan]]'', a romantic thriller film, released the following year and featured [[Prabhu Deva]] in the lead role. In 1996, he collaborated with [[Kamal Haasan]] for ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''. It was dubbed in Hindi as ''Hindustani'' and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Bharateeyudu''. The film was selected as the country's submission for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]]. Following ''Indian'', Shankar began work on ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'', which released in 1998 and became the most expensive film in Indian cinema at that time with a budget of {{INR}} 200 million. Upon release, it became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of the 1990s. He made his production debut through ''[[Mudhalvan]]'' (1999), where he collaborated with [[Arjun Sarja]] for the second time as lead actor. The film was a hit at the box office. | Shankar's second film, ''[[Kaadhalan]]'', a romantic thriller film, released the following year and featured [[Prabhu Deva]] in the lead role. In 1996, he collaborated with [[Kamal Haasan]] for ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''. It was dubbed in Hindi as ''Hindustani'' and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Bharateeyudu''. The film was selected as the country's submission for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]]. Following ''Indian'', Shankar began work on ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'', which released in 1998 and became the most expensive film in Indian cinema at that time with a budget of {{INR}} 200 million. Upon release, it became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of the 1990s. He made his production debut through ''[[Mudhalvan]]'' (1999), where he collaborated with [[Arjun Sarja]] for the second time as lead actor. The film was a hit at the box office. | ||
Shankar opted to remake ''Mudhalvan'' in [[Hindi language|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'', thus making his [[Bollywood]] debut. ''Nayak'' released in September 2001 and was declared a [[Box office bomb|flop]] by [[Box Office India]] due to its poor marketing, high budget, and distribution price. It went on to gain cult status from repeated telecasts despite not doing well at the box office. | Shankar opted to remake ''Mudhalvan'' in [[Hindi language|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'', thus making his [[Bollywood]] debut. ''Nayak'' released in September 2001 and was declared a [[Box office bomb|flop]] by [[Box Office India]] due to its poor marketing, high budget, and distribution price. It went on to gain cult status from repeated telecasts despite not doing well at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=671 |title=Nayak – Movie – Box Office India|access-date=29 May 2018 |publisher=Box Office India|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203855/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=671|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/15-Years-Of-Nayak/#.8ls1k1uuq |title=15 Years On, Nayak Remains As Relevant To India's Political Scenario As It Was Back Then |date=7 September 2016|access-date=29 May 2018 |author=Devika Sahni |publisher=scoopwhoop.com|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529204034/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/15-Years-Of-Nayak/#.8ls1k1uuq|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2017/aug/05/baahubali-writer-gets-busy-with-nayak-sequel-1638509.html |title=Baahubali writer gets busy with Nayak sequel |date=5 August 2017|access-date=29 May 2018 |publisher=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203833/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2017/aug/05/baahubali-writer-gets-busy-with-nayak-sequel-1638509.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Shankar started work on his next film, which was supposed to be a [[science fiction film]] titled ''Robot'' that was slated to have [[Kamal Haasan]] in the lead. The project was stalled since Haasan was busy with other projects. Later, the project could not move forward due to budgeting problems.<ref name ="rediff2">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/05south.htm |title=Movies:Shankar and Rajnikanth team up |date=5 November 2001|access-date=29 May 2018 |author=Rajitha |work=Rediff.com|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203403/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/05south.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===2003-2018: Widespread success=== | ===2003-2018: Widespread success=== | ||
Shankar's coming-of-age musical film ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]'' released in 2003. It received mixed reviews from the critics and audience, resulting in average business. However, [[A. R. Rahman]]'s soundtrack for the film became a major sensation. On the box office front, the Telugu-dubbed version of ''Boys'' was a hit in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. | Shankar's coming-of-age musical film ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]'' released in 2003. It received mixed reviews from the critics and audience, resulting in average business. However, [[A. R. Rahman]]'s soundtrack for the film became a major sensation. On the box office front, the Telugu-dubbed version of ''Boys'' was a hit in [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shankar now wants sci-fi with Vikram |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/24south.htm |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=www.rediff.com |quote=Boys, his latest venture, ran foul of public opinion in Tamil Nadu, with many protesting that the dialogues and some scenes were too 'vulgar' for public consumption. The film – produced by Shankar's regular producer A M Rathnam – did enormous business in Telugu.}}</ref> | ||
Shankar's [[psychological thriller]] ''[[Anniyan]]'', featuring [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] in three distinct characters (Ambi, Remo and Anniyan), was released in 2005. Shankar collaborated with composer [[Harris Jayaraj]] for the first time. ''Anniyan'' turned out to become the second-highest grossing Tamil film of 2005. | Shankar's [[psychological thriller]] ''[[Anniyan]]'', featuring [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] in three distinct characters (Ambi, Remo and Anniyan), was released in 2005. Shankar collaborated with composer [[Harris Jayaraj]] for the first time. ''Anniyan'' turned out to become the second-highest grossing Tamil film of 2005. | ||
