Director Shankar, known for his grand cinematic spectacles, is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated film “Indian 2” in ten days. In a recent promotional push, Shankar shed light on his future projects, creative vision, and collaborations.
Shankar has carved a niche in South Indian cinema with his larger-than-life films. From his early work like “Gentleman” to his upcoming “Indian 2,” he has consistently prioritized visual grandeur, offering audiences a captivating cinematic experience. He is credited with introducing groundbreaking visual effects (VFX) technology to South Indian cinema, with his film “Robot” being a major turning point.
Shankar has set his sights beyond conventional filmmaking. He expressed his desire to create Indian equivalents of James Bond films, alongside historical epics and science-fiction projects. He emphasizes a commitment to big-budget productions that heavily utilize VFX, suggesting a move away from smaller-scale films for the foreseeable future.
While discussing potential collaborations, Shankar revealed past attempts to work with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Although previous discussions for a project following “Robot” did not materialize, Shankar remains open to collaborating with Khan on a suitable script in the future.
Fans have clamored for sequels to Shankar’s hit films like “Nayak,” “Shivaji,” and “Aparichitudu.” While acknowledging audience desires, Shankar prioritizes compelling narratives over fan service. He explained that sequels will only be pursued if organically developed stories emerge that resonate with him. Currently, he has no concrete plans for any sequels.
In a fascinating anecdote, Shankar revealed a concept pitched in 2008 that predated the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He envisioned a crossover film featuring his iconic characters from “Hindustani,” “Sivaji,” and “Nayak.” While the idea was initially met with skepticism by his team, it foreshadows the popularity of superhero ensemble films that emerged years later.
Shankar weighed in on the ongoing conversation about Artificial Intelligence (AI). He believes that while AI is a powerful tool, it cannot surpass the human brain’s capacity for thought and creativity. He emphasizes that technology should serve the needs of his storytelling, not the other way around.
Shankar’s vision and commitment to innovation position him as a leading figure in Indian cinema. His upcoming projects promise to be visually stunning and conceptually ambitious, potentially expanding his reach beyond regional audiences and into the global cinematic landscape.
