Atlee (director)

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Atlee
Atleeawrd.jpg
Atlee at the 8th Vijay Awards, 2014
Born
Arun Kumar

(1986-09-21) 21 September 1986 (age 37)
Thiruparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Alma mater Sathyabama University [1]
Occupations
  • Film director
  • Film producer
  • Screenwriter
Years active2010–present
Spouse
Krishna Priya
​
(m. 2014)​
[2]
Children1

Arun Kumar (born 21 September 1986), known professionally as Atlee, is an Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter best known for his work in Tamil films. [1] He initially worked as an assistant director under S. Shankar in the films Enthiran (2010) and Nanban (2012). He made his directorial debut with the film Raja Rani (2013), produced by Fox Star Studios, for which he was awarded Best Debut Director by the Vijay Award and the Tamil Nadu State award for best dialogue writer. He is one of the highest-paid directors in India.

Contents

He directed the films Theri (2016), Mersal (2017) and Bigil (2019), all featuring Vijay, all of which became commercially successful at the box office and won several accolades. He then directed the Hindi-language Jawan (2023) starring Shah Rukh Khan, which emerged as his highest-grossing release. Atlee ranks among the most successful directors in Indian Cinema.

Career

Atlee began his career at the age of 19, as an assistant director to director S. Shankar for the films Enthiran (2010) and Nanban (2012), a remake of the Hindi film 3 Idiots . His short film, Mugaputhagam (2011), received a massive response from the public and across various media platforms. In 2013, Atlee went on to make his directorial debut with Raja Rani , a rom com produced by A. R. Murugadoss, Fox Star Studios, and Next Big Films. It starred Arya, Jai, Nayanthara, Nazriya Nazim, and Sathyaraj. It earned over ₹50 crores at the box office and won him the Best Debut Director award at the Vijay Awards. [3] [4]

Following the success of Raja Rani, Atlee went on to direct his next film, Theri (2016), an emotional action thriller, produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu, starring Vijay, Samantha, and Amy Jackson in the lead roles. It received mixed reviews from the critics who praised the performances of the cast, soundtrack, score, cinematography, production design, and action sequences. Grossing over ₹156 crores at the box office, it emerged as a huge commercial success and became the second highest grossing Tamil of 2016. [5]

In 2017, Atlee went on to direct Mersal, an action thriller, produced by Thenandal Studio Limited. Again starring Vijay, it also had Nithya Menen, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, S. J. Surya, Sathyaraj, Vadivelu, Hareesh Peradi, and Kovai Sarala appear in pivotal supporting roles. It was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Tamil cinema, grossing more than ₹250 crores worldwide. The film became the recipient of various accolades. The film was released on 6 December 2018 in China by HGC Entertainment. Due to demand, the film was screened at the largest cinema theatre in Europe Grand Rex, France. The film was screened at the Hainan International Film Festival in Hainan, China and at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea. [6]

Atlee directed his next film, Bigil (2019), a sports action drama, produced by AGS Entertainment. He reunited for the third and second time with Vijay and Nayanthara, respectively. It also starred Jackie Shroff, Vivek and Kathir in other prominent roles. The music was composed by A. R. Rahman. Upon release, it received mixed-to-positive reviews and emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019, collecting ₹310 crore upon its release. It also became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all-time and highest-grossing film of Vijay's career. [7]

He also ventured into producing films. In 2017, Atlee and his wife, Priya Atlee, started their own production house, A for Apple Productions. They jointly produced their first film with Fox Star Studios, Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae , a horror comedy, written and directed by Ike. It starred Jiiva, Sri Divya, and Soori in the lead roles. [8]

In 2020, Atlee and Priya produced their second film, Andhaghaaram , a supernatural horror thriller film, written and directed by V. Vignarajan. It was produced by Priya Atlee, alongside Sudhan Sundaram, and Jayaram, under their banner, Passion Studio and K. Poornachandra's O2 Pictures. It starred Arjun Das, Vinoth Kishan, and Kumar Natarajan in the lead roles along with Pooja Ramachandran and Misha Ghoshal in supporting roles. It was released directly on Netflix for streaming, on 24 November 2020. [9]

Atlee made his debut in Hindi cinema with Jawan , [10] starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Ridhi Dogra, along with others. Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Dutt made a special appearance and cameo appearance, respectively, in the film. It was produced by Khan's wife, Gauri Khan, and Gaurav Verma, under Red Chillies Entertainment. The music was composed by Anirudh Ravichander. It released on 7 September 2023 to generally positive reviews from both the critics and audience, alike. It set the record for a Hindi film grossing ₹75 crores (US$9.4 million) on its opening day. It grossed ₹520.79 crores worldwide in its opening weekend.

