5. Jeans (1998)
‘Genes’ or ‘Jeans’,the former encapsulates this extremely stylish film in a fashionable way. The most expensive film made at that time, India’s Official entry to the Academy awards, Jeans stirred a buzz across the nation for it’s newness. With A.R Rahman’s magical music and global visuals captured by Shankar, people were transported to dream lands. The story revolves around twins of two generations and how their love changes through a riot of emotions and confusion. A reviewer writes, the dreamer that Shankar is, has romanticised the world’s most beautiful places in 5 minutes, a life-time goal for millions.
4. Mudhalvan (1999)
One of the most important films in Shankar’s career and the Tamil film industry, ‘Mudhalvan’ we believe is one of the strongest political movies made, creating a huge stir amongst the public and the government, as it touched upon sensitive issues. Shankar is known for his angst towards corruption and flaws in the system, and we’d see that underlying theme in every movie of his.This film is based on a constitutional leeway for a common citizen to become the Chief Minister of a state for a day, as filmy as it sounds! The protagonist, a television journalist interviewing the Chief Minister finds himself in a soup with the minister posing a challenge to take up the responsibilities for a day in defence to a mishap pointed out. In the turn around of events, Pugazh the protagonist ends up being the Chief Minister in the elections and what conspires after forms the plot.This is a must watch as Shankar is at his directorial best.
3. Anniyan (1999)
A storywriter usually dwells parts of him in his characters, Ambi the idealist, the flawless citizen is closest to Shankar the person. ‘Anniyan’ is a deep-rooted story questioning every individual at the core of their thoughts and actions, questions and implies how each one is responsible for the society’s downfall and all misdoings that exist. A psychological thriller that explores the realm of a neurological condition namely ‘Multiple personality disorder’ and anger towards the inhabitants of Indian societies. Shankar explains, his hatred and observations during childhood is closely captured on why India as a country has failed to grow unlike many other smaller nations, and this film is his attempt to inspire and enable people’s thoughts. ‘Anniyan’ is one of the three blockbuster Vigilante stories of Shankar. Last but not least, Vikram as Ambi, Remo and ‘Anniyan’ steals the show with his incredible performance.
2. Gentleman (1993)
A landmark debut for a legend, ‘Gentleman’ rose to fame instantly with it’s gripping storyline and fresh screenplay. Robinhood-esque protagonist Arjun Sarja, is flawless as an innocent Brahman running an ‘appalam’ business to the vigilante stealing money due to the gruesome backdrop from where he rises. Shankar’s entry was clear that he is going to take on social issues and loudly protest via his lens, ‘Gentleman’ took upon corruption and bribery in the education system, it’s inequality and how even for toppers of a state, the prized medical seat was far away from reach. The climax is incomparable, a ‘heart-wrenching’ act, leaves most in tears. Watch this classic if you haven’t, signifies the calibre of the man.
1. Indian (1996)
Shankar’s best yet, ‘Indian’ was a national blockbuster, creating ripples across audiences with it’s incredible story connecting every Indian coupled with over the top performances from Kamal Haasan in two roles and Sukanya, Manisha Koirala and Urmila essaying their parts perfectly. Another Vigilante epic from Shankar’s box, this time around, the lead being an old man with a fierce past of Independence struggle featuring the great Subhash Chandra Bose and the cruelty levied by the British. Shankar’s angst towards the governmental organisations in terms of money laundering and bribery are beautifully captured evoking emotions of every civilian, for instance the atrocities outside an R.T.O to obtain a driving license are every Indian’s struggle. The climax was highly applauded for its authenticity wherein the vigilante kills his own son for the wrong-doings and delivers the strongest message. ‘Indian’ was the Official Entry to the Academy Awards that year and also fetched Kamal Haasan a National Award for Best actor. This is one of India’s finest freedom struggle depictions, embrace!
Read More: Mani Ratnam Movies
