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S. Shankar

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In this Indian name, the name Shanmugam is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Shankar.

S. Shankar
Shankar in 2018
Born
Shankar Shanmugam

(1963-08-17) 17 August 1963 (age 60)
Kumbakonam, Madras State, India
Alma materCentral Polytechnic College
Occupation(s)Film director, Film producer, Screenwriter
Years active1993–present
SpouseEaswari Shankar
Children3, including Aditi[1]

Shankar Shanmugam (born 17 August 1963), credited as S. Shankar or his mononym Shankar, is an Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter who works predominantly in Tamil cinema. He is one of the highest grossing film directors in Indian cinema.[2] His films typically deal with the contemporary social issues, vigilante themes and the usage of state of the art technology and VFX. He has won one National Film Award, four Filmfare Award South and six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards in his career. Six of his films have won the National Film Award for Best Special Effects.

He 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. Two of his films Indian (1996) and Mudhalvan (1999), which deal with social and political issues, were commercially very successful and also 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.

His psychological thriller Anniyan, featuring Vikram in three distinct characters (Ambi, Remo and 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.[3] He again collaborated with Rajinikanth for a 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.[4][5] It is also the highest-grossing Indian film of 2018.

Early life

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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 an typewriting company before entering the film industry.[6] 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, he wanted to be an actor, he chose to be a director instead and became one of the leading directors in Indian cinema.[6][7]

Career

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1986-1990

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Shankar began his career as an actor in the films Vasantha Raagam in 1986 and Seetha. He later became an assistant to film directors like S. A. Chandrasekhar and Pavithran.[7] His first break in Hindi films was as an assistant director to S. A. Chandrasekhar in Jai Shiv Shankar (1990) produced by Rajesh Khanna.

1993-2002

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In 1993, he 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.[8] A. R. Rahman, the film's music composer, continued to work with Shankar in his next six directorial ventures.

His second film, Kadhalan, a romance-action film released the following year, had 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). Arjun Sarja joined the project as lead actor and the movie was a hit.

Shankar opted to remake Mudhalvan in Hindi as Nayak, thus making his Bollywood debut. Nayak, released in September 2001, was declared a "Flop" by Box Office India due to the poor marketing, its high budget and distribution price. It went on to gain a cult status despite not doing well at the box office.[9][10][11] 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.[12]

2003-2009

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His musical entertainer film Boys was released in 2003. It received mixed response 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.[13]

His 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,[3] 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. Ultimately it became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of that time.

2010-2018

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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.[14][15]

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.[16]

On 21 June 2012, Shankar announced his next film titledI.[17] A romance-thriller, Vikram essayed the roles of a bodybuilder, fashion model, and hunchback. It was his second collaboration with Shankar after Anniyan. Amy Jackson was the female lead and it was Vikram's second collaboration with her, after Thaandavam. The film, made over a period of two and half years, released on 14 January 2015 to mixed reviews and earned almost ₹2 billion in 19 days.[18]

Shankar then started working on 2.0, a sequel to Enthiran, which released on 29 November 2018 and received mixed reviews. However, it went on to become the seventh highest-grossing Indian film worldwide.

2019-present

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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,[19] 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.[20] 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.[21] However, Shankar faced legal difficulties regarding rights to remake the film and the production never commenced.[22]

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.[23] Indian 2 is to release on 12th July 2024,[24] and Game Changer is also expected to release in 2024.[25] Haasan also announced that shooting for the third part of Indian is done and that post-production would commence after the production of Indian 2 finishes.[26]

Filmography

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Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released

As director

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  • All films in Tamil unless otherwise noted
List of S. Shankar film credits as director
Year Title Notes
1993 Gentleman
1994 Kadhalan Lyricist for "Pettai Rap"
1996 Indian
1998 Jeans
1999 Mudhalvan
2001 Nayak: The Real Hero Hindi; Remake of Mudhalvan
2003 Boys
2005 Anniyan
2007 Sivaji: The Boss
2010 Enthiran
2012 Nanban Remake of 3 Idiots
2015 I
2018 2.0
2024 Indian 2
Game Changer † Telugu; Filming[27]
2025 Indian 3 † Post production[28]

As producer

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List of S. Shankar film credits as producer
Year Title Notes
1999 Mudhalvan
2004 Kaadhal
2006 Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi
Veyil
2007 Kalloori
2008 Arai Enn 305-il Kadavul
2009 Eeram
2010 Rettaisuzhi
Anandhapurathu Veedu
2014 Kappal
2023 Aneethi

As an actor

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List of S. Shankar film credits as actor
Year Title Role Notes
1985 Vesham
1986 Poovum Puyalum Student
Vasantha Raagam Printing press worker
1987 Neethikku Thandanai Reporter
1990 Seetha Japan
1994 Kadhalan Special appearance in the song "Kadhalikum Pennin"
1996 Indian Special appearance
2002 Kadhal Virus Himself Special appearance
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Special appearance in the song "Balleilakka"
2010 Enthiran Army soldier Special appearance
2012 Nanban Special appearance in the song "Asku Laska"

