In an industry in which popularity depends much
on the quicksand of box office collection, consistency
is a valued quality.
To be consistent right
from one’s debut and reach the zenith
of mass following is an achievement indeed.
Director Shankar has this enviable record and
what makes it all the more interesting is having
achieved this at quite a young age. He is an
engineering graduate and was actively involved
in amateur theatre while keeping a regular job.
At the stage where the creative urge made him
take the risky plunge into films, he had already
honed his writing skills. His greatest asset
is his immaculate ability in narrating the story
by mixing all the elements of entertainment.
That is why even when his films have borne the
criticism of repetitiveness, the freshness of
presentation, makes them appealing.
Shankar burst on the Tamil scene like a meteor
with Gentleman. He narrated the story to many
producers before K.T. Kunjumon gave his go ahead.
There were not many heroes who would touch the
role and Arjun became the last resort. The film
became a runaway hit and announced his arrival.
Then came Kadhalan. Prabhudeva became a popular
hero after this film and A. R. Rahman’s
music was a chart buster.