Shortly after the release of ''Anniyan'', it was reported that Shankar had teamed up with Rajinikanth and [[AVM Productions]] for a film. He renewed his association with [[A. R. Rahman]] for the film. ''[[Sivaji: The Boss|Sivaji]]'' was made at a budget of {{INR}} 600 [[million]], | Shortly after the release of ''Anniyan'', it was reported that Shankar had teamed up with Rajinikanth and [[AVM Productions]] for a film. He renewed his association with [[A. R. Rahman]] for the film. ''[[Sivaji: The Boss|Sivaji]]'' was made at a budget of {{INR}} 600 [[million]],<ref name="indiatimes.2007.06.18"/> the [[List of most expensive Indian films#Record-holders|most expensive Indian film]] to that point. He was paid a record salary of {{INR}}100&nbsp;million for the film. After two years of filming, the film released in 2007 and ultimately became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of that time. | ||
Following ''Sivaji'', Shankar revisited the possibilities of opinion regarding the script of ''Robot''. He later decided to make the project in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] with [[Rajinikanth]] and [[Aishwarya Rai]]. The film was produced by South Indian [[media proprietor]], [[Kalanithi Maran]], was renamed ''[[Enthiran]]'', and was made on a budget of {{INR}}1.32 [[billion]], which was again the most expensive Indian film to that point. Some reports also make it one of the highest grossing Tamil films of the time. | Following ''Sivaji'', Shankar revisited the possibilities of opinion regarding the script of ''Robot''. He later decided to make the project in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] with [[Rajinikanth]] and [[Aishwarya Rai]]. The film was produced by South Indian [[media proprietor]], [[Kalanithi Maran]], was renamed ''[[Enthiran]]'', and was made on a budget of {{INR}}1.32 [[billion]], which was again the most expensive Indian film to that point. Some reports also make it one of the highest grossing Tamil films of the time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/142049/rajinikanth-starrer-robot-grosses-rs-375-crore.html |title=Rajinikanth's 'Robot' biggest grosser of all time |publisher=[[IBN Live]] |access-date=2 July 2011 |archive-date=13 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013012714/http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/142049/rajinikanth-starrer-robot-grosses-rs-375-crore.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/rajini-adds-30-to-maran-cos-revenue/articleshow/7394423.cms |title=Rajinikanth adds 30% to Kalanithi Maran's Sun TV Network revenue |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=31 January 2011|access-date=2 July 2011|archive-date=4 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204030928/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/rajini-adds-30-to-maran-cos-revenue/articleshow/7394423.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Shankar started to work on ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]'', the Tamil remake of the 2009 Hindi film ''[[3 Idiots]]'' starring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Jiiva]] and [[Srikanth (actor, born 1979)|Srikanth]]. The film opened in January 2012. After ''Nanban'', it was wrongly reported that Shankar's next film would be called ''Therdal''. | Shankar started to work on ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]'', the Tamil remake of the 2009 Hindi film ''[[3 Idiots]]'' starring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Jiiva]] and [[Srikanth (actor, born 1979)|Srikanth]]. The film opened in January 2012. After ''Nanban'', it was wrongly reported that Shankar's next film would be called ''Therdal''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Samantha-bags-Shankars-next-Therdal/articleshow/14184190.cms |title=Samantha bags Shankar's next Therdal |date=16 June 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |access-date=23 August 2012 |archive-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030090833/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-16/news-interviews/32268658_1_shankar-asin-vikram |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On 21 June 2012, Shankar announced his next film titled ''[[I (2015 film)|I]]''. | On 21 June 2012, Shankar announced his next film titled ''[[I (2015 film)|I]]''.<ref name="I">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-will-be-produced-on-a-mega-scale/articleshow/14404544.cms |title='I' will be produced on a mega scale |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=26 June 2012| access-date=17 July 2012| archive-date=3 December 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203051939/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-26/news-interviews/32423761_1_vikram-ar-rahman-samantha| url-status=live}}</ref> A romantic thriller, [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] essayed the roles of a bodybuilder, fashion model, and hunchback. It was his second collaboration with Shankar after ''[[Anniyan]]''. The film, made over a period of 2.5 years, released on 14 January 2015 to mixed-to-positive reviews and earned almost {{INR}}2&nbsp;billion in 19 days.<ref name="mark">{{cite news |last1=Prakash |first1=Upadhyaya |title='I' Box Office Collection: Vikram's Flick Grosses ₹200 crore worldwide in 19 days |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/i-box-office-collection-vikram-starrer-grosses-200-crore-worldwide-19-days-622335|access-date=2 January 2017 |work=[[IB Times]] |date=3 February 2015|archive-date=24 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224173620/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/i-box-office-collection-vikram-starrer-grosses-200-crore-worldwide-19-days-622335|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Shankar then started working on ''[[2.0 (film)|2.0]]'', a sequel to ''[[Enthiran]]'', which released on 29 November 2018 and received positive to mixed reviews. It went on to become the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films#Worldwide gross collection|highest-grossing Indian film of 2018]] as well as the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|seventh highest-grossing Indian film of all time]] at release. To date, the film is still the [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|highest-grossing Tamil film of all time]]. | Shankar then started working on ''[[2.0 (film)|2.0]]'', a sequel to ''[[Enthiran]]'', which released on 29 November 2018 and received positive to mixed reviews. It went on to become the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films#Worldwide gross collection|highest-grossing Indian film of 2018]] as well as the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|seventh highest-grossing Indian film of all time]] at release. To date, the film is still the [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|highest-grossing Tamil film of all time]]. | ||
