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{{Short description|Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer}}
{{Short description|Indian film director, screenwriter and film producer (born 1986)}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Atlee  
| name              = Atlee
| image              = Atleeawrd.jpg
| image              = Atlee in 2024.jpg
| caption            = Atlee at the [[8th Vijay Awards]], 2014
| caption            = Atlee in 2024
| birth_name        = Arun Kumar  
| birth_name        = Arun Kumar
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1986|09|21}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1986|09|21}}
| birth_place        = [[Thiruparankundram]], [[Madurai District|Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| birth_place        = [[Thiruparankundram]], [[Madurai District|Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| occupation        = {{hlist|Film director|screenwriter|producer}}
| occupation        = {{Hlist|Film director|screenwriter|producer}}
| years_active      = 2010–present
| years_active      = 2010-present
| spouse            = {{marriage|Krishna Priya|2014}}<ref name="Atlee announces this wedding date!">{{cite news |last1=The Times of India |title=Atlee announces this wedding date! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/atlee-announces-this-wedding-date/articleshow/43135523.cms |access-date=7 September 2023 |date=16 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907173316/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/atlee-announces-this-wedding-date/articleshow/43135523.cms |archive-date=7 September 2023}}</ref>
| spouse            = {{marriage|Krishna Priya|2014}}<ref name="Atlee announces this wedding date!">{{cite news |last1=The Times of India |title=Atlee announces this wedding date! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/atlee-announces-this-wedding-date/articleshow/43135523.cms |access-date=7 September 2023 |date=16 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907173316/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/atlee-announces-this-wedding-date/articleshow/43135523.cms |archive-date=7 September 2023}}</ref>
| children          = 1 (Son)
| children          = 1
| alma_mater        = Sathyabama University<ref Name="Atlee">{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/atlee-kumar/biography.html |title=Atlee Kumar (atlee) Biography, Life Story, Career, Awards & Achievements |website=[[Filmibeat]] |language=en |access-date=10 February 2019}}</ref>
| alma_mater        =  
| website            =  
| website            =  
}}
}}


'''Arun Kumar''' (born 21 September 1986), known [[Mononymous person|mononymously]] as '''Atlee''', is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer best known for his work in [[Indian film|Tamil films]]. <ref name="Atlee"/> He initially worked as an assistant director under [[S. Shankar]] in the films ''[[Enthiran]]'' (2010) and ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]'' (2012). He made his directorial debut with the film ''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|Raja Rani]]'' (2013), produced by [[Fox Star Studios]], for which he was awarded Best Debut Director by the [[Vijay Awards|Vijay Award]] and the Tamil Nadu State award for best dialogue writer.
'''Arun Kumar''' (born 21 September 1986), known professionally as '''Atlee''', is an Indian filmmaker who primarily works in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil films]]. He made his directorial debut with the film ''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|Raja Rani]]'' (2013); for which he was awarded Best Debut Director by the [[Vijay Awards|Vijay Award]] and the [[Tamil Nadu State Awards|Tamil Nadu State Award]] for best dialogue writer. Atlee wrote and directed ''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]'', ''[[Mersal]]'', and ''[[Bigil]]'', all featuring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]. He made his debut in [[Hindi cinema]] with ''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'' (2023), which is among the [[List of highest grossing Indian films|highest grossing Indian films]].
 
He directed the films ''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]'' (2016), ''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]'' (2017) and ''[[Bigil (film)|Bigil]]'' (2019), all featuring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], all of which became commercially successful at the box office and won several accolades. He then directed the [[Hindi]]-language ''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'' (2023) starring [[Shah Rukh Khan]], which emerged as his highest-grossing release.


==Career==
==Career==
Atlee did a degree in visual communications in Sathyabama University, Chennai and made the short film ''En Mel Vizhundha Mazhaithuli''. He then appealed to [[Mani Rathnam]], [[S. Shankar]] and [[Gautham Vasudev Menon]] in search of work and Shankar agreed for him to work under him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/theri-portrays-a-new-side-to-vijay/20160412.htm|title='Theri portrays a new side to Vijay'|date=12 April 2016|work=[[Rediff.com]]|first=S|last=Saraswathi|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref> He worked as assistant director for the films ''[[Enthiran]]'' (2010) and ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]'' (2012), a remake of the Hindi film ''[[3 Idiots]]''. He made short films including ''[[Mugaputhagam]]'' (2011).


Atlee began his career at the age of 19, as an assistant director to director [[S. Shankar]] for the films ''[[Enthiran]]'' (2010) and ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]'' (2012), a remake of the Hindi film ''[[3 Idiots]]''. His short film, ''Mugaputhagam'' (2011), received a massive response from the public and across various media platforms. In 2013, Atlee went on to make his directorial debut with ''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|Raja Rani]]'', a [[rom com]] produced by [[A. R. Murugadoss]], [[Fox Star Studios]], and Next Big Films. It starred [[Arya (actor)|Arya]], [[Jai (actor)|Jai]], [[Nayanthara]], [[Nazriya Nazim]], and [[Sathyaraj]]. It earned over ₹50 crores at the box office and won him the Best Debut Director award at the [[Vijay Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Raja Rani crosses 50 crore mark |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Raja-Rani-crosses-50-crore-mark/articleshow/24596359.cms |access-date=16 February 2015 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=8th Annual Vijay Awards a grand success |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/8th-Annual-Vijay-Awards-a-grand-success/articleshow/37960678.cms |access-date=20 January 2016 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
In 2013, Atlee went on to make his directorial debut with ''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|Raja Rani]]'', a [[rom com]] produced by [[AR Murugadoss|A. R. Murugadoss]]. It starred [[Arya (actor)|Arya]], [[Jai (actor)|Jai]], [[Nayanthara]], [[Nazriya Nazim]], and [[Sathyaraj]]. It earned over ₹50 crores at the box office and won him the Best Debut Director award at the [[Vijay Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Raja Rani crosses 50 crore mark |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Raja-Rani-crosses-50-crore-mark/articleshow/24596359.cms |access-date=16 February 2015 |work=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225003317/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Raja-Rani-crosses-50-crore-mark/articleshow/24596359.cms%20 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=8th Annual Vijay Awards a grand success |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/8th-Annual-Vijay-Awards-a-grand-success/articleshow/37960678.cms |access-date=20 January 2016 |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=8 July 2014 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225003312/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/8th-Annual-Vijay-Awards-a-grand-success/articleshow/37960678.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Atlee directed his next film, ''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]'' (2016), action thriller, produced by [[Kalaipuli S. Thanu]], starring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu|Samantha]], and [[Amy Jackson]] in the lead roles. It received positive reviews from the critics who praised the performances of the cast, soundtrack, score, cinematography, production design, and action sequences. Grossing over ₹150 crores at the box office, it emerged a commercial success and became the [[List of Tamil films of 2016|second highest grossing Tamil of 2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2016/04/18/indias-vijay-scores-new-personal-record-with-huge-theri-debut/?sh=4c3ef9ee16af |title=India's Vijay Scores New Personal Record With Excellent 'Theri' Debut |work=[[Forbes]] |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724213040/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2016/04/18/indias-vijay-scores-new-personal-record-with-huge-theri-debut/?sh=4c3ef9ee16af |url-status=live }}</ref>


