Shankar, one of the most revered filmmakers in Indian cinema, made his mark by redefining the commercial cinema landscape. Known for blending cutting-edge technology with cinematic storytelling, he wowed audiences with his innovative approach. However, the director who once created iconic moments like the famous headless dancing man in Kadhalan seems to have shifted gears. In recent times, he has become increasingly associated with the over-explored theme of the 'Corruption Cinematic Universe'—a term coined by Reddit users frustrated with his recurring focus on this concept.

Shankar’s 'Corruption Cinematic Universe' hits rock bottom

Shankar has long been known for crafting compelling films that depict the common man’s battle against corruption and the system, with memorable works like Mudhalvan, Indian, Anniyan, Sivaji: The Boss, and more recently, Indian 2 and Game Changer. However, in 2024, his deep affection for this theme took a disastrous turn. Kamal Haasan’s iconic character, Senapathi, made a return to the big screen, but it resulted in one of the biggest disappointments for Tamil cinema fans. The film was heavily criticized for its amateurish direction, far-fetched ideas, and lacklustre performances, earning it widespread trolling.

With his latest film Game Changer, starring Telugu superstar Ram Charan, Shankar's relentless focus on 'corruption stories' has reached an all-time low. Reddit users are now humorously referring to his films in this category as part of the 'Corruption Cinematic Universe' and are hoping the director will venture into new themes in his future projects. However, it seems the 'Corruption Cinematic Universe' isn't going anywhere just yet, as the third instalment in the Indian series, titled Indian 3, is already confirmed to be in the works.

The ‘grandeur’ with no substance

Alongside his increasingly overblown commercial films, Shankar has also been making headlines due to the massive budgets of his projects, particularly the extravagant song sequences that were ultimately cut from the final version. Critics argue that the director should focus more on the writing of his films and collaborate with fresh talent, rather than spending money on spectacle that adds little value. Film enthusiasts are hoping for a return to form from the master craftsman, yearning for the memorable cinematic experiences Shankar once delivered, especially when he worked alongside veteran writer Sujatha.

Velpari is a crucial project in Shankar’s career; Here’s why

To the excitement of cinephiles, Shankar recently revealed plans to adapt the famous Tamil novel Velpari into a film. With this announcement, it’s clear that the director is ready to explore a new genre after a long hiatus. The film, described as a period action drama, is expected to star either Suriya or Bollywood's Ranveer Singh in the lead role. Velpari is being hailed as a potential 'redemption' project for the seasoned filmmaker, who is currently navigating one of the lowest points in his career.

Read Also: "Queer" OTT Release: When and Where to Catch Daniel Craig's Romantic Drama

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!