Atlee Kumar is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer. He is famous for his work in Tamil films. His journey commenced as an assistant director, collaborating with S. Shankar on projects like "Enthiran" (2010) and "Nanban" (2012). His directorial debut made waves with the widely acclaimed film "Raja Rani" (2013), produced by Fox Star Studios, which garnered him prestigious awards such as the Best Debut Director at the Vijay Awards and the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Dialogue Writer. His subsequent works, including "Theri" (2016), "Mersal" (2017), and "Bigil" (2019), all featuring Vijay, achieved tremendous commercial success and garnered numerous accolades. In a significant move, he ventured into Hindi cinema with "Jawan" (2023), starring Shah Rukh Khan, which emerged as his highest-grossing release. Director Atlee recently expressed his strong attachment to 'Thalapathy' Vijay and Shah Rukh Khan, likening them to family, and said he would choose both for his next project if given the chance.
Atlee Kumar Family Details
Atlee Kumar was born on September 21, 1986. He hails from Thiruparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. He holds Indian nationality and belongs to the Asian (Indian) ethnicity. He was given the birth name of Arun Kumar by his family. He marked his 37th birthday in 2023. His religion is Hinduism.
Atlee pursued his higher education at Sathyabhama University in Chennai, where he obtained a degree in visual communications, laying the foundation for his successful career in the film industry.
Atlee Kumar Career
- Atlee Kumar's journey in the film industry began at the tender age of 19 when he served as an assistant director to renowned filmmaker S. Shankar for the films "Enthiran" (2010) and "Nanban" (2012), a remake of the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots."
- His talent didn't go unnoticed, and his short film "Mugaputhagam" (2011) garnered widespread acclaim from the public and various media platforms.
- In 2013, he took the director's chair for the first time with "Raja Rani," a romantic comedy produced by A. R. Murugadoss, Fox Star Studios, and Next Big Films.
- The film, starring Arya, Jai, Nayanthara, Nazriya Nazim, and Sathyaraj, proved to be a box office success, earning over ₹50 crores and winning him the Best Debut Director award at the Vijay Awards.
- Building on the success of "Raja Rani," he continued to make his mark in the Tamil film industry with hits like "Theri" (2016) and "Mersal" (2017), both featuring popular actor Vijay.
- "Theri" was an emotional action thriller that grossed over ₹156 crores and became the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2016. "Mersal" achieved even greater heights, crossing ₹250 crores worldwide and garnering accolades.
- Atlee's journey expanded beyond directing, as he and his wife, Priya Atlee, ventured into film production under their banner A for Apple Productions, delivering notable films like "Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae" and "Andhaghaaram."
- In 2023, Atlee made his remarkable debut in Hindi cinema with "Jawan," starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathi, achieving remarkable box office success and setting records in its opening weekend.
Awards and Achievements
For "Raja Rani":
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2013 - Best Dialogue Writer
- Edison Awards - Best Debut Director
- 8th Vijay Awards - Best Debut Director
For "Theri":
- 2nd IIFA Utsavam - Best Director – Tamil
- Behindwoods Gold Medal - People's Choice Director
- 6th SIIMA Awards - Best Director – Tamil
For "Mersal":
- Edison Awards 2018 - Best Director
- 7th SIIMA Awards - Best Director
- Techofes Awards - Best Director
- 10th Vijay Awards - Favourite Director
Atlee Kumar Net Worth
Atlee Kumar, renowned for his roles as a film director, screenwriter, and producer, has left an indelible mark on the Tamil film industry. As of 2023, his estimated net worth stands at a substantial Rs 42 Crore. Known for his exceptional talents, Atlee commands a hefty fee of approximately Rs 52 Crore for each film he directs, though he made an exception for the movie "Jawan" where he reduced his fee to Rs 30 Crore. His primary source of wealth emanates from his contributions to the entertainment industry, affording him a lavish and opulent lifestyle.
Atlee Kumar Wife
Atlee Kumar is a married man. He has been happily married to his wife, Krishna Priya, since their wedding on November 9, 2014. Their love story began in 2006, and after nearly 8 years of dating, they took their vows and embarked on the journey of marriage. Their joyous journey expanded when, in December 2022, they announced their impending parenthood. On January 31, 2023, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Meer, into their lives. At present, the couple is relishing their roles as parents and leading a contented family life.
Atlee Kumar Height
Atlee Kumar, the accomplished and charismatic film director, possesses a cool and handsome demeanor. His physical attributes include a slim build with a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and a weight of 62 kg (136.5 lbs). He is known for his striking black hair and captivating dark brown eyes, which complement his distinctive feature, a bright and engaging smile. He has a healthy body at present.