Following the success of ''Raja Rani'', Atlee went on to direct his next film, ''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]'' (2016), an emotional action thriller, produced by [[Kalaipuli S. Thanu]], starring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu|Samantha]], and [[Amy Jackson]] in the lead roles. It received mixed reviews from the critics who praised the performances of the cast, soundtrack, score, cinematography, production design, and action sequences. Grossing over ₹156 crores at the box office, it emerged as a huge commercial success and became the second highest grossing Tamil of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2016/04/18/indias-vijay-scores-new-personal-record-with-huge-theri-debut/?sh=4c3ef9ee16af |title=India's Vijay Scores New Personal Record With Excellent 'Theri' Debut |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>
In 2017, Atlee directed ''[[Mersal]]'', an action thriller, produced by [[Thenandal Studio Limited]]. Again starring Vijay, it also had [[Nithya Menen]], [[Kajal Aggarwal]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]], [[S. J. Suryah]] and [[Sathyaraj]]. It became one of the highest-grossing films in [[Tamil cinema]], grossing more than ₹260 crores worldwide. The film became the [[List of accolades received by Mersal|recipient of various accolades]]. Due to demand, the film was screened at the largest cinema theatre in Europe [[Grand Rex]], [[France]]. The film was screened at the [[Hainan International Film Festival]] in [[Hainan]], China and at the [[Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival]] in [[South Korea]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/10/24/vijays-mersal-rules-overseas-with-%E2%82%B920-cr-3m-start/?sh=4b4d797345fa |title=Vijay's 'Mersal' Rules Overseas With ₹20 Cr./$3M Start |work=[[Forbes]] |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724212916/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/10/24/vijays-mersal-rules-overseas-with-%E2%82%B920-cr-3m-start/?sh=4b4d797345fa |url-status=live |last1=Cain |first1=Rob }}</ref>


In 2017, Atlee went on to direct [[Mersal (film)|''Mersal'']], an action thriller, produced by [[Thenandal Studio Limited]]. Again starring Vijay, it also had [[Nithya Menen]], [[Kajal Aggarwal]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]], [[S. J. Surya]], [[Sathyaraj]], [[Vadivelu]], [[Hareesh Peradi]], and [[Kovai Sarala]] appear in pivotal supporting roles. It was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Tamil cinema, grossing more than ₹250 crores worldwide. The film became the [[List of accolades received by Mersal|recipient of various accolades]]. The film was released on 6 December 2018 in China by HGC Entertainment. Due to demand, the film was screened at the largest cinema theatre in Europe [[Grand Rex]], France. The film was screened at the [[Hainan International Film Festival]] in [[Hainan]], China and at the [[Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival]] in [[South Korea]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/10/24/vijays-mersal-rules-overseas-with-%E2%82%B920-cr-3m-start/?sh=4b4d797345fa |title=Vijay's 'Mersal' Rules Overseas With ₹20 Cr./$3M Start |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>
Atlee directed his next film, ''[[Bigil]]'' (2019), a sports action drama, produced by [[AGS Entertainment]]. He reunited for the third and second time with Vijay and [[Nayanthara]], respectively. It also starred [[Jackie Shroff]], [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] and [[Kathir (actor)|Kathir]] in other prominent roles. The music was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]]. Upon release, it received mix to positive reviews and emerged as the [[List of Tamil films of 2019|highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019]] and one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all-time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/did-vijays-bigil-incur-losses-at-the-box-office-despite-being-the-highest-grossing-tamil-film-of-2019/articleshow/76067337.cms |title=Did Vijay's 'Bigil' incur losses at the box office despite being the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019? |work=The Times of India |date=28 May 2020 |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724212708/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/did-vijays-bigil-incur-losses-at-the-box-office-despite-being-the-highest-grossing-tamil-film-of-2019/articleshow/76067337.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>


Atlee directed his next film, ''[[Bigil]]'' (2019), a sports action drama, produced by [[AGS Entertainment]]. He reunited for the third and second time with Vijay and [[Nayanthara]], respectively. It also starred [[Jackie Shroff]], [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] and [[Kathir (actor)|Kathir]] in other prominent roles. The music was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]]. Upon release, it received mixed-to-positive reviews and emerged as the [[List of Tamil films of 2019|highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019]], collecting ₹310 crore upon its release. It also became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all-time and highest-grossing film of Vijay's career.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/did-vijays-bigil-incur-losses-at-the-box-office-despite-being-the-highest-grossing-tamil-film-of-2019/articleshow/76067337.cms |title=Did Vijay's 'Bigil' incur losses at the box office despite being the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019? |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
In 2017, Atlee and his wife Priya started their own production house, A for Apple Productions. They jointly produced their first film with [[Fox Star Studios]], ''[[Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae]]'', a [[horror comedy]], written and directed by Ike. It starred [[Jiiva]], [[Sri Divya]], and [[Soori (actor)|Soori]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/230316/sangili-bungili-star-cast-gets-bigger-1.html |title=Sangili Bungili... star cast gets bigger |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=23 March 2016 |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724212443/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/230316/sangili-bungili-star-cast-gets-bigger-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, He produced ''[[Andhaghaaram]]'', a [[Supernatural horror film|supernatural horror]] [[thriller film]], written and directed by V. Vignarajan. It was released directly on [[Netflix]] for streaming, on 24 November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/atlee-andhaghaaram-to-release-on-netflix-6909813/ |title=Atlee's Andhaghaaram to release on Netflix |work=The Indian Express |date=30 October 2020 |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205031809/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/atlee-andhaghaaram-to-release-on-netflix-6909813/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


