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Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From selling marijuana to shaping Tamil cinema: Everything you should know about the incredible journey of director Shankar
Popular filmmaker 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo 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 ."
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Urvashi reveals how a disagreement with Vaali over a Magalir Mattum song led to AR Rahman's iconic track being named after her: ‘I asked if they were mocking me'
There will definitely be a journey and a story behind every work of art, no matter how big or small. Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman's evergreen hit banger 'Urvasi Urvasi' from director S Shankar's Kadhalan (1994) also has a backstory. Legendary South Indian actor Urvashi recently revealed her connection to the song. According to the ace thespian, it's no mere coincidence that the opening lyrics of the track are the same as her name. 'Lyricist Vaali sir had written a song for the movie Magalir Mattum (1994) that goes 'Karavai Maadu Moonnu' (Three dairy cows). Revathi, Rohini and I were asked to sing those lines. I told them, 'Ew, I won't say that word.' Will women call themselves dairy cows? The director asked what the problem was. He was a Telugu. I told him it was extremely bad to make women call themselves Karavai Maadu,' she recalled during a conversation with Mazhavil Manorama. Only in SCREEN | Mathew Thomas responds to criticism of his 'overacting' in Bromance: 'When I approached the character of Binto…' The actor continued, 'Kamal Haasan sir was its producer. Soon he received a call saying that Urvashi was not ready to sing that line. He replied, 'She's just saying that; Urvashi will sing it. Connect her to Vaali sir.' So I talked to Vaali sir and asked him why such a bad expression was being used. Then he explained the situation in the story to me. He told me that the meaning was not what I had deduced. He also said that this was the first time in his life that someone had told him that they won't sing a line he penned.' In another interview with GingerMedia Entertainments, she recalled, 'When I saw him at a function later, he made me sit next to him and said that he had arranged for a song to be written about me. 'A song about you is coming, 'Take It Easy (Urvasi)'. It's a good song; do listen to it,' he said. It was penned by Vairamuthu. That song made the movie popular.' 'When I heard it and saw Prabhu Deva's dance, it was quite different from the ones typical of that era. When I asked him if they had written the song mocking me, he said no and assured me that it was penned in good faith,' Urvashi mentioned. 'He further told me, 'Many actors have already received songs in their names. Don't you want one too? Aren't you the one who came down from above? Aren't you the one who came from the world of gods?'' the legendary actor added.
