Shankar had a multi-starrer universe idea with Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Anil Kapoor in 2008: “Since no one responded positively, I shelved it”

Legendary filmmaker Shankar is known for creating larger-than-life characters who fight for justice against societal evils. Films like Anniyan, Sivaji: The Boss, Mudhalvan, Gentleman and Hindustani are prime examples. His upcoming film Hindustani 2 continues this tradition.

In recent years, the concept of cinematic universes has become increasingly popular, with Lokesh Kanagaraj's Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) featuring Kaithi, Vikram and Leo being a recent example. But Shankar reveals he had a similar vision way back in 2008, even before the trend emerged! Shankar's Opens Up About His Dream Project In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Shankar shared a fascinating anecdote. "While filming Robot in 2008," he said, "I had this idea of creating a story that brings together Senapathy (played by Kamal Haasan) from Indian, one-day chief minister Shivaji Rao Gaekwad (played by Anil Kapoor) from Nayak and Sivaji (Rajinikanth) in one film." An Idea Ahead of Its Time Shankar's enthusiasm for this multi-starrer concept wasn't met with the response he expected. "I was so excited by the idea," he recalled. "I called my assistant directors and told them about it. But they just stared at me, unsure of how to react."

He further elaborated, "They probably thought I was crazy! The idea of bringing three iconic characters together in one film seemed outlandish at the time. Even senior technicians didn't quite know how to respond. They smiled politely but didn't seem to take it seriously." The Avengers Ignited a Familiar Spark Years later, upon watching The Avengers, Shankar was reminded of his own cinematic universe concept. "I confided in many people about this idea," he said, "but since no one responded positively, I shelved it. Then came The Avengers, and it reignited that spark within me." Shankar's Hindustani 2 Set for Release While the multi-star project remains on hold, Shankar's directorial venture Hindustani 2 is gearing up for release. The film, a sequel to the Hindi blockbuster Indian, is slated for a global theatrical release on July 12 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The film stars Siddharth, Kajal Aggarwal Kitchlu and Rakul Preet Singh alongside the original protagonist, played by Kamal Haasan.

Also Read: Indian 2 actress Rakul Preet Singh describes filmmaker S Shankar as a ‘legend’; says, “I’ve learned so much from him”

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