He also ventured into producing films. In 2017, Atlee and his wife, Priya Atlee, started their own production house, A for Apple Productions. They jointly produced their first film with [[Fox Star Studios]], ''[[Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae]]'', a [[horror comedy]], written and directed by Ike. It starred [[Jiiva]], [[Sri Divya]], and [[Soori (actor)|Soori]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/230316/sangili-bungili-star-cast-gets-bigger-1.html |title=Sangili Bungili... star cast gets bigger |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>  
Atlee made his debut in [[Hindi cinema]] with ''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'',<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/atlee-anirudh-ravichander-express-excitement-about-working-with-shah-rukh-khan-jawan-7951593/ |title='A dream come true': Atlee, Anirudh Ravichander express excitement about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan |work=The Indian Express |date=3 June 2022 |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728213812/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/atlee-anirudh-ravichander-express-excitement-about-working-with-shah-rukh-khan-jawan-7951593/ |url-status=live }}</ref> starring [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Nayanthara]], [[Vijay Sethupathi]], [[Priyamani]], [[Sanya Malhotra]], [[Riddhi Dogra]], along with others. It was produced by [[Red Chillies Entertainment]]. It released on 7 September 2023 to generally positive reviews. It made ₹1150 crores worldwide in its entire run and becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=2023-09-07 |title=Jawan Box Office Collection {{!}} India {{!}} Day Wise {{!}} Box Office - Bollywood Hungama |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/jawan/box-office/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |language=en}}</ref>


In 2020, Atlee and Priya produced their second film, ''[[Andhaghaaram]]'', a [[Supernatural horror film|supernatural horror]] [[thriller film]], written and directed by V. Vignarajan. It was produced by Priya Atlee, alongside Sudhan Sundaram, and Jayaram, under their banner, Passion Studio and K. Poornachandra's O2 Pictures. It starred [[Arjun Das]], [[Vinoth Kishan]], and Kumar Natarajan in the lead roles along with [[Pooja Ramachandran]] and [[Misha Ghoshal]] in supporting roles. It was released directly on [[Netflix]] for streaming, on 24 November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/atlee-andhaghaaram-to-release-on-netflix-6909813/ |title=Atlee’s Andhaghaaram to release on Netflix |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>
Atlee and Priya produced their third film in Hindi with ''[[Baby John (film)|Baby John]]'' starring [[Varun Dhawan]], [[Keerthy Suresh]], and [[Wamiqa Gabbi]]; its remake of his Tamil film, ''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]'' (2016). The music was composed by [[Thaman S]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/baby-johns-box-office-clues-weak-marketing-pushpa-2-tsunami-trade-analysts-reveal-varun-dhawans-big-gamble-misfired/|title=Baby John's box office clues: From weak marketing to the Pushpa 2 tsunami, trade analysts reveal why Varun Dhawan's big gamble misfired|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|date=30 December 2024 |access-date=30 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-02 |title=Varun Dhawan's 'Baby John' a complete dud at box office, loses 2.5k shows in a week: Report |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/story/varun-dhawans-baby-john-a-complete-dud-at-box-office-loses-25k-shows-in-a-week-report-459286-2025-01-02 |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> He will be collaborating with [[Allu Arjun]] and [[Sai Abhyankkar]] in ''AA22'', which is being produced by [[Kalanithi Maran]], under [[Sun Pictures]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/salman-khan-and-atlees-500-crore-film-put-on-hold-71640.html|title=Salman Khan And Atlee's 500 Crore Film Put On Hold? &#124; Filmfare.com|website=www.filmfare.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/atlees-next-is-with-pushpa-star-allu-arjun-salman-khan-project-on-hold-3414067 | title=Atlee's next is with 'Pushpa' star Allu Arjun, Salman Khan project on hold }}</ref>
 
Atlee made his debut in [[Hindi cinema]] with ''[[Jawan (2023 film)|Jawan]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/atlee-anirudh-ravichander-express-excitement-about-working-with-shah-rukh-khan-jawan-7951593/ |title=‘A dream come true’: Atlee, Anirudh Ravichander express excitement about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan |work=The Indian Express}}</ref> starring [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Nayanthara]], [[Vijay Sethupathi]], [[Priyamani]], [[Sanya Malhotra]], [[Ridhi Dogra]], along with others. [[Deepika Padukone]] and [[Sanjay Dutt]] made a special appearance and cameo appearance, respectively, in the film. It was produced by Khan's wife, [[Gauri Khan]], and Gaurav Verma, under [[Red Chillies Entertainment]]. The music was composed by [[Anirudh Ravichander]]. It released on 7 September 2023 to generally positive reviews from both the critics and audience, alike. It set the record for a Hindi film grossing ₹75 crores (US$9.4 million) on its opening day. It grossed {{INR}}520.79 crores worldwide in its opening weekend.
 
==Criticism==
Atlee's films, though commercially highly successful, have been criticized for having overly-familiar stories that have been done-to-death, starting from the 1980's of [[Tamil cinema]]. ''Raja Rani'' was described as an upgraded version of ''[[Mouna Ragam]]'' (1986), while ''Theri'' was described as an upgraded version of ''[[Chatriyan]]'' (1990).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/before-thalapathy-63-the-films-atlee-has-been-accused-of-plagiarising-1504018-2019-04-17|title=Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising|website=India Today}}</ref> ''Mersal'' was inspired by ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' (1989).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/vijay-mersal-kamal-haasan-aboorva-sagotharargal-baahubali-thevar-magan-4899620/|title=Mersal is indebted to Kamal Haasan’s Aboorva Sagotharargal, as much as Baahubali to Thevar Magan|date=21 October 2017}}</ref> ''Bigil'' was described as "''[[Chak De! India]]'' (2007) on steroids".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/oct/12/shahrukh-khan-calls-bigil-trailer-as-chak-de-india-on-steroids-14855.html|title=Shahrukh Khan calls Bigil trailer, Chak De India on steroids|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Atlee married actress Krishna Priya on 9 November 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/love-story-is-getting-all-real-now.html |title=Director Atlee is engaged to his Rani, Krishna Priya |website=Behindwoods |date=20 January 2016}}</ref><ref Name="Atleemarriage">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/atlee-krishna-priya-marriage-wedding-reception-photos-613477 |title=Atlee-Krishna Priya Wedding Reception Photos |access-date=20 January 2016 |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=9 November 2014}}</ref> Their son, Meer, was born on 31 January 2023.
Atlee married actress Krishna Priya on 9 November 2014.<ref Name="Atleemarriage">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/atlee-krishna-priya-marriage-wedding-reception-photos-613477 |title=Atlee-Krishna Priya Wedding Reception Photos |access-date=20 January 2016 |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=9 November 2014 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225003319/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/atlee-krishna-priya-marriage-wedding-reception-photos-613477 |url-status=live }}</ref> They have one son.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-07 |title=Jawan director Atlee Kumar and wife Priya reveal name of baby boy, share family photo |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/jawan-director-atlee-kumar-and-wife-priya-reveal-name-of-baby-boy-share-family-photo/articleshow/100054599.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-09-25 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007035034/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/jawan-director-atlee-kumar-and-wife-priya-reveal-name-of-baby-boy-share-family-photo/articleshow/100054599.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
 