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===2019-present: Commercial fluctuations=== | ===2019-present: Commercial fluctuations=== | ||
Shankar then began work on ''[[Indian 2]]'', the sequel to ''Indian'', reuniting with Kamal Haasan. It was produced by Lyca Productions, marking the production company's second collaboration with Shankar after ''2.0''. However, due to Haasan contesting the [[2019 Indian general election]], an accident on the sets, | Shankar then began work on ''[[Indian 2]]'', the sequel to ''Indian'', reuniting with Kamal Haasan. It was produced by Lyca Productions, marking the production company's second collaboration with Shankar after ''2.0''. However, due to Haasan contesting the [[2019 Indian general election]], an accident on the sets,<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 February 2020 |title=3 killed during 'Indian 2' film shoot |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/3-killed-during-indian-2-shoot/article30864990.ece |url-status=live |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219230448/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/3-killed-during-indian-2-shoot/article30864990.ece |archive-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> and the COVID-19 pandemic, production was stalled. | ||
In February 2021, Shankar announced his debut in Telugu cinema, ''[[Game Changer (film)|Game Changer]]'', starring [[Ram Charan]] and [[Kiara Advani]]; with the story written by [[Karthik Subbaraj]]. | In February 2021, Shankar announced his debut in Telugu cinema, ''[[Game Changer (film)|Game Changer]]'', starring [[Ram Charan]] and [[Kiara Advani]]; with the story written by [[Karthik Subbaraj]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhasin |first=Shriya |date=8 September 2021 |title=Shankar's 'SVC 50' starring Kiara Advani, Ram Charan goes on floor |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/shankar-s-untitled-film-starring-kiara-advani-ram-charan-goes-on-floor-732563|access-date=21 September 2021 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en}}</ref> It was produced by [[Dil Raju]] under [[Sri Venkateswara Creations]]. | ||
In April 2021, he also announced his return to [[Hindi cinema]] with [[Ranveer Singh]], a remake of ''Anniyan''. It was to be produced by [[Jayantilal Gada]] under [[Pen Studios]]. | In April 2021, he also announced his return to [[Hindi cinema]] with [[Ranveer Singh]], a remake of ''Anniyan''. It was to be produced by [[Jayantilal Gada]] under [[Pen Studios]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |author1-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=Ranveer Singh and S. Shankar Team For 'Anniyan' Bollywood Remake (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/global/ranveer-singh-shankar-anniyan-remake-1234950133/ |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=14 April 2021}}</ref> However, Shankar faced legal difficulties regarding rights to remake the film, and the production never commenced.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 August 2021 |title=Ranveer Singh's Anniyan Remake in Legal Trouble, Producer Ravichandran to Move Court |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ranveer-singhs-anniyan-remake-in-legal-trouble-producer-ravichandran-to-move-court-4120400.html |website=[[News18]]}}</ref> | ||
Production on ''Game Changer'' began, and after Haasan became available following the release of [[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]], Shankar stated that he will work on and direct both ''Game Changer'' and ''Indian 2'' simultaneously. | Production on ''Game Changer'' began, and after Haasan became available following the release of [[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]], Shankar stated that he will work on and direct both ''Game Changer'' and ''Indian 2'' simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2022 |title=Shankar gears up to resume Ram Charan's 'RC15' shooting |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shankar-gears-up-to-resume-ram-charans-rc15-shooting/articleshow/93792699.cms |access-date=12 September 2022 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en |archive-date=12 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912085433/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shankar-gears-up-to-resume-ram-charans-rc15-shooting/articleshow/93792699.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> During filming of ''Indian 2'', it was decided that the film would be split into two parts due to the length of the material. Both parts were simultaneously shot.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2023 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Kamal Haasan's Indian is now a trilogy– Shankar simultaneously shoots part 2 and 3 |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-kamal-haasans-indian-is-now-a-trilogy-shankar-simultaneously-shoots-part-2-and-3-1232107 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731213335/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-kamal-haasans-indian-is-now-a-trilogy-shankar-simultaneously-shoots-part-2-and-3-1232107 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |access-date=15 October 2023 |website=[[Pinkvilla]]}}</ref> ''Indian 2'' was released on 12 July 2024. It was panned by critics and audiences alike,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-14 |title=Kamal Haasan's 'Indian 2' Gets Trimmed By 20 Minutes After Negative Reviews |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/south-cinema/kamal-haasans-indian-2-gets-trimmed-by-20-minutes-after-negative-reviews-report |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Outlook India |language=en |archive-date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805112234/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/south-cinema/kamal-haasans-indian-2-gets-trimmed-by-20-minutes-after-negative-reviews-report |url-status=live }}</ref> and was a [[box-office bomb]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/indian-2-worldwide-closing-box-office-collections-kamal-haasan-shankar-film-is-a-colossal-disaster-1338607|first=Jatinder|last=Singh|title=Indian 2 worldwide closing box office collections: Kamal Haasan, Shankar film is a colossal DISASTER|website=[[Pinkvilla]]|date=13 August 2024}}</ref> It also included a teaser for ''Indian 3'', which was better received.<ref>{{cite web |last=Seta |first=Fenil |date=July 12, 2024 |title=Exclusive: Kamal Haasan-starrer Indian 3's exciting glimpse to appear as mid-credit scene in Indian 2; is 2 minutes and 30 seconds long |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/exclusive-kamal-haasan-starrer-indian-3s-exciting-glimpse-appear-mid-credit-scene-indian-2-2-minutes-30-seconds-long/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712150523/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/exclusive-kamal-haasan-starrer-indian-3s-exciting-glimpse-appear-mid-credit-scene-indian-2-2-minutes-30-seconds-long/ |archive-date=12 July 2024 |access-date=12 July 2024 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> | ||
