Within ten years of working behind the camera, Atlee has succeeded in becoming well-known. The Indian director produced a number of popular movies in a short amount of time that raised the bar for Southern cinema. Fans adored Atlee’s biggest film till date, Jawan, which brought the same charm to the screen. And like his other films, this one by Atlee has made a tremendous splash at the box office. With Jawan, Atlee makes his Bollywood directing debut. The current cinema talk is focused on Atlee’s most recent film, which has Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra, and Deepika Padukone in important roles. While Jawan has been praised for being a massy entertainer, other Atlee definitely don’t fall behind. On the occasion of his birthday, here are Atlee’s massiest films you need to watch.
Mersal
Vijay’s triple role in a movie with a convoluted plot and a director who enjoys them could have gone either very well or very badly. Unexpectedly, Mersal’s twists and turns succeed in creating a movie that keeps you interested until the very end. Vijay portrays Dr. V Maaran, a magician named Vetri, and Vetrimaaran, a rural wrestler. The movie examines medical industry corruption (a theme that Jawan also deals with), but Vetrimaaran’s performance really shines since it gives Vijay’s star power a humanitarian spin while still using all of his charm. One of the best examples of Atlee’s ability to produce a mainstream masala film is Mersal.
Theri
There is something delightfully enjoyable about Theri, even though Mersal might be one of Atlee’s most well-known movies. In the movie, Joseph Kuruvilla is first introduced. He is a good-natured man who values family and love above everything else. Atlee and Vijay take the character in a whole other route just as you start to lose yourself in this universe. It’s not that the script is unpredictable; like many of Atlee’s movies, not much new is shown. Instead, the movie skillfully blends technical prowess with opulent cinema, all while benefiting from a likeable lead. Samantha Ruth and Vijay have a laid-back relationship that enhances the film’s attractiveness.
Raja Rani
It’s tough to imagine that Raja Rani, a very tranquil movie, came from the same director after how Theri and Mersal turned out. Raja Rani, Atlee’s first film, focuses on how people deal with love and loss, two emotions that are frequently shown in movies. From the eyes of John, played by Arya, and Regina, played by Nayanthara, we discover how complicated human desire and affection can frequently be due to the way our experiences mould us.
Mugaputhagam
Although Raja Rani is Atlee’s first feature film, his 2011 short film Mugaputhagam is just as noteworthy. In particular, the criminal drama genre is employed to convey a social message and an understanding of mass cinema in this movie, which is a true snapshot of cliches that have appeared in most of Atlee’s works. While examining a catfishing network, the movie shifts from its gloomy opening to the fast-paced lives of certain youngsters. Although it is by no means one of his better movies, it has a certain Atlee touch that makes it entertaining.
Bigil
Bigil, the third project between Atlee and superstar Vijay, debuted to mixed reviews but remains one of the biggest grossing Tamil movies. The movie received praise for its innovative approach, and it was frequently compared to Shah Rukh Khan’s Chak De! India. The protagonist of the tale is a gangster named Michael Rayyapan, also known as Bigil, who has a troubled history. After his acquaintance is attacked by thugs, his friend asks him to coach a women’s football team because he has experience playing the sport. In order to prepare the team and get them to the finals, Bigil agrees but runs into several issues from his enemy. Despite all the obstacles, Bigil is able to properly train the women and help them capture the national title.
In addition to the films on this list, Atlee has assisted S. Shankar with Enthiran and Nanban; it is easy to see how the latter’s work influenced the former.