Atlee made an impactful directorial debut with the 2013 film 'Raj Rani'. The romantic comedy drama dilm starred Arya, Nayanthara and Nazriya Nazim in the lead
The film centers around the life of John and Regina who get married in an arranged set up for the happiness of their parents. They live like strangers in an apartment. However, on learning about each other's pasts, their feelings for each other changes. But they are unable to express their feeling for each other until one of them decides to leave the country
Atlee's first film revolved around the theme of lost love and giving love another chance. John and Regina has a tragic past where they lost their loved ones. However, life takes them on a journey of understanding each other and giving love a second chance
Critics have noted that the film draws similarities and inspirations from Mani Ratnam's Mouna Ragam and the Kannada film Milana. The film opened to positive response
Atlee's second directorial was 'Theri' and his first colleaboration with Vijay. The film stars Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson
Atlee came up with the emotional action thriller film in 2014. Impressed by the success of Raja Rani, Vijay became part of the film
Theri revolves around Joseph Kuruvilla, a non violent person who lives with his 5-year-old daughter. However, he has a tragic past resulting in the death of his wife and his mother. He assumes a new identity to fulfil the wish of dying wife. However, his past catches up with him and puts his daughter's life in danger. He gets back to his old self of DCP Vijay Kumar to seek revenge of his wife and mother's death
Theri was released on 14 April 2016 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences. The film grossed Rs 150 crore (US$19 million) against a budget of Rs 75 crore (US$9.4 million) and emerged as the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2016
For his third directorial, Atlee once again opetd for an action thriller with 'Mersal'. After the success of 'Theri', Atlee and Vijay joined hands for their second collaboration. The film stars Vijay in a triple role with S. J. Suryah while Sathyaraj, Vadivelu, Nithya Menen, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, 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's deaths and medical crimes, and the other, a reputed doctor who charges meagre amounts from his patients
Similar to his first two films, 'Mersal' also has a past -present angle in the story. Vetri and Maaran revist their past to make sense of their present and their purpose in life
The film opened in more than 3,300 screens worldwide which is highest for a Tamil film. The film also had record release in sevreal countries outside India. In the opening day of its release the film earned Rs 31.3 crore in domestic region and Rs 47.1 crore worldwide
For his third collaboration with Vijay and fourtth directorial, Atlee went for a sports drama cum gangster drama. Like Mersal, Bigil also sees Vijay essay a double role
It revolves around Michael Rayyapan alias Bigil, a footballer-turned-gangster who decides to coach a women's football team when their coach gets attacked. However, his team is faced with multiple challenges as his gangster days catch up with him
Like Atlee's previous films, the past of the character plays an important role in shaping up his present and future. This film focuses on women in sports and how despite all odds they emerge victorious
The film was released in Diwali 2019 and received mixed to positive reviews from critics with praise for Vijay's performance, social message and direction, but criticism was aimed at formulaic screenwriting and excessive length. In the opening day of its release, the film collected Rs 58 crore (US$7.3 million), and became the highest-opening day grosser of 2019, beating Petta, which earned Rs 36.6 crore (US$4.6 million) on the first day
Currently, all eyes are on Atlee's film 'Jawan'. The film marked his first with superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his Hindi debut as well
The film presents Shah Rukh Khan in a double role where he plays both the father, Vikram Rathore and son, Azad. The film is anti-establishment and questions the functioning of a system that is unjust to the common man
Like Atlee's films, Khan will also be seen donning multiple looks in the film. The film also has a tragic backstory that encourages the protagonist to take the path of righteousness, a concept that has been explored in Atlee's previous films as well
Atlee also reunites with Nayanthara in Jawan. They had previously worked together in Raja Rani and Bigil. The film also stars Priyamani and Sanya Malhotra in pivotal roles. Deepika makes an extended cameo as Azad's mother and Vikram Rathore's courageous wife
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