''Game Changer'' was released on 10 January 2025, coinciding with [[Sankranti]].{{cn|date=June 2025}} It opened to mixed reviews from critics and audience and emerged as Shankar's second consecutive [[box-office bomb]]. | ''Game Changer'' was released on 10 January 2025, coinciding with [[Sankranti]].{{cn|date=June 2025}} It opened to mixed reviews from critics and audience and emerged as Shankar's second consecutive [[box-office bomb]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-21 |title=Game Changer (Hindi) Final Worldwide Box Office: Ram Charan and Kiara Advani's political drama to end run with JUST Rs 39 crore globally |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/game-changer-hindi-final-worldwide-box-office-ram-charan-and-kiara-advanis-political-drama-to-end-run-with-just-rs-39-crore-globally-1368636 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Talwar|first=Puja|date=20 January 2025 |title=When big films flop, who should take the fall?|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/hyderabad-chronicle/when-big-films-flop-who-should-take-the-fall-1855270 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=23 January 2025 }}</ref> | ||
''Indian 3'' was scheduled to be released on 24 January 2025, but is currently undergoing reshoots due to the panning of its predecessor. However, it remains unreleased. | ''Indian 3'' was scheduled to be released on 24 January 2025, but is currently undergoing reshoots due to the panning of its predecessor. However, it remains unreleased.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 July 2024 |title='இந்தியன் 3' படத்திற்காக மீண்டும் படப்பிடிப்பு |url=https://www.dinamalar.com/cinemanews/122854 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824040303/https://www.dinamalar.com/cinemanews/122854 |archive-date=24 August 2024 |access-date=30 August 2024 |website=[[Dinamalar]] |language=ta}}</ref> | ||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Shankar is married to Easwari Shankar. The couple has two daughters and a son. Their younger daughter, [[Aditi Shankar]], made her acting debut with ''[[Viruman]]'' (2022). | Shankar is married to Easwari Shankar. The couple has two daughters and a son. Their younger daughter, [[Aditi Shankar]], made her acting debut with ''[[Viruman]]'' (2022).<ref name="indianexpress.com"/> In April 2024, Shankar's older daughter Aishwarya's second marriage was with Tarun Karthikeyan, after her divorce from cricketer [[Damodaran Rohit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/director-shankars-daughter-aishwarya-marries-tarun-karthikeyan-rajinikanth-kamal-haasan-suriya-and-vikram-attend-the-wedding/articleshow/109310449.cms|title=Director Shankar's daughter Aishwarya marries Tarun Karthikeyan; Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Suriya, and Vikram attend the wedding|website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/director-shankar-s-daughter-aishwarya-to-tie-the-knot-with-cricketer-rohit-damodaren-today-1819923-2021-06-27|title=Director Shankar's daughter Aishwarya to tie the knot with cricketer Rohit Damodharan today|date=27 June 2021|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/shankars-son-in-law-tarun-didnt-work-with-him-as-assistant-director-2528218-2024-04-17|title=Shankar's son-in-law Tarun: 'Didn't work with him as assistant director'|date=17 April 2024|website=India Today}}</ref> Shankar's son Arjith Shankar is also an aspiring actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/director-shankars-son-arjith-expected-to-make-his-acting-debut-with-a-tamil-film/articleshow/89155477.cms|title=Director Shankar's son Arjith expected to make his acting debut with a Tamil film|website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref> | ||
==Filmography== | ==Filmography== | ||
| Line 154: | Line 154: | ||
|{{pending film|Indian 3}} | |{{pending film|Indian 3}} | ||
|Tamil | |Tamil | ||
|Delayed | |Delayed<br>Sequel of ''Indian 2'' (2024) | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 273: | Line 273: | ||
| rowspan="1" | [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]] | | rowspan="1" | [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]] | ||
| rowspan="1" {{won}} | | rowspan="1" {{won}} | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nowrunning.com/news/tamil/veyil-wins-national-award-for-best-tamil-film/16098/story.htm|title = | ||
'Veyil' wins National Award for best TAMIL film}} | 'Veyil' wins National Award for best TAMIL film}}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 291: | Line 291: | ||
| rowspan="3" | [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil|Best Director]] | | rowspan="3" | [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil|Best Director]] | ||
| rowspan="4" {{won}} | | rowspan="4" {{won}} | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-details/gentleman/movieawards/61316999.cms |title=Gentleman Awards: List of Awards won by Tamil movie Gentleman |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[42nd Filmfare Awards South|1994]] | | [[42nd Filmfare Awards South|1994]] | ||
| ''[[Kaadhalan]]'' | | ''[[Kaadhalan]]'' | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-details/kadhalan/movieawards/65005259.cms |title=Kadhalan Awards: List of Awards won by Tamil movie Kadhalan |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[53rd Filmfare Awards South|2005]] | | [[53rd Filmfare Awards South|2005]] | ||
| ''[[Anniyan]]'' | | ''[[Anniyan]]'' | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0001531/2006/1/|title = Filmfare Awards South| website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[55th Filmfare Awards South|2006]] | | [[55th Filmfare Awards South|2006]] | ||
| ''[[Veyil (2006 film)|Veyil]]'' | | ''[[Veyil (2006 film)|Veyil]]'' | ||
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil|Best Film – Tamil]] | |[[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil|Best Film – Tamil]] | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045898/awards/?ref_=tt_awd|title = Filmfare Awards South| website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[55th Filmfare Awards South|2007]] | | [[55th Filmfare Awards South|2007]] | ||