Personal life

Atlee married actress Krishna Priya on 9 November 2014. [11] [12] Their son was born on 13 January 2023. [13]

Filmography

As director, writer and producer

YearTitleDirectorWriterProducerLanguageNotes
2013 Raja Rani YesYesNo Tamil
2016 Theri YesYesNo
2017 Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae NoNoYes [14]
Mersal YesYesNo
2019 Bigil YesYesNo
2020 Andhaghaaram NoNoYes
2023 Jawan YesYesNo Hindi Partially reshot in Tamil
2024 Baby John NoNoYesco-producer

Guest appearances

List of special appearances by Atlee in film
YearTitleNotes
2012 Nanban In the song "Asku Laska"
2019 Bigil In the song "Singappenney"
2023 Jawan In the song "Zinda Banda"

Recurring collaborations

Editor Ruben, art director T. Muthuraj and actor Sai Dheena have worked on five of Atlee's films. Shobi and Yogi Babu has worked on four of his films. This list only concerns Atlee's directorial films.

Films Ruben T. Muthuraj Sai Dheena Shobi Yogi Babu Vijay Nayanthara G. K. Vishnu Vivek (lyricist) Manobala Rajendran Samantha Ruth Prabhu Amritha Aiyer
Raja Rani (2013)Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Theri (2016)Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgdeleted sceneYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svguncredited
Mersal (2017)Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Bigil (2019)Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Jawan (2023)Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgTamil versionYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg Tamil version

Controversy

Atlee's films, though commercially highly successful, have been criticized for having overly-familiar stories that have been done-to-death, starting from the 1980's of Tamil cinema. Raja Rani was described as an upgraded version of Mouna Ragam (1986), while Theri was described as inspired by Chatriyan (1990). [15] Mersal was described as an upgraded version of Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) as well as Moondru Mugam (1982). [16] Bigil was described as " Chak De! India (2007) on steroids". [17] Atlee has countered that, despite having been sued for plagiarism numerous times, he has won all the cases against him. [18]

Accolades

FilmAwardCategoryResultRef
Raja Rani Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2013 Best Dialogue Writer Won [19]
Edison Awards Best Debut DirectorWon
8th Vijay Awards Best Debut DirectorWon [20]
Best Story, Screenplay Writer Nominated
Best DialogueNominated
3rd SIIMA Awards Best Debut DirectorNominated
Theri 2nd IIFA Utsavam Best Director – TamilWon [21]
Behindwoods Gold MedalPeople's Choice DirectorWon [22]
6th SIIMA Awards Best Director – TamilWon [23]
64th Filmfare Awards South Best Director – Tamil Nominated [24]
Mersal Edison Awards 2018 Best DirectorWon [25]
65th Filmfare Awards South Best Director – Tamil Nominated [26]
7th SIIMA Awards Best DirectorWon [27]
Techofes Awards Best DirectorWon [28]
10th Vijay Awards Favourite Director Won [29]
[30]
Best DialogueNominated

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<i>Raja Rani</i> (2013 film) 2013 film directed by Atlee

Raja Rani is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy drama film directed by Atlee in his directorial debut. Produced by AR Murugadoss, the film stars Arya, Jai, Nayanthara and Nazriya Nazim, while Sathyaraj, Santhanam, Sathyan appear in supporting roles.

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<i>Theri</i> (film) 2016 film directed by Atlee Kumar

Theri is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Atlee and produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu under the banner V Creations. Inspired from Mani Ratnam's film Chatriyan, the film stars Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Amy Jackson, Nainika, Radhika Sarathkumar, Rajendran and Mahendran. The music was composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, with cinematography handled by George C. Williams and editing by Ruben. In the film, a former cop is on a mission to protect his daughter from his past enemies.

<i>Mersal</i> (film) 2017 film directed by Atlee

Mersal (transl. Zapped) is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Atlee who co-wrote the film with V. Vijayendra Prasad and S. Ramana Girivasan. Produced by Thenandal Studio Limited in the studio's hundredth feature film production, the film stars Vijay in a triple role alongside S. J. Suryah, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Nithya Menen, Sathyaraj, Vadivelu, Hareesh Peradi, Kovai Sarala and Sathyan appear in pivotal supporting roles. The story revolves around two brothers, who were separated at birth; one is a magician avenging his parents deaths and medical crimes, and the other, a reputed doctor who charges meagre amounts from his patients.