Awards and nominations

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National Film Awards

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List of S. Shankar National Film Awards and Nominations
Year Film Category Result Ref.
2006 Veyil National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil Won [29]

Filmfare Awards South

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List of S. Shankar Filmfare Awards South awards and nominations
Year Film Category Result Ref.
1993 Gentleman Best Director Won [30]
1994 Kadhalan [31]
2005 Anniyan [32]
2006 Veyil Best Film – Tamil [33]
2007 Sivaji: The.Boss Best Director Nominated [34]
2010 Enthiran [35]
2015 I [36]

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

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List of S. Shankar Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and nominations
Year Film Category Result Ref.
1993 Gentleman Best Director Won [37]
1996 Indian Best Film (First prize) [38]
2005 Anniyan Best Film (Second prize) [39]
Best Director [40]
2006 Veyil Best Film (First prize) [41]
2007 Sivaji: The.Boss [42]

Vijay Awards

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List of S. Shankar Vijay Awards and nominations
Year Film Category Result Ref.
2010 Enthiran: The Robot Favourite Director Won [43]
2013 Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema [44]

Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards

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List of S. Shankar Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards and nominations
Year Film Category Result Ref.
2018 2.0 Best Animation and Visual Effect Won [45]

References

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  1. ^ "Shankar's daughter Aditi Shankar to make her silver screen debut with Viruman". indianexpress.com. 6 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Demystifying India's highest paid film-maker – the elusive S Shankar". Mumbai Mirror. The Economic Times. 3 October 2010. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  3. ^ a b "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...
  4. ^ "Top All Time India Grossers All Formats – 2.0 Second". Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  5. ^ "2.0 All India Update – Crosses 400 Crore NETT". Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Take it easy? Not for Me!". Kalki (in Tamil). 4 December 1994. pp. 58–59.
  7. ^ a b 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.
  8. ^ "Director Shankar's Interview". Behindwoods. 20 January 2005. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  9. ^ "Nayak – Movie – Box Office India". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ "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.
  12. ^ Rajitha (5 November 2001). "Movies:Shankar and Rajnikanth team up". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ "Rajinikanth's 'Robot' biggest grosser of all time". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
  15. ^ "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.
  16. ^ "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.
  17. ^ "'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.
  18. ^ 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.
  19. ^ "3 killed during 'Indian 2' film shoot". The Hindu. 20 February 2020. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  20. ^ Bhasin, Shriya (8 September 2021). "Shankar's 'SVC 50' starring Kiara Advani, Ram Charan goes on floor". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  21. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (14 April 2021). "Ranveer Singh and S. Shankar Team For 'Anniyan' Bollywood Remake (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  22. ^ "Ranveer Singh's Anniyan Remake in Legal Trouble, Producer Ravichandran to Move Court". News18. 24 August 2021.
  23. ^ "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.
  24. ^ "Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 gets a new release date; Shankar's film to hit screens in July". Hindustan Times. 20 May 2024.
  25. ^ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/game-changer-makers-tease-fans-with-expected-release-date-of-the-ram-charan-starrer/amp_articleshow/108939215.cms
  26. ^ "Kamal Haasan to play guest role in Kalki 2898 AD, confirms Indian 3". Hindustan Times. 25 March 2024. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  27. ^ "Ram Charan to act as an IAS officer and a politician in RC15: Leaked Reports". News18. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  28. ^ "Surprising details about Kamal-Shankar's 'Indian 3' sends fans on cloud nine". IndiaGlitz.com. 10 October 2023. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  29. ^ "'Veyil' wins National Award for best TAMIL film".
  30. ^ "Gentleman Awards: List of Awards won by Tamil movie Gentleman". The Times of India.
  31. ^ "Kadhalan Awards: List of Awards won by Tamil movie Kadhalan". The Times of India.
  32. ^ "Filmfare Awards South".
  33. ^ "Filmfare Awards South".
  34. ^ "Filmfare Awards South".
  35. ^ "Filmfare Awards South".
  36. ^ "Filmfare Awards South".
  37. ^ "This 'Gentleman' turns 56 today". Telangana Today.
  38. ^ "mahadevan\htmls\1996 cinema awards". 3 February 1999. Archived from the original on 3 February 1999. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  39. ^ "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards".
  40. ^ "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards".
  41. ^ "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards".
  42. ^ "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards".
  43. ^ Staff Reporter (26 June 2011). "Legends steal the show at Close Up Vijay Awards". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  44. ^ "Shah Rukh Khan honoured at Vijay Awards". Khaleej Times.
  45. ^ "Vikatan Awards 2019: Winners list is here". 1 January 2019. Archived from the original on 27 June 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
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