| Line 310: | Line 310: | ||
| rowspan="3" | Best Director | | rowspan="3" | Best Director | ||
| rowspan="3" {{Nom}} | | rowspan="3" {{Nom}} | ||
| | |<ref name="Filmfare Awards South">{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479751/awards/?ref_=tt_awd|title = Filmfare Awards South| website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[58th Filmfare Awards South|2010]] | | [[58th Filmfare Awards South|2010]] | ||
| ''[[Enthiran]]'' | | ''[[Enthiran]]'' | ||
| | |<ref name="Filmfare Awards South"/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[63rd Filmfare Awards South|2015]] | | [[63rd Filmfare Awards South|2015]] | ||
| ''[[I (2015 film)|I]]'' | | ''[[I (2015 film)|I]]'' | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2302966/awards/?ref_=tt_awd|title = Filmfare Awards South| website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 335: | Line 335: | ||
| [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director|Best Director]] | | [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director|Best Director]] | ||
| rowspan="6" {{won}} | | rowspan="6" {{won}} | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://telanganatoday.com/this-gentleman-turns-56-today |title=This 'Gentleman' turns 56 today |website=Telangana Today}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 1996 | | 1996 | ||
| ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'' | | ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'' | ||
| [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film (First prize)]] | | [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film (First prize)]] | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-02-03 |title=mahadevan\htmls\1996 cinema awards |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/1996awards.htm |access-date=2023-11-20 |archive-date=3 February 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990203152338/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/1996awards.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2" | 2005 | | rowspan="2" | 2005 | ||
| rowspan="2" | ''[[Anniyan]]'' | | rowspan="2" | ''[[Anniyan]]'' | ||
| [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film (Second prize)]] | | [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film (Second prize)]] | ||
| | |<ref name="Tamil Nadu State Film Awards">{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376127/awards/?ref_=tt_awd|title = Tamil Nadu State Film Awards| website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director|Best Director]] | |[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director|Best Director]] | ||
| | |<ref name="Tamil Nadu State Film Awards"/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2006 | | 2006 | ||
| ''[[Veyil (2006 film)|Veyil]]'' | | ''[[Veyil (2006 film)|Veyil]]'' | ||
| rowspan="2" | [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film (First prize)]] | | rowspan="2" | [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film (First prize)]] | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045898/awards/?ref_=tt_awd|title = Tamil Nadu State Film Awards| website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2007 | | 2007 | ||
| ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji: The.Boss]]'' | | ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji: The.Boss]]'' | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479751/awards/?ref_=tt_awd|title = Tamil Nadu State Film Awards| website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 374: | Line 374: | ||
| [[Vijay Award for Favourite Director|Favourite Director]] | | [[Vijay Award for Favourite Director|Favourite Director]] | ||
| rowspan="2" {{won}} | | rowspan="2" {{won}} | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/legends-steal-the-show-at-close-up-vijay-awards/article2135142.ece |title=Legends steal the show at Close Up Vijay Awards |author=Staff Reporter |newspaper=The Hindu |date=26 June 2011 |via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[8th Vijay Awards|2013]] | | [[8th Vijay Awards|2013]] | ||
| colspan="2" | [[Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema]] | | colspan="2" | [[Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema]] | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-honoured-at-vijay-awards |title=Shah Rukh Khan honoured at Vijay Awards |website=Khaleej Times}}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 395: | Line 395: | ||
| [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Best Animation and Visual Effect]] | | [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Best Animation and Visual Effect]] | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| | |<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.movienews360.com/vikatan-awards-2019-winners-list-is-here/ |title=Vikatan Awards 2019: Winners list is here |date=1 January 2019 |access-date=2 March 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627072840/http://www.movienews360.com/vikatan-awards-2019-winners-list-is-here/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
Latest revision as of 09:15, 22 March 2026
S. Shankar | |
|---|---|
 Shankar in 2018 | |
| Born | Shankar Shanmugam 17 August 1963 Kumbakonam, Madras State (present-day Tamil Nadu), India |
| Alma mater | Central Polytechnic College |
| Occupation | Film director, film producer, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Spouse(s) | Easwari Shankar |
| Children | 3, including Aditi[1] |
Shankar Shanmugam (born 17 August 1963) is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter, primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. He is one of the most prominent directors of Indian cinema, he has also worked in Hindi and Telugu films. Shankar's films are known for addressing contemporary social issues, vigilante themes, and use of visual effects. Throughout his career, he has won several awards, including one National Film Award, four Filmfare Award South, and six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. Additionally, six of his films have won the National Film Award for Best Special Effects.
Shankar made his debut as a director in the film Gentleman (1993), for which he won the Filmfare Best Director Award and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director. He usually collaborates with composer A. R. Rahman, both having done over 11 films together. Some of his films like Indian (1996) and Jeans (1998) were commercially very successful and were submitted by India for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, but neither earned a nomination. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by M. G. R. University.
