There was a time when directors like Shankar, Mani Ratnam, and AR Murugadoss ruled Indian cinema with one blockbuster after another. Their names alone could pull crowds to theatres. However, in recent times, these once-legendary filmmakers are finding it hard to recapture their past magic, with a series of underwhelming films that are slowly tarnishing their illustrious legacies.
Mani Ratnam, known for his emotionally resonant and poetic storytelling in classics like Mouna Ragam, Nayakudu, Roja, Bombay, Iddaru, Dil Se, and Sakhi, has faced a creative slump. Films like Cheliya, Nawab, and the much-hyped Ponniyin Selvan series failed to strike a chord with audiences. His latest venture Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, released amidst high expectations but failed to deliver, with critics and fans alike calling it one of his weakest films to date.
Shankar, a pioneer in visual grandeur and big-budget cinema with pathbreaking hits like Gentleman, Premikudu, Bharateeyudu, Aparichitudu, Oke Okkadu, Sivaji, and Robo, seems to have lost his midas touch. His recent works like I, 2.0, and the much-delayed Bharateeyudu 2 and Game Changer received lukewarm responses, both critically and commercially. Once a visionary, Shankar now faces growing skepticism about his ability to deliver relevant and compelling cinema.
AR Murugadoss, once celebrated for blending commercial entertainment with social themes in films like Ghajini, Thuppakki, and Kaththi, has also struggled to maintain his reputation. His recent outings, including Darbar and the Salman Khan-starrer Sikandar, failed to make an impact. Sikandar, in particular, drew criticism for its lack of depth and originality, leaving even his loyal fans disappointed.
While many industry insiders believe that a strong comeback from these filmmakers is unlikely, their dedicated fan bases still hold out hope. Only time will tell whether these stalwarts can rise above recent setbacks and reclaim their place in Indian cinema history.
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