'Gentleman' to 'Jeans': Films that created Shankar's base in Tamil film industry

Director Shankar is one of the most successful directors of Kollywood and his films were always a guide to the grandeur visualisations. Even today, when asked what inspires the new directors or who they look up to, director Shankar is one among their proud list. Shankar has been a pioneering force in Tamil cinema for two decades and he is known for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking in the industry. Several of his films have set new standards and created a lasting impact on Tamil cinema. Here are some of his most influential films:

Released in 1993, 'Gentleman' marks the directorial debut of Shankar and it was a blockbuster hit. Starring Arjun and Madhoo in lead roles, the film focused on a new way of vigilante justice themes in Tamil cinema. The film's slick action sequences, and songs composed by AR Rahman created a new benchmark for commercial Tamil cinema. It was also a trendsetter in the anti-hero concept.

Released in 1996, 'Indian' stars Kamal Haasan in the lead role and the movie was made with a strong social message, focusing on corruption. The film’s technical brilliance, Kamal Haasan’s dual role, and the thematic depth made it a milestone in Tamil cinema. The film won several national awards and set new standards for prosthetic makeup and visual effects in Indian films. However, the sequel of the film which was recenlty released did not sit well among the audience.

This romantic movie was released in 1995 and had Prashanth, Aishwarya Rai and Nassar playing in lead roles. The movie was one among the first Tamil films to be shot extensively abroad, and it showcased the technical prowess of Tamil cinema. The film was noted for its special effects, particularly in scenes where Prashanth plays a dual role, interacting with himself on screen.

Released in 1999, 'Mudhalvan' starred Arjun in the lead role and it explored the theme of political accountability. The film’s idea of an ordinary man becoming a one-day Chief Minister was revolutionary, and it resonated with audiences. The movie’s success reinforced Shankar’s reputation for making socially relevant, high-concept films.

Starring Vikram as the lead, 'Mudhalvan' was released in 2005 and it was a combined multiple genres—thriller, action, and psychological drama. Thefilm introduced the concept of split personality to Tamil audiences. The film’s technical brilliance, innovative screenplay, and Vikram’s performance made it a landmark in Tamil cinema.