{| class="wikitable"  
===As director, writer and producer===
{| class="wikitable"
|-  
|-  
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Director  
!Director
! scope="col" | Writer
!Screenwriter
! scope="col" | Producer
!Producer
! scope="col" | Language
! scope="col" | Language
! scope="col" | Notes
! scope="col" | Notes
!{{Abbr|Ref.|}}
|-
|2010
|''[[Enthiran]]''
|{{partial|Assistant}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|2011
|''[[Mugaputhagam]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{partial|Story}}
|{{No}}
|Tamil
|Short film
|
|-
|2012
|[[Nanban (2012 film)|''Nanban'']]
|{{partial|Assistant}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|Tamil
|Special appearance as himself in the song "Asku Laksa"
|
|-
|-
|2013||[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|''Raja Rani'']]
|2013
|{{yes}} ||{{yes}} ||{{no}}
|[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|''Raja Rani'']]
|rowspan="6"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
| 2016 || [[Theri (film)|''Theri'']]
|2016
|{{yes}} ||{{yes}} ||{{no}} ||
| [[Theri (film)|''Theri'']]
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|-
|2017
| rowspan="2" |2017
|''[[Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae]]''
|''[[Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae]]''
|{{no}} ||{{no}} ||{{yes}} || <ref>{{Cite web |title=Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/before-thalapathy-63-the-films-atlee-has-been-accused-of-plagiarising-1504018-2019-04-17 |date=17 April 2019 |access-date=14 June 2021 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en |publication-place=Chennai}}</ref>
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|-
||2017|| [[Mersal (film)|''Mersal'']]
| ''[[Mersal]]''
|{{yes}} ||{{yes}} ||{{no}}
|{{Yes}}  
|{{Yes}}  
|{{No}}
|Tamil
|
|
|
|-
|-
|2019 ||''[[Bigil]]''
|2019  
|{{yes}} ||{{yes}} ||{{no}} ||
|''[[Bigil]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|Tamil
|Special appearance as himself in the song "[[Singappenney (song)|Singappenney]]"
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/before-thalapathy-63-the-films-atlee-has-been-accused-of-plagiarising-1504018-2019-04-17 |date=17 April 2019 |access-date=14 June 2021 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en |publication-place=Chennai |archive-date=2 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702163155/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/before-thalapathy-63-the-films-atlee-has-been-accused-of-plagiarising-1504018-2019-04-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|-
|2020
|2020
|''[[Andhaghaaram]]''
|''[[Andhaghaaram]]''
|{{no}} ||{{no}} ||{{yes}} ||
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|Tamil
|
|
|-
|-
|2023||  ''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]''
|2023
|{{yes}} ||{{yes}} ||{{no}} ||[[Hindi]] || Partially reshot in Tamil
|''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]''
|}
|{{Yes}}  
 
|{{Yes}}  
===Guest appearances===
|{{No}}
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|Hindi<br/>Tamil
|+ List of special appearances by Atlee in film
|Special appearance as himself in the song "[[Zinda Banda]]"/"Vandha Edam" of the Tamil version
|
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Year
|2024
! scope="col" | Title
|''[[Baby John (film)|Baby John]]''
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|{{No}}
|-
|{{No}}
|2012|| ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]'' || In the song "[[Nanban (2012 film)#Music|Asku Laska]]"
|{{Yes}}
|-
|Hindi
|2019|| ''[[Bigil]]'' || In the song "[[Singappenney|Singapenney]]"
|
|-
|
|2023|| ''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'' || In the song "Zinda Banda"
|-
|-
|2028
|{{pending film|AA22xA6}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
| rowspan="2" |Telugu & English
|Filming
|<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2025-06-14 |title='AA22xA6': Allu Arjun begins filming for Atlee's directorial, Mrunal Thakur joins ahead of Deepika Padukone |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aa22xa6-allu-arjun-begins-filming-for-atlees-directorial-mrunal-thakur-joins-ahead-of-deepika-padukone/articleshow/121846940.cms |access-date=2026-03-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|}
|}