Shankar's psychological thriller Anniyan was released in 2005 with highly critical and commercial success. After Anniyan, Shankar teamed up with Rajinikanth on Sivaji (2007), the most expensive Indian film at that time.[2] He again collaborated with Rajinikanth for the science fiction film Enthiran (2010), which again turned out to be highest grossing Tamil film at that time and also its sequel 2.0 (2018), is the seventh highest-grossing film in India and the tenth highest-grossing Indian film worldwide.[3][4] It is also the highest-grossing Indian film of 2018.
Early life[edit | edit source]
Shankar was born on 17 August 1963 in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu to Muthulakshmi and Shanmugam. He completed his diploma in mechanical engineering from Central Polytechnic College and worked in a typewriting company before entering the film industry.[5] He was roped into the film industry as a screenwriter by S. A. Chandrasekhar, who accidentally saw the drama stage shows made by Shankar and his team. Though Shankar wanted to be an actor, he chose to be a director instead.[5][6]
Career[edit | edit source]
1985-1990: Early work before directorial[edit | edit source]
Shankar was a wannabe actor who, after small and unnoticed roles in two films such Vesham (1985) and Poovum Puyalum (1986), eventually grabbed the opportunity to assist directors S. A. Chandrasekhar and Pavithran.[6] He began his career as an actor in the films Vasantha Raagam (1986), Neethikku Thandanai (1987) and Seetha (1990).
1993-2002: Debut and breakthrough[edit | edit source]
In 1993, Shankar made his directional debut through Gentleman, starring Arjun Sarja in the lead role. The film was made with a higher-than-average budget in Tamil cinema during that time. It received a positive response and became a blockbuster.[7] A. R. Rahman, the film's music composer, continued to work with Shankar in his next six directorial ventures.
Shankar's second film, Kaadhalan, a romantic thriller film, released the following year and featured Prabhu Deva in the lead role. In 1996, he collaborated with Kamal Haasan for Indian. It was dubbed in Hindi as Hindustani and Telugu as Bharateeyudu. The film was selected as the country's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Following Indian, Shankar began work on Jeans, which released in 1998 and became the most expensive film in Indian cinema at that time with a budget of ₹ 200 million. Upon release, it became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of the 1990s. He made his production debut through Mudhalvan (1999), where he collaborated with Arjun Sarja for the second time as lead actor. The film was a hit at the box office.
Shankar opted to remake Mudhalvan in Hindi as Nayak, thus making his Bollywood debut. Nayak released in September 2001 and was declared a flop by Box Office India due to its poor marketing, high budget, and distribution price. It went on to gain cult status from repeated telecasts despite not doing well at the box office.[8][9][10] Shankar started work on his next film, which was supposed to be a science fiction film titled Robot that was slated to have Kamal Haasan in the lead. The project was stalled since Haasan was busy with other projects. Later, the project could not move forward due to budgeting problems.[11]
2003-2018: Widespread success[edit | edit source]
Shankar's coming-of-age musical film Boys released in 2003. It received mixed reviews from the critics and audience, resulting in average business. However, A. R. Rahman's soundtrack for the film became a major sensation. On the box office front, the Telugu-dubbed version of Boys was a hit in Andhra Pradesh.[12]
Shankar's psychological thriller Anniyan, featuring Vikram in three distinct characters (Ambi, Remo and Anniyan), was released in 2005. Shankar collaborated with composer Harris Jayaraj for the first time. Anniyan turned out to become the second-highest grossing Tamil film of 2005.
Shortly after the release of Anniyan, it was reported that Shankar had teamed up with Rajinikanth and AVM Productions for a film. He renewed his association with A. R. Rahman for the film. Sivaji was made at a budget of ₹ 600 million,[2] the most expensive Indian film to that point. He was paid a record salary of ₹100 million for the film. After two years of filming, the film released in 2007 and ultimately became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of that time.
Following Sivaji, Shankar revisited the possibilities of opinion regarding the script of Robot. He later decided to make the project in Tamil with Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai. The film was produced by South Indian media proprietor, Kalanithi Maran, was renamed Enthiran, and was made on a budget of ₹1.32 billion, which was again the most expensive Indian film to that point. Some reports also make it one of the highest grossing Tamil films of the time.[13][14]
Shankar started to work on Nanban, the Tamil remake of the 2009 Hindi film 3 Idiots starring Vijay, Jiiva and Srikanth. The film opened in January 2012. After Nanban, it was wrongly reported that Shankar's next film would be called Therdal.[15]
On 21 June 2012, Shankar announced his next film titled I.[16] A romantic thriller, Vikram essayed the roles of a bodybuilder, fashion model, and hunchback. It was his second collaboration with Shankar after Anniyan. The film, made over a period of 2.5 years, released on 14 January 2015 to mixed-to-positive reviews and earned almost ₹2 billion in 19 days.[17]
Shankar then started working on 2.0, a sequel to Enthiran, which released on 29 November 2018 and received positive to mixed reviews. It went on to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2018 as well as the seventh highest-grossing Indian film of all time at release. To date, the film is still the highest-grossing Tamil film of all time.
2019-present: Commercial fluctuations[edit | edit source]
Shankar then began work on Indian 2, the sequel to Indian, reuniting with Kamal Haasan. It was produced by Lyca Productions, marking the production company's second collaboration with Shankar after 2.0. However, due to Haasan contesting the 2019 Indian general election, an accident on the sets,[18] and the COVID-19 pandemic, production was stalled.
