Atlee Kumar has become one of India’s most talked-about filmmakers after delivering the massive hit Jawan in 2023, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The film not only topped box office charts but also brought Atlee into the limelight like never before. Despite already making several successful films, Jawan elevated his career, earning over ₹1,150 crores globally and becoming Shah Rukh Khan’s highest-grossing film to date. Atlee’s storytelling and filmmaking style have made him a fan favorite, but his rise to fame wasn’t an overnight success.
Early Life and Love for Cinema: How Atlee Found His Calling
Atlee Kumar wasn’t always destined for cinema. Born on September 21, he wasn’t particularly interested in academics from a young age. After finishing school, he chose to study Visual Communication in college. It was during these years that he discovered his passion for filmmaking. He created a short film titled En Mel Vizhundha Mazhai Thuli, which gained attention not only in college but also in film circles outside. This project became his entry ticket to working with legendary filmmaker S. Shankar.
Atlee worked as an assistant director for Shankar in big-budget films like Robot and Nanban. These experiences helped him gain an understanding of the intricacies of filmmaking. Eventually, in 2013, Atlee got his first break as a director with Raja Rani, a romantic drama that made him a well-known name in Tamil cinema.
The Turning Point: Atlee’s Collaboration with Vijay and the 90-Feet Jump Incident
Raja Rani was a major success, and it wasn’t long before superstar Thalapathy Vijay took notice. Vijay, impressed with Atlee’s work, reached out and expressed his desire to collaborate. Atlee had a script ready, and the result of their partnership was the film Theri, released in 2016. The movie was a huge hit, earning over ₹140 crores, and solidified Atlee’s position as a successful director in the industry.
One of the most iconic incidents from the filming of Theri was when Atlee made Vijay perform a dangerous stunt—jumping from a height of 90 feet. Initially, Atlee suggested using a body double for safety reasons, but Vijay was adamant about doing the scene himself. Despite Atlee’s concerns, Vijay went ahead with the stunt, and the scene was shot successfully. This incident not only showcased Vijay’s dedication but also deepened the bond between the actor and director.
A Brotherly Bond: Atlee and Vijay’s Relationship
Atlee and Vijay’s working relationship blossomed into something more personal after Theri. The duo worked together on two more films—Mersal in 2017 and Bigil in 2019. Both films were massive successes, with Bigil becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.
Atlee has often spoken about his deep respect and affection for Vijay, even referring to him as an elder brother. During the audio launch of Bigil, Atlee expressed how much Vijay meant to him, calling him a mentor and guide. He even said that he would do everything in his power to ensure that Bigil became a blockbuster, as he felt a strong personal connection to the project.
Becoming a Pan-India Director: From Thalapathy Vijay to Shah Rukh Khan and Beyond
Atlee’s career took a significant leap when he directed Jawan, marking his Bollywood debut. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, the film shattered box office records and became a pan-India success. Atlee’s unique ability to blend mass appeal with strong storytelling has made him a favorite not only in Tamil cinema but also on a national level.
Following the success of Jawan, Atlee’s name is now being associated with yet another Bollywood superstar, Salman Khan. Rumors suggest that the director is in talks with Salman for a new project, further expanding his reach in the Indian film industry.