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<i>Bigil</i> 2019 Indian Tamil film directed by Atlee

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<i>Theri</i> (soundtrack) 2016 soundtrack album by G. V. Prakash Kumar

Theri is the soundtrack album composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar for the 2016 Tamil thriller film of the same name, written and directed by Atlee Kumar and produced by S. Thanu, starring Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson, while Mahendran, Prabhu and Radhika play supporting characters. Pulamaipithan, Na. Muthukumar, Pa. Vijay, Kabilan, Rokesh, R. Thiyagarajan and Arunraja Kamaraj wrote the lyrics for the songs. The album was launched on 20 March 2016, and received positive reviews from critics and was declared an 'all-time blockbuster' by audiences and critics.

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<i>Jawan</i> (film) 2023 Indian Hindi action thriller film by Atlee

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References

  1. 1 2 "Atlee Kumar (atlee) Biography, Life Story, Career, Awards & Achievements". Filmibeat . Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  2. ↑ The Times of India (16 January 2017). "Atlee announces this wedding date!". Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  3. ↑ "Raja Rani crosses 50 crore mark". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "8th Annual Vijay Awards a grand success". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  5. ↑ "India's Vijay Scores New Personal Record With Excellent 'Theri' Debut". Forbes . Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  6. ↑ "Vijay's 'Mersal' Rules Overseas With ₹20 Cr./$3M Start". Forbes . Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  7. ↑ "Did Vijay's 'Bigil' incur losses at the box office despite being the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019?". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  8. ↑ "Sangili Bungili... star cast gets bigger". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  9. ↑ "Atlee's Andhaghaaram to release on Netflix". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  10. ↑ "'A dream come true': Atlee, Anirudh Ravichander express excitement about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  11. ↑ "Director Atlee is engaged to his Rani, Krishna Priya". Behindwoods. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  12. ↑ "Atlee-Krishna Priya Wedding Reception Photos". International Business Times . 9 November 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  13. ↑ "Jawan director Atlee Kumar and wife Priya reveal name of baby boy, share family photo". The Economic Times. 7 May 2023. ISSN   0013-0389. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  14. ↑ "Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising". India Today . Chennai. 17 April 2019. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  15. ↑ "Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising". India Today. 17 April 2019. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  16. ↑ "Mersal is indebted to Kamal Haasan's Aboorva Sagotharargal, as much as Baahubali to Thevar Magan". The Indian Express. 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  17. ↑ "Shahrukh Khan calls Bigil trailer, Chak De India on steroids". Cinema Express . 12 October 2019. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  18. ↑ "Assistant director to being Ambani's guest, Atlee's growth is a huge inspiration". India Today. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  19. ↑ "TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years". The Hindu. 14 July 2017. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  20. ↑ Sangeetha, Seshagiri (6 July 2014). "Vijay Awards: Ajith's 'Arrambam', Kamal Haasan, Sivakarthikeyan Bag Awards [Winners List]". IB Times . Archived from the original on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  21. ↑ Upadhyaya, Prakash (14 March 2017). "IIFA South Utsavam Awards 2017: Here is the complete nomination list for Tamil movies". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  22. ↑ "Complete list of award winners in Behindwoods Gold Medals 2017". Behindwoods. 14 June 2017. Archived from the original on 17 June 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  23. ↑ "SIIMA 2017 Nomination List – Tamil". South Indian International Movie Awards. Archived from the original on 31 May 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  24. ↑ "Tamil Nominations for Filmfare Awards South 2017". Filmfare . Archived from the original on 9 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  25. ↑ Upadhyaya, Prakash (26 February 2018). "Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Mersal sweeps Edison Awards [winners' list]". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 29 April 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  26. ↑ "Nominations for the 65th Jio Filmfare Awards (South) 2018". Filmfare . 4 June 2018. Archived from the original on 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  27. ↑ Goyal, Divya (15 August 2018). "SIIMA 2018 Nominations: Vijay's Mersal Beats Madhavan And Vijay Sethupathi's Vikram Vedha". NDTV. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  28. ↑ "T-Awards Poll". Techofes. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
    "Pro Shows". Techofes. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  29. ↑ Upadhyaya, Prakash (4 June 2018). "Vijay Awards 2018: Here is the complete list of winners [Photos]". International Business Times . Archived from the original on 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  30. ↑ "The Glitzy Night is Here!". Hotstar. 16 June 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
    "Stars of the Night". Hotstar. 17 June 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
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