From selling marijuana to shaping Tamil cinema: Everything you should know about the incredible journey of director Shankar
Shankar
celebrates his 62nd birthday today (Aug 17). Although there are criticisms that he has regressed a bit in his creativity, he cannot be denied as one of the pioneers who took Tamil cinema to world standards.
He was the one who pioneered the term "grandeur" by using technology in an innovative way. After working as an assistant director to S.A. Chandrasekhar and Pavithran, he made his directorial debut with the film 'Gentleman.' The film was a success and also caused social criticism.
A director who blended technology, social issues, and visuals
After that, Shankar gave hit after hit with films like 'Kadhalan,' 'Jeans,' and 'Indian.' The way he used graphics in Jeans amazed the Indian film industry.
He presented seven wonders and entertained Tamil cinema and the world. Shankar was a man who made great use of even the minimal technology available at the time. The fact that he planned a film like Robot as early as the 90s is a testament to his imagination and pioneering thinking.
During that period, everyone from leading actors to newcomers looked forward to working with him at least once.
His struggles before films
But Shankar did not come to this height easily. After studying engineering, he planned to work in America. But that did not happen. According to Filmibeat, he failed in many small jobs, started a business and lost it, and became very frustrated in life. He also got caught up in the dangerous path of selling marijuana and lost all his money. In that environment, he shaved his head in
Tirupati
and returned to Chennai, joined a drama group, and showcased his mimicry and comedy talents.
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It was there that S.A. Chandrasekhar discovered him.
Turning point: joining drama, spotted by S.A. Chandrasekhar
While working with SAC, Shankar, who wanted to be an actor, got a room from him by mistake. But it was that room that brought out the true director in him. He then worked with Pavithran and forged a path of his own with Gentleman. Combining social issues and grand visuals, he gave Tamil audiences a new kind of cinema.
Despite setbacks, Shankar remains a visionary with an awaited comeback
Today, even though the last few films he directed failed, criticism and ridicule cannot push him away. Because failure is no stranger to him. Fans and critics are confident that Shankar, who has always tried new things, will soon make a strong comeback. Shankar's name will forever be remembered in history as the first director who planted the seeds of excellence through his films.
"Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie
Coolie
and
War 2
."
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