Director Shankar’s Dream Project ‘Velpari’ Gains Momentum: Pen Media On Board!

Renowned Tamil filmmaker S. Shankar, known for his grand spectacles like 2.0, Indian 2, and Game Changer, is making significant progress on his long-cherished passion project Velpari (also spelled Velpaari or Veerayuga Nayagan Velpari). The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed Tamil novel Veerayuga Nayagan Velpari by author and MP Su. Venkatesan, chronicling the legendary Tamil chieftain Vel Pari’s heroic resistance against the three major Tamil kingdoms (Chera, Chola, and Pandya).

Shankar has described this as his most ambitious work yet — a three-part fantasy-historical epic aimed at global audiences, drawing comparisons to Hollywood giants like Game of Thrones and Avatar in scale, visuals, and storytelling.

Latest updates as of January 29, 2026:

• Bollywood powerhouse Pen Media / Pen Studios has stepped in to produce the film after many producers hesitated due to Shankar’s recent box-office setbacks (Indian 2 and Game Changer underperformed, leading to budget concerns and funding challenges).
• Pen Media is proceeding with caution: They have reportedly demanded a detailed budget breakdown, shooting schedule, and a written assurance from Shankar that the production will not exceed the approved budget — a direct response to past overruns in his projects.
• Pre-production is currently in full swing, including script finalization, budget estimation, and planning.
• Filming is slated to kick off in June 2026, with reports indicating a multi-star cast (rumors link Vikram, Ranveer Singh, or other big names, though nothing is official yet).

This collaboration marks a fresh hope for Shankar’s comeback, blending his signature VFX-heavy style with a rooted Tamil historical narrative. The project promises to be a pan-India and international spectacle, potentially featuring A.R. Rahman on music (as per earlier buzz).

Fans are thrilled at the revival of this dream project after years of delays. With Pen Media’s backing and disciplined approach, Velpari could redefine Shankar’s legacy in Indian cinema!

Stay tuned for official announcements — this epic is gearing up to be massive!