Shankar (actor)
Encyclopedia
Shankar Panikkar, popularly known as Shankar (Malayalam: ശങ്കര്) is an India
n film actor and director. He was one of the prominent lead actors of Malayalam cinema
during the 1980s.
which completed 365 days in theatres. Luck favoured him in Malayalam Films too with Fazil
's directorial venture Manjil Virinja Pookkal
, where Mohanlal
debuted as villain became a Musical Hit. Overnight Shankar became a hot property in both Tamil and Malayalam film Industry and almost all his films doing good business. He was the Second Super Star of Malayalam Films of 80s after Late Action Star "Jayan
". He never experimented with his roles, still he had a very large fan base in Kerala. Many of his ordinary films were hits just because of his presence. His teaming with Mohan Lal is very popular with many Hits. Shankar's pairing with actresses Menaka
and Ambika
were considered as safe bets.
During late 80's, he cut down his film assignments and shifted to USA for personal and business reasons. However, most of his come back ventures failed to ignite the Box office.
starring Kalabhavan Mani
and Vinu Mohan
has been already released with positive reviews. Shankar's next Malayalam film, would probably star Mohan Lal. Apart from Keralotsavam 2009
, Shankar has also directed Virus
, a film on AIDS, which was censored in 2007.
has signed Shankar to play an important role in the next Mohan Lal starrer Casanowa to be shot in foreign locations. He was in attendance during the Grand launch of Casanowa along with other prominent actors like Tamil actor Arya
who was supposed making his debut in Malayalam. Later Arya was replaced by Ganesh Venkatraman
. The recent Malayalam films Shankar appeared was Ividam Swargamanu directed by Roshan Andrews, alongside Mohanlal
, Rhythm and Koottukar
(2010), directed by Prasad Valacheril
and Bhadran
in two super hit movies Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
and Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
respectively. Director Sibi Malayil
changed to serious family films with Shankar's home production Chekkeranoru Chilla.
Shankar has an interesting list of films which is yet to get released even after the first copy is out as given below.
The teaming of Mohanlal and Shankar was one of the most guaranteed pair of Malayalam Films. None of the films were Flop.
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n film actor and director. He was one of the prominent lead actors of Malayalam cinema
Malayalam cinema
The Cinema of Kerala or Malayalam cinema refers to the film industry in the Indian state of Kerala, which makes films in the Malayalam language. Malayalam movies typically portray social or family issues and are considered more realistic than films from other parts of India. Malayalam cinema has...
during the 1980s.
As an Actor
Shankar had a dream opening with the Vijaya T. Rajendar's Tamil Mega Hit Oru Thalai RagamOru Thalai Ragam
Oru Thalai Raagam is a 1980 Tamil-language Indian feature film produced and directed by E.M.Ibrahim, starring Shankar, Roopa, Chandrasekhar, Usha Rajendar and Ravindran. Eventhough the title card shows E.M.Ibrahim as the director, the film has been actually ghost directed by Vijaya T...
which completed 365 days in theatres. Luck favoured him in Malayalam Films too with Fazil
Fazil
A. M. Fazil is an Indian filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter of Malayalam cinema.His father wanted him to be a doctor, but in school and college, extra curricular activities engulfed him. He wrote plays, enacted them with his friends A. M. Fazil (born 1953, in Alleppey, Kerala) is an Indian...
's directorial venture Manjil Virinja Pookkal
Manjil Virinja Pookkal
Manjil Virinja Pookkal is a 1980 Malayalam film produced by Navodaya Appachan and directed by Fazil, starring Shankar, Poornima Jayaram, and Mohanlal in the main roles. This film was one of the biggest hits of the year and was a major landmark in the career of director Fazil. The songs were...
, where Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
debuted as villain became a Musical Hit. Overnight Shankar became a hot property in both Tamil and Malayalam film Industry and almost all his films doing good business. He was the Second Super Star of Malayalam Films of 80s after Late Action Star "Jayan
Jayan
Krishnan Nair , better known by his stage name Jayan , was an Indian film actor, former sailor, stunt performer and 1970s style icon. He worked in Malayalam cinema, a sector of the Indian movie industry...