=== Recurring collaborations ===
=== Recurring collaborations ===
Editor [[Ruben (editor)|Ruben]], art director [[T. Muthuraj]] and actor [[Sai Dheena]] have also worked on five films. [[Shobi (choreographer)|Shobi]] and [[Yogi Babu]] has worked in four of his films. Only people who have worked in three or more films are listed. This list only concerns Atlee's directorial films.
Only people with 3+ collaborations are listed. Editor [[Ruben (film editor)|Ruben]], art director [[T. Muthuraj]] and actor [[Sai Dheena]] have worked on five of Atlee's films. [[Shobi (choreographer)|Shobi]] and [[Yogi Babu]] have worked on four of his films. This list only concerns Atlee's directorial films.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
! Films !! [[Ruben (editor)|Ruben]] !! [[T. Muthuraj]] !![[Sai Dheena]] !!  [[Shobi (choreographer)|Shobi]] !! [[Yogi Babu]] !! [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] !! [[Nayanthara]] !! G. K. Vishnu !! [[Vivek (lyricist)]] !! [[Manobala]] !! [[Rajendran]]  
! Films !! [[Ruben (film editor)|Ruben]] !! [[T. Muthuraj]] !![[Sai Dheena]] !!  [[Shobi (choreographer)|Shobi]] !! [[Yogi Babu]] !! [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] !! [[Nayanthara]] !! [[G. K. Vishnu]]!! [[Vivek (lyricist)]] !! [[Manobala]] !! [[Rajendran]]  
|-
|-
|''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|''Raja Rani'']]'' (2013)||{{tick}}||{{tick}}||{{tick}}||colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}
|''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|''Raja Rani'']]'' (2013)||{{tick}}||{{tick}}||{{tick}}||colspan="3" {{cEmpty}}
Line 133: Line 191:
|{{Tick}}
|{{Tick}}
|{{Tick}}
|{{Tick}}
|{{cEmpty}}
| {{cEmpty}}
|-
|-
|''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'' (2023)
|''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'' (2023)
Line 144: Line 202:
|{{Tick}}  
|{{Tick}}  
|{{Tick}} || {{Tick}} Tamil version
|{{Tick}} || {{Tick}} Tamil version
|colspan="2" {{CEmpty}}
|colspan="2" {{cEmpty}}
|}
|}
==Plagiarism allegations ==
Atlee's films, though commercially successful, have been criticized for having overly-familiar stories that have been done-to-death, starting from the 1980s of [[Tamil cinema]]. ''Raja Rani'' was described as an upgraded version of ''[[Mouna Ragam]]'' (1986), while ''Theri'' was described as having been highly inspired by ''[[Chatriyan]]'' (1990). ''Chatriyan'' was produced by veteran filmmaker [[Mani Ratnam]], while ''Mouna Ragam'' was the latter's own directional film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2019 |title=Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/before-thalapathy-63-the-films-atlee-has-been-accused-of-plagiarising-1504018-2019-04-17 |website=India Today |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702163155/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/before-thalapathy-63-the-films-atlee-has-been-accused-of-plagiarising-1504018-2019-04-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Mersal'' was described as an upgraded version of ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' (1989),<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2017 |title=Mersal is indebted to Kamal Haasan's Aboorva Sagotharargal, as much as Baahubali to Thevar Magan |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/vijay-mersal-kamal-haasan-aboorva-sagotharargal-baahubali-thevar-magan-4899620/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=8 September 2023 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908162116/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/vijay-mersal-kamal-haasan-aboorva-sagotharargal-baahubali-thevar-magan-4899620/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''Bigil'' was described as "''[[Chak De! India|Chak De India]]'' on steroids".<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2019 |title=Shahrukh Khan calls Bigil trailer, Chak De India on steroids |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/oct/12/shahrukh-khan-calls-bigil-trailer-as-chak-de-india-on-steroids-14855.html |website=[[Cinema Express]] |access-date=8 September 2023 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908161807/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/oct/12/shahrukh-khan-calls-bigil-trailer-as-chak-de-india-on-steroids-14855.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Atlee has countered that, despite having been sued for plagiarism numerous times, he has won all the cases filed against him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=Assistant director to being Ambani's guest, Atlee's growth is a huge inspiration |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/assistant-director-to-being-ambanis-guest-atlees-growth-is-a-huge-inspiration-birthday-2438487-2023-09-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921235348/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/assistant-director-to-being-ambanis-guest-atlees-growth-is-a-huge-inspiration-birthday-2438487-2023-09-21 |archive-date=21 September 2023 |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Accolades==
==Accolades==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 100%; text-align: center;
|-  
|-  
!Film !!Award !!Category !!Result !! class="unsortable"|Ref   
!Film !!Award !!Category !!Result !! class="unsortable"|Ref   
Line 156: Line 218:
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Dialogue Writer|Best Dialogue Writer]]
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Dialogue Writer|Best Dialogue Writer]]
|{{won}}
|{{won}}
|<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tn-govt-announces-tamil-film-awards-for-six-years/article19273078.ece |title=TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 July 2017}}</ref>  
|<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tn-govt-announces-tamil-film-awards-for-six-years/article19273078.ece |title=TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 July 2017 |access-date=6 November 2021 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615081711/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tn-govt-announces-tamil-film-awards-for-six-years/article19273078.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>  
|-
|-
|[[Edison Awards (India)|Edison Awards]]
|[[Edison Awards (India)|Edison Awards]]
Line 166: Line 228:
|Best Debut Director
|Best Debut Director
|{{won}}
|{{won}}
|rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sangeetha |first1=Seshagiri |title=Vijay Awards: Ajith's 'Arrambam', Kamal Haasan, Sivakarthikeyan Bag Awards [Winners List] |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-awards-ajiths-arrambam-kamal-haasan-sivakarthikeyan-bag-awards-winners-list-603771 |access-date=6 July 2014 |work=[[IB Times]] |date=6 July 2014}}</ref>
|rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sangeetha |first1=Seshagiri |title=Vijay Awards: Ajith's 'Arrambam', Kamal Haasan, Sivakarthikeyan Bag Awards [Winners List] |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-awards-ajiths-arrambam-kamal-haasan-sivakarthikeyan-bag-awards-winners-list-603771 |access-date=6 July 2014 |work=[[IB Times]] |date=6 July 2014 |archive-date=19 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519170623/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-awards-ajiths-arrambam-kamal-haasan-sivakarthikeyan-bag-awards-winners-list-603771 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer|Best Story, Screenplay Writer]]
|[[Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer|Best Story, Screenplay Writer]]
Line 179: Line 241:
|
|
|-
|-
|rowspan=4|''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]''
|rowspan=3|''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]''
|[[2nd IIFA Utsavam]]
|[[2nd IIFA Utsavam]]
|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil
|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil
|{{won}}
|{{won}}
||<ref>{{Cite news |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=14 March 2017 |title=IIFA South Utsavam Awards 2017: Here is the complete nomination list for Tamil movies |work=International Business Times |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iifa-south-utsavam-awards-2017-here-complete-nomination-list-tamil-movies-719346 |url-status=live |access-date=18 May 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518092100/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iifa-south-utsavam-awards-2017-here-complete-nomination-list-tamil-movies-719346 |archivedate=18 May 2017}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=14 March 2017 |title=IIFA South Utsavam Awards 2017: Here is the complete nomination list for Tamil movies |work=International Business Times |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iifa-south-utsavam-awards-2017-here-complete-nomination-list-tamil-movies-719346 |url-status=live |access-date=18 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518092100/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iifa-south-utsavam-awards-2017-here-complete-nomination-list-tamil-movies-719346 |archive-date=18 May 2017}}</ref>
|-
|Behindwoods Gold Medal
|People's Choice Director
|{{Won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2017 |title=Complete list of award winners in Behindwoods Gold Medals 2017 |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/complete-list-of-award-winners-in-behindwoods-gold-medals-2017.html |access-date=2 October 2021 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[6th South Indian International Movie Awards|6th SIIMA Awards]]
|[[6th South Indian International Movie Awards|6th SIIMA Awards]]
