Quick Facts
Biography
Shakun Batra (born 1 January 1983) is an Indian film director and screenwriter. His first film was the moderately successful romantic comedy Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012). He followed this with the widely acclaimed family drama Kapoor & Sons (2016). Both of these films were produced by Karan Johar under his Dharma Productions banner.
He completed his schooling from St. Xavier's School, Delhi. He then went to St.Stephen's College, Delhi to do graduation.
Career
Batra entered the film industry working as an assistant director on Excel Entertainment films like Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008) and Rock On!! (2008), while starring in the former as Nilesh, a trivial character.
He made his directorial and screenwriting debut with the romantic comedy Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012), which was produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. The film featured Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles of two acquaintances who accidentally get married in Las Vegas. The film became a moderate commercial success and earned mostly positive reviews from critics. Rachel Saltz of The New York Times commented, "The happy surprise of Ek Main aur Ekk Tuis that it's not crude, sniggering or vindictive. Instead it's rather sweet and sometimes even a little unexpected."
Batra's next film was the family drama Kapoor & Sons (2016). The film revolves around two estranged brothers who return to their childhood home when their grandfather has a heart attack. The film featured Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan in pivotal roles. The film became a major commercial success upon its release, and received almost unanimously positive reviews from critics for its writing, direction, and acting performances. Writing for The Hindu, Namrata Joshi said that the film "keeps you riveted as you move from one family fight to another" and praised Batra for giving "a refreshing new voice to an old, tried and tested trope."
Batra's next movie is said to be a romantic drama that revolves around two couples. One of the couples would be played by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Deepika Padukone. The movie is expected to go on floors in March 2020. He also turns producer with this movie.
Awards and nominations
Awards for Kapoor and Sons
- 62nd Filmfare Awards - Best Story (shared with Ayesha Devitre)
- 18th IIFA Awards - Best Story (shared with Ayesha Devitre)
Nominations for Kapoor and Sons
- Stardust Awards - Best Director
- Stardust Awards - Best Story
- 62nd Filmfare Awards - Best Director
- Zee Cine Awards - Best Director
- Zee Cine Awards - Best Story
- Indian Film Festival of Melbourne - Best Director