". He never experimented with his roles, still he had a very large fan base in Kerala. Many of his ordinary films were hits just because of his presence. His teaming with Mohan Lal is very popular with many Hits. Shankar's pairing with actresses Menaka
Menaka (actress)
Menaka is an Indian film actress. In her short film career 1980-86, Menaka acted in 116 films, mostly in Malayalam. She also did a few movies in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu. She has worked with many leading actors of the time, including the late Prem Nazir, Soman and Sukumaran. She has also acted...
and Ambika
Ambika (actress)
Ambika is an Indian film actress. She was worked in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu films. Ambika's sister Radha was also an actress. Both of them acted in a number of south Indian films in 80s and they have a movie studio called "ARS Studios"....
were considered as safe bets.
During late 80's, he cut down his film assignments and shifted to USA for personal and business reasons. However, most of his come back ventures failed to ignite the Box office.
As a Director
His first commercial Malayalam directorial venture Keralotsavam 2009Keralotsavam 2009
Keralotsavam 2009 is a 2009 Malayalam movie starring Vinu Mohan, Kalabhavan Mani and Vishnupriya. The movie was released on 17 Dec 2009.-Plot summary:...
starring Kalabhavan Mani
Kalabhavan Mani
Kalabhavan Mani is a South Indian actor and singer. He began his career in Malayalam film industry, later he became a busy artist in tamil and telungu industry, especially in villain roles. Although he began his carrier as a comedian , he proved his versatility in various roles such as serious...
and Vinu Mohan
Vinu Mohan
Vinu Mohan is an Indian actor in Malayalam cinema. His debut was through the award-winning movie Nivedyam by A. K. Lohithadas. He is the grandson of late actor Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, son of actress Sobha Mohan and nephew of popular actor Sai Kumar....
has been already released with positive reviews. Shankar's next Malayalam film, would probably star Mohan Lal. Apart from Keralotsavam 2009
Keralotsavam 2009
Keralotsavam 2009 is a 2009 Malayalam movie starring Vinu Mohan, Kalabhavan Mani and Vishnupriya. The movie was released on 17 Dec 2009.-Plot summary:...
, Shankar has also directed Virus
Virus (Malayalam film)
Virus is a 2007 Malayalam-language Indian feature film directed by Shankar, starring Abhinay, Sajitha Beti and Shankar himself. The film is an eye opener on AIDS patients and their rehabilitation...
, a film on AIDS, which was censored in 2007.
Current status
Shankar moved to Television Media with a successful Serial Ithu Manju Pole. He continued to perform in Hit Serials like Swararaagam and Parasparam. His last serial Ammakkayi aired in Surya TV was a success mainly due to his teaming with Menaka, his Hit pair of 80's. Director Rosshan AndrrewsRosshan Andrrews
Rosshan Andrrews is an Indian film director who has made films in Malayalam cinema.- Career :His first movie was the 2005 Malayalam movie Udayananu Tharam starring Mohanlal. After the success of this movie Rosshan Andrrews directed another movie in 2006 named Notebook...
has signed Shankar to play an important role in the next Mohan Lal starrer Casanowa to be shot in foreign locations. He was in attendance during the Grand launch of Casanowa along with other prominent actors like Tamil actor Arya
Arya (actor)
Arya is an Indian film actor who mainly appears in Tamil films. He is best known for his roles in the films Pattiyal , Naan Kadavul , Madrasapattinam , and Boss Engira Bhaskaran.-Personal life:...
who was supposed making his debut in Malayalam. Later Arya was replaced by Ganesh Venkatraman
Ganesh Venkatraman
Ganesh Venkatraman is an Indian film actor and model. He rose to fame following his performances in films such as The Angrez, Abhiyum Naanum and Unnaipol Oruvan.-Early life:Ganesh was born and raised in Mumbai. His roots are in Tamil Nadu...