In February 2021, Shankar announced his debut in Telugu cinema, Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani; with the story written by Karthik Subbaraj.[19] It was produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations.
In April 2021, he also announced his return to Hindi cinema with Ranveer Singh, a remake of Anniyan. It was to be produced by Jayantilal Gada under Pen Studios.[20] However, Shankar faced legal difficulties regarding rights to remake the film, and the production never commenced.[21]
Production on Game Changer began, and after Haasan became available following the release of Vikram, Shankar stated that he will work on and direct both Game Changer and Indian 2 simultaneously.[22] During filming of Indian 2, it was decided that the film would be split into two parts due to the length of the material. Both parts were simultaneously shot.[23] Indian 2 was released on 12 July 2024. It was panned by critics and audiences alike,[24] and was a box-office bomb.[25] It also included a teaser for Indian 3, which was better received.[26]
Game Changer was released on 10 January 2025, coinciding with Sankranti.[citation needed] It opened to mixed reviews from critics and audience and emerged as Shankar's second consecutive box-office bomb.[27][28]
Indian 3 was scheduled to be released on 24 January 2025, but is currently undergoing reshoots due to the panning of its predecessor. However, it remains unreleased.[29]
Personal life[edit | edit source]
Shankar is married to Easwari Shankar. The couple has two daughters and a son. Their younger daughter, Aditi Shankar, made her acting debut with Viruman (2022).[1] In April 2024, Shankar's older daughter Aishwarya's second marriage was with Tarun Karthikeyan, after her divorce from cricketer Damodaran Rohit.[30][31][32] Shankar's son Arjith Shankar is also an aspiring actor.[33]
Filmography[edit | edit source]
|
Denotes films that have not yet been released |
- Note: all films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
As director[edit | edit source]
- Note: He is credited in films as Shankar.
| Year | Title | Languages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Gentleman | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Kaadhalan | Also lyricist for "Pettai Rap" | |
| 1996 | Indian | ||
| 1998 | Jeans | ||
| 1999 | Mudhalvan | ||
| 2001 | Nayak: The Real Hero | Hindi | Hindi film debut; Remake of Mudhalvan (1999) |
| 2003 | Boys | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Anniyan | ||
| 2007 | Sivaji: The Boss | ||
| 2010 | Enthiran | ||
| 2012 | Nanban | Remake of 3 Idiots (2009) | |
| 2015 | I | ||
| 2018 | 2.0 | Standalone sequel of Enthiran (2010) | |
| 2024 | Indian 2 | Sequel of Indian (1996) | |
| 2025 | Game Changer | Telugu | Telugu film debut |
| Template:Tba | Indian 3
|
Tamil | Delayed Sequel of Indian 2 (2024) |
As producer[edit | edit source]
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Mudhalvan | As producer |
| 2004 | Kaadhal | |
| 2006 | Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi | |
| Veyil | ||
| 2007 | Kalloori | |
| 2008 | Arai Enn 305-il Kadavul | |
| 2009 | Eeram | |
| 2010 | Rettaisuzhi | |
| Anandhapurathu Veedu | ||
| 2014 | Kappal | As distributor |
| 2023 | Aneethi |
As an actor[edit | edit source]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Vesham | Worker | |
| 1986 | Poovum Puyalum | Student | |
| Vasantha Raagam | Printing press worker | ||
| 1987 | Neethikku Thandanai | Reporter | |
| 1990 | Seetha | Japan | |
| 1994 | Kaadhalan | Spectator | Uncredited appearance in the song "Kadhalikum Pennin" |
| 2002 | Kadhal Virus | Himself | Special appearance |
| 2007 | Sivaji: The Boss | Person who telephones | Uncredited appearance in the song "Balleilakka" |
| 2010 | Enthiran | Army soldier | Uncredited appearance |
| 2012 | Nanban | Director | Uncredited appearance in the song "Asku Laska" |
Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]
National Film Awards[edit | edit source]
| Year | Film | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Veyil | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil | Won | [34] |
Filmfare Awards South[edit | edit source]
| Year | Film | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Gentleman | Best Director | Won | [35] |
| 1994 | Kaadhalan | [36] | ||
| 2005 | Anniyan | [37] | ||
| 2006 | Veyil | Best Film – Tamil | [38] | |
| 2007 | Sivaji: The.Boss | Best Director | Nominated | [39] |
| 2010 | Enthiran | [39] | ||
| 2015 | I | [40] |
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards[edit | edit source]
| Year | Film | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Gentleman | Best Director | Won | [41] |
| 1996 | Indian | Best Film (First prize) | [42] | |
| 2005 | Anniyan | Best Film (Second prize) | [43] | |
| Best Director | [43] | |||
| 2006 | Veyil | Best Film (First prize) | [44] | |
| 2007 | Sivaji: The.Boss | [45] |
Vijay Awards[edit | edit source]
| Year | Film | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Enthiran: The Robot | Favourite Director | Won | [46] |
| 2013 | Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema | [47] | ||
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards[edit | edit source]
| Year | Film | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2.0 | Best Animation and Visual Effect | Won | [48] |
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Shankar's daughter Aditi Shankar to make her silver screen debut with Viruman". indianexpress.com. 6 September 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Sivaji – The Boss (Now Playing)". Indiatimes. 18 June 2007. Archived from the original on 4 January 2010.
