New Delhi. Shahrukh Khan's film Jawan created such a stir at the box office in the year 2023 that not only added a new chapter in the actor's career but also strengthened the identity of director Atlee Kumar across the country. Atlee, who has made his special mark in Tamil cinema, entered Bollywood through Jawan and his pairing with Shahrukh Khan was very much liked by the audience. Now Atlee has revealed that before deciding to work with Shahrukh, he had received a piece of advice from Thalapathy Vijay which changed the direction of his career.
During an event organized in Chennai, Atlee shared many things about his career and his relationship with Thalapathy Vijay. He told that Vijay has a big contribution in making him where he is today. According to Atlee, she started getting recognition after her second film Raja Rani and after this Vijay continuously gave her big opportunities. The pair of Atlee and Vijay created a special place among the audience through films like Theri Mersal and Bigil.
Atlee told that when Shahrukh Khan reached his office and met him regarding the soldier, he had a big decision in front of him. He had talked to Thalapathy Vijay about this. According to Atlee, Vijay told him that he did not know how he would make or handle this film with Shah Rukh Khan but that he should do the film instead of following Vijay. Vijay reportedly assured her that this film could change the direction of her career.
Atlee told that this statement of Vijay later proved to be true. After the release of Jawan, Atlee's recognition went beyond Tamil cinema and reached across the country. Artists like Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi were seen in the film along with Shahrukh Khan and the film achieved huge success at the box office. After this success, Atlee's name started being counted among the big directors of the Indian film industry.
Atlee was also asked in the program why he often mentions Thalapathy Vijay. On this he said that some people may think that he is taking Vijay's name so that he can get a chance to make a film with him again. However, Atlee said that now Vijay has become the Chief Minister, so it will not be possible to do the next film with him. Despite this, Atlee expressed respect and gratitude towards Vijay, calling him his brother.
At present Atlee is in discussion about his next big film Raaka. It has been revealed that actors like Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone, Mrunal Thakur, Rashmika Mandanna and Jhanvi Kapoor are associated with this project. The budget of the film is said to be around Rs 800 crore. In such a situation, the audience is also keeping an eye on Atlee's next film after Jawan.