. The recent Malayalam films Shankar appeared was Ividam Swargamanu directed by Roshan Andrews, alongside Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
, Rhythm and Koottukar
Koottukar
Koottukar is a 2010 Malayalam film directed by Prasad Vaalacheril, starring Vinu Mohan and Bhama in the lead pair.-Plot:Koottukar is about the friendship of four classmates and how they part ways and meet again after 10 years...
(2010), directed by Prasad Valacheril
Snippets
Shankar was instrumental in giving break to directors PriyadarshanPriyadarshan
Priyadarshan is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. In a career spanning over two decades, Priyadarshan has directed over 80 films in several Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu...
and Bhadran
Bhadran
Bhadran is a village in the state of Gujarat, in far western India. It is in the Anand district. Bhadran was nicknamed the "Paris of Gaekwad state" due to its prosperity and civil works carried out by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the visionary ruler of Baroda.-Legend:Years ago in Padampur,...
in two super hit movies Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi is a 1984 screwball comedy Malayalam film written and directed by Priyadarshan, with the story adapted from Charles Dickens's play The Strange Gentleman. The film features an ensemble cast featuring Mohanlal, Shankar, Menaka, M G Soman, Nedumudi Venu, C.I...
and Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju is a 1982 Malayalam film starring Shankar and Menaka. The film was remade into Tamil as well, with Sivakumar doing the lead role.-Plot:...
respectively. Director Sibi Malayil
Sibi Malayil
Sibi Malayil is an Indian film director of Malayalam cinema best known for his melodramas of the 80s and 90s. Since the mid-1980s he has directed some 40 movies. Movies like Kireedam, Dasharatham, Thaniyavarthanam, His Highness Abdullah, Bharatham, and Akashadoothu defined the way Malayalam movies...
changed to serious family films with Shankar's home production Chekkeranoru Chilla.
Shankar has an interesting list of films which is yet to get released even after the first copy is out as given below.
- Kaattupoththu
- Oru Mayilpeelithandum Kurae Valapottukalum
- Panthyakkuthira — Tamil
- The Suspense
The teaming of Mohanlal and Shankar was one of the most guaranteed pair of Malayalam Films. None of the films were Flop.
Personal life
Born in 1960 to Thrissur Kacheriyil Thekkeveettil NP Panicker and Sulochana Panicker. Shankar lives in Cochin with his wife Rooparekha and son.As Director
| Year | Date | Film | Language | Starring | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Virus Virus (Malayalam film) Virus is a 2007 Malayalam-language Indian feature film directed by Shankar, starring Abhinay, Sajitha Beti and Shankar himself. The film is an eye opener on AIDS patients and their rehabilitation... |
Malayalam Malayalam cinema The Cinema of Kerala or Malayalam cinema refers to the film industry in the Indian state of Kerala, which makes films in the Malayalam language. Malayalam movies typically portray social or family issues and are considered more realistic than films from other parts of India. Malayalam cinema has... |
Abhinay, Sajitha Beti, Shankar Shankar (actor) Shankar Panikkar, popularly known as Shankar is an Indian film actor and director. He was one of the prominent lead actors of Malayalam cinema during the 1980s.- As an Actor :... |
Theatrical release unlikely | |
| 2009 | December 17 | Keralotsavam 2009 Keralotsavam 2009 Keralotsavam 2009 is a 2009 Malayalam movie starring Vinu Mohan, Kalabhavan Mani and Vishnupriya. The movie was released on 17 Dec 2009.-Plot summary:... |
Malayalam Malayalam cinema The Cinema of Kerala or Malayalam cinema refers to the film industry in the Indian state of Kerala, which makes films in the Malayalam language. Malayalam movies typically portray social or family issues and are considered more realistic than films from other parts of India. Malayalam cinema has... |
Vinu Mohan Vinu Mohan Vinu Mohan is an Indian actor in Malayalam cinema. His debut was through the award-winning movie Nivedyam by A. K. Lohithadas. He is the grandson of late actor Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, son of actress Sobha Mohan and nephew of popular actor Sai Kumar.... , Vishnu Priya, Nedumudi Venu Nedumudi Venu Nedumudi Venu is a popular Malayalam film actor from Kerala, India. He has also written screenplays and has directed one film.- Early life :... |
|
Malayalam
- Sarapanjaram (1979) .... College Student
- Manjil Virinja PookkalManjil Virinja PookkalManjil Virinja Pookkal is a 1980 Malayalam film produced by Navodaya Appachan and directed by Fazil, starring Shankar, Poornima Jayaram, and Mohanlal in the main roles. This film was one of the biggest hits of the year and was a major landmark in the career of director Fazil. The songs were...
