S. Shankar

Shankar—yeah, that Shankar—he’s basically the dude everyone talks about when you mention big-budget spectacles and wild imagination in Tamil cinema. The guy didn’t just stroll into the industry; he hustled his way up, starting out under the legendary SA Chandrasekar. Not exactly a silver-spoon entry, but hey, look at him now—highest paid director in India. That’s saying something in a country where movies are almost a religion. His first movie, Gentleman, dropped back in ‘93. Totally shook things up. Not your usual formula, more like a thrilling rollercoaster with a message. Since then, he’s been unstoppable. The guy’s churned out a dozen movies since 2015 alone—seriously, does he even sleep? Each film is like its own massive event, loaded with eye-popping visuals, massive sets, and stories that actually make you think, not just munch popcorn. He’s not just a director, either. Producing, writing, you name it, he’s done it. And awards? Yeah, he bagged the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year in 2010 for Entertainment. That’s not just a trophy on a shelf—that’s national recognition. People either love his movies for the sheer entertainment value or end up debating them for weeks. Either way, you can’t ignore him. From sci-fi to social dramas, Shankar’s pretty much set the bar for what’s possible in Indian cinema, and honestly, he’s still raising it.