|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil
|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil
|{{Won}}
|{{Won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=SIIMA 2017 Nomination List&nbsp;– Tamil |url=http://siima.in/2017/nominations.html |url-status=dead |publisher=[[South Indian International Movie Awards]] |access-date=31 May 2017 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20170531085328/http://siima.in/2017/nominations.html |archivedate=31 May 2017 }}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=SIIMA 2017 Nomination List&nbsp;– Tamil |url=http://siima.in/2017/nominations.html |url-status=dead |publisher=[[South Indian International Movie Awards]] |access-date=31 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170531085328/http://siima.in/2017/nominations.html |archive-date=31 May 2017 }}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[64th Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[64th Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil]]
|{{Nom}}
|{{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nominations for Filmfare Awards South 2017 |url=http://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2017/tamil/nominations |url-status=live |website=[[Filmfare]] |access-date=9 June 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609074040/http://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2017/tamil/nominations |archivedate=9 June 2017}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nominations for Filmfare Awards South 2017 |url=http://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2017/tamil/nominations |url-status=live |website=[[Filmfare]] |access-date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609074040/http://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2017/tamil/nominations |archive-date=9 June 2017}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=6|''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]''
|rowspan=5|''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]''
|[[Edison Awards (India)|Edison Awards 2018]]
|[[Edison Awards (India)|Edison Awards 2018]]
| Best Director
| Best Director
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/11th-edison-awards-vijays-mersal-wins-big-complete-winners-list-2017-761866 |title=Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Mersal sweeps Edison Awards [winners' list] |work=International Business Times |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=26 February 2018 |access-date=29 April 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429105814/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/11th-edison-awards-vijays-mersal-wins-big-complete-winners-list-2017-761866 |archivedate=29 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/11th-edison-awards-vijays-mersal-wins-big-complete-winners-list-2017-761866 |title=Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Mersal sweeps Edison Awards [winners' list] |work=International Business Times |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=26 February 2018 |access-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429105814/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/11th-edison-awards-vijays-mersal-wins-big-complete-winners-list-2017-761866 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[65th Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[65th Filmfare Awards South]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28652-1.html |title=Nominations for the 65th Jio Filmfare Awards (South) 2018 |work=[[Filmfare]] |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=4 June 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604163156/https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28652.html |archivedate=4 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28652-1.html |title=Nominations for the 65th Jio Filmfare Awards (South) 2018 |work=[[Filmfare]] |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=4 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604163156/https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28652.html |archive-date=4 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[7th South Indian International Movie Awards|7th SIIMA Awards]]
|[[7th South Indian International Movie Awards|7th SIIMA Awards]]
| Best Director
| Best Director
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/siima-2018-nominations-vijays-mersal-beats-madhavan-and-vijay-sethupathis-vikram-vedha-1901012 |title=SIIMA 2018 Nominations: Vijay's Mersal Beats Madhavan And Vijay Sethupathi's Vikram Vedha |publisher=[[NDTV]] |last=Goyal |first=Divya |date=15 August 2018 |access-date=10 September 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910171301/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/siima-2018-nominations-vijays-mersal-beats-madhavan-and-vijay-sethupathis-vikram-vedha-1901012 |archivedate=10 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/siima-2018-nominations-vijays-mersal-beats-madhavan-and-vijay-sethupathis-vikram-vedha-1901012 |title=SIIMA 2018 Nominations: Vijay's Mersal Beats Madhavan And Vijay Sethupathi's Vikram Vedha |publisher=[[NDTV]] |last=Goyal |first=Divya |date=15 August 2018 |access-date=10 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910171301/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/siima-2018-nominations-vijays-mersal-beats-madhavan-and-vijay-sethupathis-vikram-vedha-1901012 |archive-date=10 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[Techofes|Techofes Awards]]
| Best Director
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://techofes.org.in/tawards/ |title=T-Awards Poll |publisher=[[Techofes]] |access-date=19 February 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219154638/http://techofes.org.in/tawards/ |archivedate=19 February 2018 |url-status=dead}}<br/>{{cite web |url=http://techofes.org.in/pro-shows/ |title=Pro Shows |publisher=Techofes |access-date=19 February 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219155111/http://techofes.org.in/pro-shows/ |archivedate=19 February 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|[[10th Vijay Awards]]
|rowspan=2|[[10th Vijay Awards]]
| [[Vijay Award for Favourite Director|Favourite Director]]
| [[Vijay Award for Favourite Director|Favourite Director]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-awards-2018-catch-live-updates-event-photos-complete-winners-list-770862 |title=Vijay Awards 2018: Here is the complete list of winners [Photos] |work=[[International Business Times]] |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=4 June 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604112225/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-awards-2018-catch-live-updates-event-photos-complete-winners-list-770862 |archivedate=4 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br/><ref name="Vijay2">{{cite web |url=http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/the-glitzy-night-is-here/1100005877 |title=The Glitzy Night is Here! |publisher=[[Hotstar]] |date=16 June 2018 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618080028/http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/the-glitzy-night-is-here/1100005877 |archivedate=18 June 2018 |url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/stars-of-the-night/1100005893 |title=Stars of the Night |publisher=Hotstar |date=17 June 2018 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618075951/http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/stars-of-the-night/1100005893 |archivedate=18 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-awards-2018-catch-live-updates-event-photos-complete-winners-list-770862 |title=Vijay Awards 2018: Here is the complete list of winners [Photos] |work=[[International Business Times]] |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=4 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604112225/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-awards-2018-catch-live-updates-event-photos-complete-winners-list-770862 |archive-date=4 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br/><ref name="Vijay2">{{cite web |url=http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/the-glitzy-night-is-here/1100005877 |title=The Glitzy Night is Here! |publisher=[[Hotstar]] |date=16 June 2018 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618080028/http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/the-glitzy-night-is-here/1100005877 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/stars-of-the-night/1100005893 |title=Stars of the Night |publisher=Hotstar |date=17 June 2018 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618075951/http://www.hotstar.com/tv/vijay-awards/4031/stars-of-the-night/1100005893 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Best Dialogue
| Best Dialogue
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
|[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]
|NDTV Indian Of The Year Awards 2024<ref>{{Cite news |title=NDTV Indian Of The Year Awards 2024: A Look At All Winners |url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/news/ndtv-indian-of-the-year-awards-2024-a-look-at-all-winners-108925 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250213202741/https://www.ndtv.com/photos/news/ndtv-indian-of-the-year-awards-2024-a-look-at-all-winners-108925 |archive-date=2025-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-05 |work=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref>
|Best director of the year
|{{won}}
|
|}
|}