(1980) .... Prem Kishan - PalangalPalangalPalangal is a 1982 Malayalam film written by John Paul Puthusery and directed by Bharathan starring Nedumudi Venu, Zarina Wahab, Bharath Gopi and Shankar...
(1981) .... Ravi ... aka Rails - Oothikachiya PonnuOothikachiya PonnuOothikachiya Ponnu is 1981 Malayalam film which reunited Mohanlal, Shanker and Poornima Jayaram after Manjil Virinja Pookkal . it also stars Mammootty-Cast:*Poornima Jayaram ... Sukumari*Shankar ... Vishwanathan*Mammootty ... Thoman Kutty...
(1981) - Pooviriyum Pulari (1982) .... Balan
- PadayottamPadayottamPadayottam is a 1982 Malayalam film directed by Jijo Punnoose, produced by Navodaya Appachan, and starring Prem Nazir, Madhu, Mammootty, Mohanlal and Shankar. It was the first movie in South India to be indigenously shot in the 70 mm film format...
(1982) .... Chandrootty - Ente Mohangal PoovaninjuEnte Mohangal PoovaninjuEnte Mohangal Poovaninju is a 1982 Malayalam film starring Shankar and Menaka. The film was remade into Tamil as well, with Sivakumar doing the lead role.-Plot:...
(1982) .... Shyam - Sandhyakku Virinja Ponu
- MarakkillorikkalumMarakkillorikkalumMarakkillorikkalum is a 1983 Malayalam film co-written and directed by Fazil starring Prem Nazir, Shankar and Mohanlal in lead roles. Mammootty makes a cameo appearance in the film.-Cast:*Prem Nazir ... Madhavan Thampi*Shankar ... Pradeep...
(1983) .... Pradeep - Hello Madras Girl
- Engane Nee Marakkum (1983) .... Prem
- Bhookambam (1983) .... Shankara Panikkar
- Prem Nazirine Kanmanilla (1983) .... Himself
- Thirakil Alppam Samayam (1984) (as Sankar) .... Rahim
- Poochakkoru MookkuthiPoochakkoru MookkuthiPoochakkoru Mookkuthi is a 1984 screwball comedy Malayalam film written and directed by Priyadarshan, with the story adapted from Charles Dickens's play The Strange Gentleman. The film features an ensemble cast featuring Mohanlal, Shankar, Menaka, M G Soman, Nedumudi Venu, C.I...
(1984) .... Shyam - Piriyilla Naam (1984) .... Babu
- Muthodu Muthu (1984) .... Anil
- Itha Innu Muthal (1984) .... 'Vaikuntam' Shankar
- Athirathram (1984) .... Abu
- Arante Mulla Kochu Mulla (1984) .... Omanakuttan
- Aarorumariyathe (1984) .... Raju
- Vasantha Sena (1985) .... Mahesh Varma
- Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya (1985) .... T. G. Raveendran
- Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil (1985) .... Anand
- Boeing Boeing (1985) .... Man at the Restaurent
- Aram + Aram = Kinnaram (1985) .... Balan
- Oru Nokku Kanan (1985) .... Shankar
- Sughamo deviSughamo deviThe soundtrack was composed by music Maestro Raveendran to the lyrics penned by O. N. V. Kurup. The soundtrack was well received and includes in the evergreen melodies of all time in Malayalam film music...