Made on a budget of about Rs. 75 Crores...
- ↑ "Top All Time India Grossers All Formats – 2.0 Second". Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ↑ "2.0 All India Update – Crosses 400 Crore NETT". Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Take it easy? Not for Me!". Kalki (in தமிழ்). 4 December 1994. pp. 58–59.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Pavithra Srinivasan (4 April 1997). "Rediff On The Net, Movies:An interview with Shankar". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 2 June 2010. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ↑ "Director Shankar's Interview". Behindwoods. 20 January 2005. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ↑ "Nayak – Movie – Box Office India". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ↑ Devika Sahni (7 September 2016). "15 Years On, Nayak Remains As Relevant To India's Political Scenario As It Was Back Then". scoopwhoop.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ↑ "Baahubali writer gets busy with Nayak sequel". The New Indian Express. 5 August 2017. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ↑ Rajitha (5 November 2001). "Movies:Shankar and Rajnikanth team up". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
- ↑ "Shankar now wants sci-fi with Vikram". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
Boys, his latest venture, ran foul of public opinion in Tamil Nadu, with many protesting that the dialogues and some scenes were too 'vulgar' for public consumption. The film – produced by Shankar's regular producer A M Rathnam – did enormous business in Telugu.
- ↑ "Rajinikanth's 'Robot' biggest grosser of all time". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
- ↑ "Rajinikanth adds 30% to Kalanithi Maran's Sun TV Network revenue". The Economic Times. 31 January 2011. Archived from the original on 4 February 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
- ↑ "Samantha bags Shankar's next Therdal". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 16 June 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ↑ "'I' will be produced on a mega scale". The Times of India. 26 June 2012. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- ↑ Prakash, Upadhyaya (3 February 2015). "'I' Box Office Collection: Vikram's Flick Grosses ₹200 crore worldwide in 19 days". IB Times. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ↑ "3 killed during 'Indian 2' film shoot". The Hindu. 20 February 2020. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ↑ Bhasin, Shriya (8 September 2021). "Shankar's 'SVC 50' starring Kiara Advani, Ram Charan goes on floor". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (14 April 2021). "Ranveer Singh and S. Shankar Team For 'Anniyan' Bollywood Remake (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ↑ "Ranveer Singh's Anniyan Remake in Legal Trouble, Producer Ravichandran to Move Court". News18. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ "Shankar gears up to resume Ram Charan's 'RC15' shooting". The Times of India. 26 August 2022. Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
- ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Kamal Haasan's Indian is now a trilogy– Shankar simultaneously shoots part 2 and 3". Pinkvilla. 26 July 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ↑ "Kamal Haasan's 'Indian 2' Gets Trimmed By 20 Minutes After Negative Reviews". Outlook India. 14 July 2024. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ↑ Singh, Jatinder (13 August 2024). "Indian 2 worldwide closing box office collections: Kamal Haasan, Shankar film is a colossal DISASTER". Pinkvilla.
- ↑ Seta, Fenil (12 July 2024). "Exclusive: Kamal Haasan-starrer Indian 3's exciting glimpse to appear as mid-credit scene in Indian 2; is 2 minutes and 30 seconds long". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 12 July 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ↑ "Game Changer (Hindi) Final Worldwide Box Office: Ram Charan and Kiara Advani's political drama to end run with JUST Rs 39 crore globally". Pinkvilla. 21 January 2025. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
- ↑ Talwar, Puja (20 January 2025). "When big films flop, who should take the fall?". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
- ↑ "'இந்தியன் 3' படத்திற்காக மீண்டும் படப்பிடிப்பு". Dinamalar (in தமிழ்). 27 July 2024. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ↑ "Director Shankar's daughter Aishwarya marries Tarun Karthikeyan; Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Suriya, and Vikram attend the wedding". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Director Shankar's daughter Aishwarya to tie the knot with cricketer Rohit Damodharan today". India Today. 27 June 2021.
- ↑ "Shankar's son-in-law Tarun: 'Didn't work with him as assistant director'". India Today. 17 April 2024.
- ↑ "Director Shankar's son Arjith expected to make his acting debut with a Tamil film". The Times of India.
- ↑ "'Veyil' wins National Award for best TAMIL film".
- ↑ "Gentleman Awards: List of Awards won by Tamil movie Gentleman". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Kadhalan Awards: List of Awards won by Tamil movie Kadhalan". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Filmfare Awards South". IMDb.
- ↑ "Filmfare Awards South". IMDb.
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 "Filmfare Awards South". IMDb.
- ↑ "Filmfare Awards South". IMDb.
- ↑ "This 'Gentleman' turns 56 today". Telangana Today.
- ↑ "mahadevan\htmls\1996 cinema awards". 3 February 1999. Archived from the original on 3 February 1999. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards". IMDb.
- ↑ "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards". IMDb.
- ↑ "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards". IMDb.
- ↑ Staff Reporter (26 June 2011). "Legends steal the show at Close Up Vijay Awards". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Shah Rukh Khan honoured at Vijay Awards". Khaleej Times.
- ↑ "Vikatan Awards 2019: Winners list is here". 1 January 2019. Archived from the original on 27 June 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
External links[edit | edit source]
{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}- S. Shankar on IMDb