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==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb name | id= 5961051| name= Atlee Kumaaar}}
{{Commons}}
* {{Rotten-tomatoes-person|atlee_kumar|Atlee Kumar}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Twitter|Atlee_dir}}
* {{Twitter}}
* {{Rotten tomatoes}}


{{Atlee Kumar}}
{{Atlee (director)}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Atlee}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Atlee (director)}}
[[Category:Artists from Madurai]]
[[Category:Artists from Madurai]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian writers]]
[[Category:Tamil-language film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil-language film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:IIFA Utsavam winners]]
[[Category:Action film directors]]

Latest revision as of 12:27, 28 March 2026


Atlee
Atlee in 2024
Born
Arun Kumar

(1986-09-21) 21 September 1986 (age 39)
Thiruparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation
  • Film director
  • screenwriter
  • producer
Years active2010-present
Spouse(s)
Krishna Priya
(
m. 2014)
[1]
Children1

Arun Kumar (born 21 September 1986), known professionally as Atlee, is an Indian filmmaker who primarily works in Tamil films. He made his directorial debut with the film Raja Rani (2013); for which he was awarded Best Debut Director by the Vijay Award and the Tamil Nadu State Award for best dialogue writer. Atlee wrote and directed Theri, Mersal, and Bigil, all featuring Vijay. He made his debut in Hindi cinema with Jawan (2023), which is among the highest grossing Indian films.

Career[edit | edit source]

Atlee did a degree in visual communications in Sathyabama University, Chennai and made the short film En Mel Vizhundha Mazhaithuli. He then appealed to Mani Rathnam, S. Shankar and Gautham Vasudev Menon in search of work and Shankar agreed for him to work under him.[2] He worked as assistant director for the films Enthiran (2010) and Nanban (2012), a remake of the Hindi film 3 Idiots. He made short films including Mugaputhagam (2011).

In 2013, Atlee went on to make his directorial debut with Raja Rani, a rom com produced by A. R. Murugadoss. It starred Arya, Jai, Nayanthara, Nazriya Nazim, and Sathyaraj. It earned over ₹50 crores at the box office and won him the Best Debut Director award at the Vijay Awards.[3][4] Atlee directed his next film, Theri (2016), action thriller, produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu, starring Vijay, Samantha, and Amy Jackson in the lead roles. It received positive reviews from the critics who praised the performances of the cast, soundtrack, score, cinematography, production design, and action sequences. Grossing over ₹150 crores at the box office, it emerged a commercial success and became the second highest grossing Tamil of 2016.[5]

In 2017, Atlee directed Mersal, an action thriller, produced by Thenandal Studio Limited. Again starring Vijay, it also had Nithya Menen, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, S. J. Suryah and Sathyaraj. It became one of the highest-grossing films in Tamil cinema, grossing more than ₹260 crores worldwide. The film became the recipient of various accolades. Due to demand, the film was screened at the largest cinema theatre in Europe Grand Rex, France. The film was screened at the Hainan International Film Festival in Hainan, China and at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea.[6]

Atlee directed his next film, Bigil (2019), a sports action drama, produced by AGS Entertainment. He reunited for the third and second time with Vijay and Nayanthara, respectively. It also starred Jackie Shroff, Vivek and Kathir in other prominent roles. The music was composed by A. R. Rahman. Upon release, it received mix to positive reviews and emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019 and one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all-time.[7]

In 2017, Atlee and his wife Priya started their own production house, A for Apple Productions. They jointly produced their first film with Fox Star Studios, Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae, a horror comedy, written and directed by Ike. It starred Jiiva, Sri Divya, and Soori in the lead roles.[8] In 2020, He produced Andhaghaaram, a supernatural horror thriller film, written and directed by V. Vignarajan. It was released directly on Netflix for streaming, on 24 November 2020.[9]

Atlee made his debut in Hindi cinema with Jawan,[10] starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Riddhi Dogra, along with others. It was produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. It released on 7 September 2023 to generally positive reviews. It made ₹1150 crores worldwide in its entire run and becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films.[11]

Atlee and Priya produced their third film in Hindi with Baby John starring Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, and Wamiqa Gabbi; its remake of his Tamil film, Theri (2016). The music was composed by Thaman S.[12][13] He will be collaborating with Allu Arjun and Sai Abhyankkar in AA22, which is being produced by Kalanithi Maran, under Sun Pictures.[14][15]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Atlee married actress Krishna Priya on 9 November 2014.[16] They have one son.[17]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Year Title Director Screenwriter Producer Language Notes Ref.
2010 Enthiran Assistant No No Tamil
2011 Mugaputhagam Yes Story No Tamil Short film
2012 Nanban Assistant No No Tamil Special appearance as himself in the song "Asku Laksa"
2013 Raja Rani Yes Yes No Tamil
2016 Theri Yes Yes No Tamil
2017 Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae No No Yes Tamil
Mersal Yes Yes No Tamil
2019 Bigil Yes Yes No Tamil Special appearance as himself in the song "Singappenney" [18]
2020 Andhaghaaram No No Yes Tamil
2023 Jawan Yes Yes No Hindi
Tamil 		Special appearance as himself in the song "Zinda Banda"/"Vandha Edam" of the Tamil version
2024 Baby John No No Yes Hindi
2028 AA22xA6 Not yet released Yes Yes No Telugu & English Filming [19]

Recurring collaborations[edit | edit source]

Only people with 3+ collaborations are listed. Editor Ruben, art director T. Muthuraj and actor Sai Dheena have worked on five of Atlee's films. Shobi and Yogi Babu have worked on four of his films. This list only concerns Atlee's directorial films.

