Director Shankar, who once enjoyed an unshakeable reputation in Indian cinema, faced a significant setback following the underwhelming response to Game Changer. The film failed to make a strong impact at the box office, leading to disappointment not just for Shankar but also for renowned Tollywood producer Dil Raju, who had pinned high hopes on the project. The lukewarm reception marked a dent in his successful streaks.
However, determined to bounce back, Shankar is now focusing on a long-cherished dream project—a cinematic adaptation of the celebrated Tamil novel Velpari. He recently attended a special event dedicated to the novel, where he officially announced that this project is finally materializing.
Speaking at the event, Shankar expressed his passion for the story and shared ambitious plans for its scale and presentation. He described Velpari as an epic saga that will be on par with international standards, likening its grandeur and narrative complexity to iconic Game of Thrones and Avatar. He further revealed that the film will include never-before-seen elements in Indian cinema, including a chariot modeled like a car, symbolizing the creative liberties and unique visual storytelling he plans to incorporate.
With a staggering budget of ₹1200 crores, Velpari is set to become India’s most expensive film to date. Backed by heavyweights like Karan Johar, streaming giant Netflix, and Sun Pictures, this collaboration marks a historic moment in Indian cinema. The project not only aims to restore Shankar’s place among the greats but also promises to elevate the standards of Indian filmmaking on the global stage.