Is Shankar Out of Indian 3 to Work on His Dream Project?

The director Shankar after being considered the most artistic mind of Indian cinema has this messed-up phase of his last two films Indian 2 and Game Changer not only failed to win over the audiences but also critics. Many, including the fans, and observers of the film industry, believe that the once icon filmmaker has somehow lost his enchanting touch and is in need of a powerful metamorphosis to reclaim his monumental stature. And if the news doing rounds is anything to go by, then the director might have already taken steps in the direction of his comeback by taking risks.

It had been believed for months that Shankar was entangled in the task of bringing Indian 3, the third segment of the highly charged up social genre starring Kamal Haasan, to a successful conclusion. With almost 70% of the shooting claimed to have been finished, the director earlier this year was even heard saying that his long-awaited dream project, Veera Yuga Nayagan Velpari, would be kicking off only after the Indian 3 shoot is wrapped up.

Yet, the latest gossip from Kollywood tells quite a different tale.

As per the new updates, Shankar has withdrawn from Indian 3 at least for now and has directed his focus on the pre-production of Velpari instead. This historical film, adapted from the famous Tamil novel, has been the director’s aspiration for a long time, and he now seems to be ready to realize it.

The industry sources suggest that the disappointing commercial outcome of Indian 2 might have made the director reconsider his priorities. To add more weight to speculation, Kamal Haasan himself is said to be less interested in furthering the Indian franchise at present as he is putting all his efforts on the subsequent ventures with the superstar Rajinikanth.

If the existing reports are to be taken as a ring of truth, Shankar is on his way to take the film Velpari to the set in the month of June next year. The project is likely to cast a popular Tamil actor in the main part, Indian cinema is said to have planned the biggest and most extravagant period dramas ever, and this one is being hailed as such.

For those who are waiting for Shankar to come back, it is possible that this will be the start of a thrilling new chapter — a comeback to the enormous presumably storytelling that made him a public figure.