(1986) .... Nandan - Naale Njangalude Vivahum (1986)
- Oppam Oppathinoppam (1986) .... Gopinath
- Dheem Thariktia Thom (1986)
- Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi (1986) .... Balu
- Adukkan Entheluppam (1986) .... Satheeshan
- Ajantha (1986)
- Ithrayum Kalam (1987) .... Sulaiman
- Bhadrachitta (1989)
- Kizhakkunarum Pakshi (1991) .... Gopikrishna
- Abhimanyu (1991) .... Shekhar
- GandharvamGandharvamGandharvam is an Indian film in Malayalam language directed by Sangeeth Sivan and Mohanlal and Kanchan appearing in lead roles along with Jagathi Sreekumar, Devan, Vijayakumar, Premkumar and Kaviyoor Ponnamma...
(1993)...Chandran - Maanaththe Kottaram (1994) ....
- Nerariyum Nerathu (1995)
- GuruGuru (1997 film)Guru is a Malayalam-language film directed by Rajiv Anchal. Mohanlal played the lead role in the film. Nedumudi Venu, Srinivasan, Suresh Gopi, Sithara, Kaveri and Sreelakshmi star in supporting roles....
(1997)...Guest appearance - Sooryavanam (1998)...
- Stalin Shivadas (1999)...
- Shraavu (2001)...
- Bhadra (2001)
- Madhuram (2002)
- Sundarippravu (2002)
- The Fire
- CycleCycle (film)Cycle is a 2008 Malayalam film directed by Johny Antony and written by James Albert, starring Vineeth Sreenivasan, Vinu Mohan, Sandhya, Bhama, and Jagathy Sreekumar...
(2008) - Robo (2008)
- Keralotsavam 2009Keralotsavam 2009Keralotsavam 2009 is a 2009 Malayalam movie starring Vinu Mohan, Kalabhavan Mani and Vishnupriya. The movie was released on 17 Dec 2009.-Plot summary:...
(2009) - Evidam SwargamanuEvidam SwargamanuEvidam Swargamanu is a 2009 Malayalam film written by James Albert, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, and starring Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, Lalu Alex, and Lakshmi Rai in the lead roles...
(2009) - KoottukarKoottukarKoottukar is a 2010 Malayalam film directed by Prasad Vaalacheril, starring Vinu Mohan and Bhama in the lead pair.-Plot:Koottukar is about the friendship of four classmates and how they part ways and meet again after 10 years...
(2010) - China TownChina Town (2011 film)China Town is a 2011 Malayalam comedy film starring Mohanlal, Jayaram and Dileep in the lead roles, and Suraj Venjaramoodu, Kavya Madhavan, Poonam Bajwa, Dipasha, Pradeep Rawat, Captain Raju, Shankar, Shanavas, Jose, Jagathi Sreekumar, Maya Viswanath, Bindu Asokan, Lakshmi and Deepu Karunakaran in...
(2011) - Casanovva (2011)
- Father's DayFather's DayFather's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June but it is also celebrated widely on other days...
(2011) - Idukki Gold (2012)
Tamil
- Oru Thalai RagamOru Thalai RagamOru Thalai Raagam is a 1980 Tamil-language Indian feature film produced and directed by E.M.Ibrahim, starring Shankar, Roopa, Chandrasekhar, Usha Rajendar and Ravindran. Eventhough the title card shows E.M.Ibrahim as the director, the film has been actually ghost directed by Vijaya T...
(1980) .... Raja - SujathaSujatha (1980 film)Sujatha is a 1980 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by Vasudevan, starring Vijayan, Shankar, Saritha, Sukumari, Bhagyalakshmi, Vanitha, Major Sundarrajan and Raveendran-Plot summary:...
... (1980) - Koyil Pura... (1981)
- Mouna Yuddham... (1981)
- Raagam Thedum Pallavi.... (1982)
- Udhayamakirathu
- Kadhal Enum NadhiyinileKadhal Enum NadhiyinileKadhal Enum Nadhiyinile is a Tamil movie released in the year 1989, starring Shankar along with Seetha and Pandiyan. A Triangular love story between the lead pair.-Plot summary:...
(1989) - MGR Nagaril (1991)
- Nineiththu Nineiththu Paarthaien (2007)