Murugadoss, Shankar inspired me to be producer: Atlee

Chennai, April 25 (IANS) Well-known filmmakers such as A.R Murugadoss and Shankar inspired director Atlee to foray into production with upcoming Tamil horror-comedy "Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae".

Under the banner of A for Apple Productions, Atlee has co-produced Jiiva and Sri Divya starrer "Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae" with Fox Star Studios.

"If not for Murugadoss sir, I would not have become a director. It is because he believed in me and in my work that people know me as Atlee today. He produced my directorial debut with Fox Star Studios. I wanted to extend similar kind of support to new talent," Atlee told IANS.

Murugadoss co-produced Atlee's Tamil directorial debut "Raja Rani", which was a runaway hit.

"2.o" director Shankar is also a source of inspiration for Atlee.

"As a producer, Shankar sir has introduced new talents to Tamil filmdom. I would also like to create a platform to identify talents and give them a break," said Atlee, who will introduce popular Tamil writer Balakumaran's son Suriya Balakumaran.

"I have penned the script for my second production. The film will introduce Suriya. My third production venture will be with my long-time associate Ashok," he said.

Atlee is currently busy shooting for a yet-untitled Tamil project with superstar Vijay. It's his second collaboration in a row with the star after last year's blockbuster "Theri".