Year Ender 2023 | SS Rajamouli, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Karan Johar: 10 Indian directors who made headlines this year

The song 'Naatu Naatu' from SS Rajamouli's Telugu film 'RRR' won the Golden Globes award this year and it brought an Oscar win for Best Original Song for music composer MM Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose. (Image via X)

Indian cinema has seen major progress this year when compared to the last few years. From RRR making it big at the Oscars to two women proving that their are no limits to dreams, young directors making the most violent films and controversies to senior-most directors and actors making a strong comeback to the big screens, a lot has happened in 2023, making us call it a successful year. But at the same time, in 2023, the film industry witnessed a whirlwind of events and controversies led by ten popular directors who left their mark, for better or worse.

SS Rajamouli

This man needs no introduction. His is the one who has elevated Telugu cinema to an international platform. Both his films Baahubali and RRR are something that have can modern Indian cinema to a different level. Rajamouli's film RRR achieved an Oscar award for the song Naatu Naatu, causing a sensation. Rajamouli's vision towards cinema, the craft and the making is a new dimension to Indian cinema. Rajamouli's family, which is also his team on field, understands him, and his requirements really well. They know what he wants and they strive hard to bring him the same.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Sandeep Reddy Vanga. (Photo via X)

For quite a few weeks now, the entire country, and people of all age groups have been discussing so much about one film and it is called Animal. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, with Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol playing pivotal roles, the film went on to collect Rs 870 crores at the box office and is still counting.

Sandeep is the one director who made headlines a lot more interesting this year. One section of audiences are praising Animal for its making and another section of viewers slammed it for its misogny and also for showing women in an ill manner. Vanga even raised his voice against film critics who slammed his film and claimed that there is a gang in Mumbai that works against directors.

The director of the much-discussed movie Animal found himself in the eye of a storm. While the film sparked debates in the Rajya Sabha and was labeled a disease to society, it also gathered a massive fan following.

Mani Ratnam

Mani Ratnam. (Photo via X)

Renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam, known for his exceptional storytelling and visual prowess, helmed this project. His previous historical epics like Roja and Bombay have been critically acclaimed, and expectations were always high for his treatment of Ponniyin Selvan. The film has been made headlines for all the right reasons and especially for the cast. The film features a stellar cast that includes Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, and others.

Releasing his ambitious project PS 1 and PS 2, Mani Ratnam saw tremendous success in the Tamil industry, scoring a blockbuster while garnering mixed responses elsewhere. The film is so rich in culture, making, costumes and what not. Mani Ratnam once again proved that there can be nobody else like him. His visualisation and commitment is something none can beat.

Prasanth Neel

Prasanth Neel. (Photo via X)

The man behind KGF and Salaar has become a sensation of the internet to talk about in recent times. While he already made headlines across the world for KGF, he is back in the news for his recent flick Salaar which has Prabhas in the lead role besides Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shruti Haasan playing the lead roles. Salaar is currently ruling the box office and has collected Rs 500 crore at the box office. Salaar Part 1: Cease Fire is doing absolutely well at the box office and the team is gearing up for part 2 titled Shouryanga Parvam.

Atlee

Atlee (right) with SRK. (Photo via X)

Atlee made waves by directing the Bollywood movie "Jawan," starring SRK. This action thriller amassed Rs 1,148 crore worldwide, marking Atlee's entry into Hindi cinema. The action thriller garnered attention for SRK's portrayal of a father-son duo fighting corruption.

Lokesh Kanagaraj

Lokesh Kanagaraj. (Photo via X)

Despite previous success with his "LCU" films Lokesh faced criticism with his film LEO. This film faced criticism and controversies from its initial single release Naa Ready, generating significant negative attention later on. Leo went on to becoming the only film that generated Rs 100 crore at the box office just with advance booking. Also, after 17 long years, Trisha and Thalapathy Vijay paired together.

Lokesh and Vijay made news with Master earlier and Leo was expected to be part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) and that was the reason why there was huge craze for this film right since the day it was announced.

Jude Anthany Joseph

Jude Anthany Joseph. (Photo via X)

Following the box-office success of Everyone Is A Hero in 2018, this Malayalam film director received acclaim for India's entry to the Oscars but it was later announced that it is not shortlisted. This film's story is something that everybody could relate to and it is a huge success across the country.

Nelson Dilipkumar

Nelson Dilipkumar. (Photo via X)

Nelson Dilipkumar made headlines with the highly anticipated blockbuster starring Rajinikanth. His film "Jailer" showcased the superstar in an unprecedented avatar, securing blockbuster status. Jaile went on to collected more Rs 700 crore at the box office and Rajinikanth once again proved that nobody can beat him. The actor was seen playing a role that is appropriate to his age and that is something many of his fans and audiences have appreciated. Nelson made this dark comedy film with ease and it took his career to a new heights now.

Karan Johar

Karan Johar. (Photo via X)

The filmmaker grabbed attention for his Koffee with Karan episode featuring Deepika Padukone. Her candid revelations about her past love life sparked a frenzy on social media. The controversy ignited when Deepika alluded to an open relationship with Ranveer before their engagement, triggering widespread speculation. Ranveer also came under scrutiny for his response to Deepika's revelation that she couldn't recall who she was dating when they first met. The filmmaker dismissed the trolls targeting the episode, asserting that their comments were fruitless. "Do whatever you want because no one's paying attention," Karan remarked. He went on to emphasise that no one is heeding their remarks. "Engaging in trolling doesn't lead you anywhere. It's a futile endeavour," Karan stated, taking a direct swipe at the trolls.