Filmmaker Shankar talks about facing backlash for Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, says, "I did not expect such reviews, but moved on...."

Director Shankar on Indian 2

Director Shankar recently addressed the failure of Indian 2 for the first time. In an interview with Tamil magazine Vikatan, he expressed his surprise at the negative reviews the film received.

Despite the criticism, he revealed that he has moved on from the experience and is now focused on Indian 3, which is preparing for a theatrical release. Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan, faced intense trolling after its release.

In a conversation with magazine, director Shankar told, "I tried to convey a good thought. That way, I am happy. 'If the house is clean, then the nation will be clean' is a wonderful and necessary thought. Although it is a question of how it can be practically implemented, it is still important."

He highlighted two instances where Indian 2 had a significant impact on the public. "When a woman engineer from a corporation in Telangana was caught on video collecting bribes by her husband, they called it the 'Indian 2' effect. What we thought of is happening right? I am happy. Two days ago, an auto driver snatched a gold chain from a woman who was riding with him. When his son found out, he took his father to the police station and handed him over. When I see these kinds of stories, I am happy. I did not expect such reviews for Indian 2. But, it came. I've moved on and concentrating on my work," he added.

When asked about the rumors surrounding an OTT release for Indian 3, he clarified the situation, addressing the speculations and said "I will start work on Indian 3 once I finish working on Indian 2. Indian 3 will release in theatres."

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Indian 2 hit theatres in July 2024 with high expectations but was met with unanimous negative reviews from both critics and audiences upon its release.

The film is a sequel to director Shankar's 1996 movie of the same name. Indian 2 stars Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, and SJ Suryah in prominent roles. The upcoming third installment will include period segments and explore the origins of Veerasekaran Balaram, the father of Senapathy, both portrayed by Kamal Haasan.