Films Ruben T. Muthuraj Sai Dheena Shobi Yogi Babu Vijay Nayanthara G. K. Vishnu Vivek (lyricist) Manobala Rajendran
Raja Rani (2013) checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY
Theri (2016) checkY checkY checkY checkY checkYdeleted scene checkY checkY checkY
Mersal (2017) checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY
Bigil (2019) checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY checkY
Jawan (2023) checkY checkY checkY checkY checkYTamil version checkY checkY checkY Tamil version

Plagiarism allegations[edit | edit source]

Atlee's films, though commercially successful, have been criticized for having overly-familiar stories that have been done-to-death, starting from the 1980s of Tamil cinema. Raja Rani was described as an upgraded version of Mouna Ragam (1986), while Theri was described as having been highly inspired by Chatriyan (1990). Chatriyan was produced by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam, while Mouna Ragam was the latter's own directional film.[20] Mersal was described as an upgraded version of Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989),[21] and Bigil was described as "Chak De India on steroids".[22] Atlee has countered that, despite having been sued for plagiarism numerous times, he has won all the cases filed against him.[23]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Film Award Category Result Ref
Raja Rani Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2013 Best Dialogue Writer Won [24]
Edison Awards Best Debut Director Won
8th Vijay Awards Best Debut Director Won [25]
Best Story, Screenplay Writer Nominated
Best Dialogue Nominated
3rd SIIMA Awards Best Debut Director Nominated
Theri 2nd IIFA Utsavam Best Director – Tamil Won [26]
6th SIIMA Awards Best Director – Tamil Won [27]
64th Filmfare Awards South Best Director – Tamil Nominated [28]
Mersal Edison Awards 2018 Best Director Won [29]
65th Filmfare Awards South Best Director – Tamil Nominated [30]
7th SIIMA Awards Best Director Won [31]
10th Vijay Awards Favourite Director Won [32]
[33]
Best Dialogue Nominated
Jawan NDTV Indian Of The Year Awards 2024[34] Best director of the year Won

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ The Times of India (16 January 2017). "Atlee announces this wedding date!". Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  2. ↑ Saraswathi, S (12 April 2016). "'Theri portrays a new side to Vijay'". Rediff.com. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  3. ↑ "Raja Rani crosses 50 crore mark". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "8th Annual Vijay Awards a grand success". The Times of India. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  5. ↑ "India's Vijay Scores New Personal Record With Excellent 'Theri' Debut". Forbes. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  6. ↑ Cain, Rob. "Vijay's 'Mersal' Rules Overseas With ₹20 Cr./$3M Start". Forbes. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  7. ↑ "Did Vijay's 'Bigil' incur losses at the box office despite being the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019?". The Times of India. 28 May 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  8. ↑ "Sangili Bungili... star cast gets bigger". Deccan Chronicle. 23 March 2016. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  9. ↑ "Atlee's Andhaghaaram to release on Netflix". The Indian Express. 30 October 2020. Archived from the original on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  10. ↑ "'A dream come true': Atlee, Anirudh Ravichander express excitement about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan". The Indian Express. 3 June 2022. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  11. ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (7 September 2023). "Jawan Box Office Collection | India | Day Wise | Box Office - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  12. ↑ "Baby John's box office clues: From weak marketing to the Pushpa 2 tsunami, trade analysts reveal why Varun Dhawan's big gamble misfired". Bollywood Hungama. 30 December 2024. Retrieved 30 December 2024.
  13. ↑ "Varun Dhawan's 'Baby John' a complete dud at box office, loses 2.5k shows in a week: Report". Business Today. 2 January 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Salman Khan And Atlee's 500 Crore Film Put On Hold? | Filmfare.com". www.filmfare.com.
  15. ↑ "Atlee's next is with 'Pushpa' star Allu Arjun, Salman Khan project on hold".
  16. ↑ "Atlee-Krishna Priya Wedding Reception Photos". International Business Times. 9 November 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  17. ↑ "Jawan director Atlee Kumar and wife Priya reveal name of baby boy, share family photo". The Economic Times. 7 May 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  18. ↑ "Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising". India Today. Chennai. 17 April 2019. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  19. ↑ "'AA22xA6': Allu Arjun begins filming for Atlee's directorial, Mrunal Thakur joins ahead of Deepika Padukone". The Times of India. 14 June 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  20. ↑ "Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising". India Today. 17 April 2019. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  21. ↑ "Mersal is indebted to Kamal Haasan's Aboorva Sagotharargal, as much as Baahubali to Thevar Magan". The Indian Express. 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  22. ↑ "Shahrukh Khan calls Bigil trailer, Chak De India on steroids". Cinema Express. 12 October 2019. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  23. ↑ "Assistant director to being Ambani's guest, Atlee's growth is a huge inspiration". India Today. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  24. ↑ "TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years". The Hindu. 14 July 2017. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  25. ↑ Sangeetha, Seshagiri (6 July 2014). "Vijay Awards: Ajith's 'Arrambam', Kamal Haasan, Sivakarthikeyan Bag Awards [Winners List]". IB Times. Archived from the original on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  26. ↑ Upadhyaya, Prakash (14 March 2017). "IIFA South Utsavam Awards 2017: Here is the complete nomination list for Tamil movies". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  27. ↑ "SIIMA 2017 Nomination List – Tamil". South Indian International Movie Awards. Retrieved 31 May 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  28. ↑ "Tamil Nominations for Filmfare Awards South 2017". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 9 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  29. ↑ Upadhyaya, Prakash (26 February 2018). "Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Mersal sweeps Edison Awards [winners' list]". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 29 April 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  30. ↑ "Nominations for the 65th Jio Filmfare Awards (South) 2018". Filmfare. 4 June 2018. Archived from the original on 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  31. ↑ Goyal, Divya (15 August 2018). "SIIMA 2018 Nominations: Vijay's Mersal Beats Madhavan And Vijay Sethupathi's Vikram Vedha". NDTV. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  32. ↑ Upadhyaya, Prakash (4 June 2018). "Vijay Awards 2018: Here is the complete list of winners [Photos]". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  33. ↑ "The Glitzy Night is Here!". Hotstar. 16 June 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
    "Stars of the Night". Hotstar. 17 June 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  34. ↑ "NDTV Indian Of The Year Awards 2024: A Look At All Winners". www.ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 13 February 2025. Retrieved 5 February 2026.

External links[edit | edit source]

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