Science can go wrong, but Shankar never will. He can make a skeleton or an outfit dance. He has the ability to reanimate the dead. A true magician. Happy birthday, Shankar Sir.
Let us look at some extraordinary moments in which Shankar revealed his unrivaled splendor and creativity.
Mukala Mukkabala
The evergreen superhit song from the 1994 film Kadhalan was a visual delight for the audience. We could see Prabhudeva being shot in the moment, turning him invisible, and his attire dancing. This scene’s use of special effects and choreography demonstrated Shankar’s ability to produce imaginative and engaging visuals. It was an unforgettable moment in Indian cinema, with spectators in awe of his talent and imagination.
Ale Ale
Ale Ale, released in 2003, was yet another Shankar hallmark song. The song was colorful and vibrant as always. The hat spinning scene in the song, mixed with the vibrant costumes and dynamic dance steps, made a stunningly attractive sequence. The effortless incorporation of graphics took the music to a whole new level, attracting the audience with its catchy visuals. It demonstrated Shankar’s ability to create unique and engaging dance sequences that grabbed spectators.
Kannodu Kanbathellam
With its humorous and witty visual effects, an ever-remembered song from the film Jeans left the audience in giggles. Aiswarya Rai’s dual role and visual-effects-lead dancing movements were an absolute joy to watch. The song emphasized the film’s visual effects team’s competence in technology, pushing beyond the limits of what was achievable at the time. It set a precedent for subsequent films in terms of smoothly blending graphics into dance moves. The smart use of visual effects brought an extra layer of fun to the experience, making it memorable and engaging for spectators.
7 Wonders in One Song
No. Don’t bother asking us about a single scene. The song 7 Wonders is a wonder in and of itself, enchanting the audience with its incredible visuals and dance. The smooth transitions between numerous settings and the exact dance steps dazzle spectators, indicating that this song genuinely lives up to its popularity as a masterpiece of visual narrative. This song was also featured in the 1998 film Jeans.
Mudhalvane
The song appears in the 1999 film Mudhalvan. Shankar was the only name in the industry who could create such a visually rich song. The snake segments in the song make the song visually appealing, demonstrating Shankar’s ability to integrate special effects with dance movements. The use of bright colors and ornate costumes adds to the visual impact of the song, engaging the viewer’s attention from beginning to end. It’s no surprise that Mudhalvane is still hailed as a pioneering masterpiece.
Maya Machindra
The evergreen popular song from the 1996 film Indian was a visual delight. The song is aesthetically beautiful, with stunning visual effects that trap the audience in a spellbinding realm of imagination and enchantment. Maya Machindra’s utilization of advanced technology and new cinematography techniques lends an extra depth of marvel and awe to the song. The flawless blending of spectacular effects and compelling graphics delivers a truly unforgettable experience for the audience.
Irumbile Oru Idhaiyam
Enthiran was an inspiration to the entire Indian cinema industry. The film stretched beyond the limits of what was thought possible in Indian filmmaking with its innovative visual effects and larger-than-life concept. Enthiran’s song Irumbile Oru Idhaiyam gracefully conveys this splendor and elegance. The song is elevated to another level by Rajinikanth’s powerful presence and Shankar’s visual excellence, making it iconic.
Again, Science can go wrong but Shankar never will.