Director S. Shankar Celebrates 60th Birthday Amidst Glorious Film Legacy

Director S. Shankar, a visionary filmmaker renowned for delivering hit films with socially relevant themes and vigilante protagonists, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Since his debut with “Gentleman” in 1993, his movies have consistently carried powerful messages, captivating audiences with their impactful storytelling.

One of the most distinguishing aspects of S. Shankar’s career is his remarkable ability to create high-budget cinematic extravaganzas that find immense success at the box office. With each new project, he takes his penchant for grandeur to new heights. Recently celebrating his remarkable 30-year journey in the industry, the director’s films have consistently maintained an impressive success rate, a testament to his directorial prowess.

On the occasion of his birthday, we reflect upon the last five of S. Shankar’s box office collections, showcasing his prowess in crafting both thought-provoking narratives and commercially successful films.

Sivaji the Boss (2007): The film’s budget of 60-80 crores was well-invested as it featured the iconic Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead. “Sivaji The Boss” garnered immense attention from Rajinikanth’s fans in India and across the globe. Notably, this film marked a significant milestone for Rajinikanth, making him the highest-paid Indian actor with a fee of around 26 crore (US$3.3 million). The movie earned praise from fans and critics alike, becoming the first Tamil film to enter the UK Top 10 box office. Its worldwide box office collection ranged from 100 to 160 crores.

Enthiran (2010): “Enthiran,” a Tamil-language science fiction action film directed by S. Shankar, starred the legendary Rajinikanth. This film emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2010, setting new benchmarks in the industry. The movie clinched two National Film Awards, further validating its impact. “Enthiran” achieved a remarkable feat by collecting 1.05 billion in Tamil Nadu alone, holding a record for seven years until surpassed by “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.”

Nanban (2012): A remake of the Hindi blockbuster “3 Idiots,” “Nanban” showcased Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role. This film managed to amass a staggering 150 crores at the box office, with Chennai City contributing 22.7 million during its first weekend. With positive reviews and a massive reception, “Nanban” secured its position as one of the most significant blockbusters of 2012.

I (2015): “I,” featuring Vikram in the lead, was crafted on a budget of 100 crores. The film opened to predominantly positive reviews and eventually evolved into a commercial triumph, grossing between 227 to 240 crores worldwide. It proudly claimed its spot as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time and marked Vikram’s most successful venture.

2.0 (2018): The second instalment of the Enthiran series, “2.0,” featured Rajinikanth reprising his iconic role alongside Akshay Kumar. This cinematic spectacle was made on a budget of 400-600 crores, making it one of the most expensive Indian films. The film’s gross collection ranged from 519 to 800 crores, securing its place as the 7th highest-grossing film in India, the 15th highest-grossing Indian film, and the 3rd highest-grossing Tamil film.

As S. Shankar celebrates his 60th birthday, the industry commemorates a director who has redefined cinema with his visionary storytelling and grandeur. Amidst the festivities, the filming of “Game Changer” continues, directed by Shankar himself, in collaboration with the talented Ram Charan. This political action thriller is awaited by audiences and is scheduled for release in 2024, adding yet another chapter to S. Shankar’s illustrious legacy.

Happy Birthday, Director Shankar!

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