Endhiran turns 16: Cinematographer Rathnavelu shares BTS memories, thanks Shankar and Rajinikanth
Synopsis
Sixteen years after Endhiran rewrote the rules of Indian sci-fi cinema, cinematographer Rathnavelu’s anniversary post is a rare window into the passion and madness behind those iconic frames — a reminder that the film’s magic was built by an entire generation of technicians, many of them young, who gave everything to Shankar’s audacious vision.
Key Takeaways
Cinematographer Rathnavelu marked Endhiran's 16th anniversary with a gratitude post and rare BTS images on 2 October 2026 .
He thanked director Shankar , Rajinikanth , AR Rahman , Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , and the full production team including Sun Pictures .
Rathnavelu also gave a special shout-out to his junior camera crew who worked on the film.
Endhiran , released in 2010 and also known as Robot , featured Rajinikanth in dual roles and remains one of Indian cinema’s biggest blockbusters.
The film’s supporting cast included Danny Denzongpa , Santhanam , and Karunas .
Acclaimed cinematographer Rathnavelu has marked the 16th anniversary of director Shankar's landmark sci-fi blockbuster Endhiran by sharing a heartfelt note of gratitude alongside behind-the-scenes images from the film's shoot. The 2010 Tamil film, featuring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead roles, remains one of Indian cinema's most celebrated productions.
A Time Capsule of Memories
Rathnavelu, affectionately known as Randy among fans and colleagues, took to his social media timelines to post rare BTS photographs from the sets of Endhiran. In his post, he wrote, “ENDHIRAN 16 years… and these frames still carry the same magic.” He described revisiting the BTS moments as “opening a time capsule — filled with the people, passion, madness, challenges, and unforgettable memories that shaped this extraordinary journey.”
Gratitude to Shankar, Rajinikanth and the Team
The veteran cinematographer offered special thanks to director Shankar for the trust placed in him. “Deeply grateful to Shankar sir for the opportunity, trust, and incredible collaboration,” he wrote, also naming Superstar Rajinikanth, music composer AR Rahman, Aishwarya Rai, production designer Sabu Cyril, VFX supervisor Srinivas Mohan, sound designer Resul Pookutty, Ken Metzker, lyricist Madan Karky, Legacy Effects, and producer Sun Pictures among those who made the journey special.
Shout-Out to the Camera Team
Rathnavelu also extended a warm acknowledgement to the young crew members who operated alongside him. “A heartfelt shout-out to my young camera team, who gave it their all,” he wrote. “Sixteen years later, Endhiran still holds a very special place in my heart. Some journeys never really leave you.” The tribute reflects a practice Rathnavelu is known for — consistently crediting junior technicians on milestone occasions.
About Endhiran
Released in 2010 and also known by its Hindi title Robot, Endhiran was directed by Shankar and bankrolled by Sun Pictures. Rajinikanth played dual roles — a scientist and the android he creates — while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred as the female lead. The supporting cast included Danny Denzongpa, Santhanam, and Karunas. Upon release, the film broke box-office records across India and is widely regarded as a milestone in Indian visual effects and sci-fi filmmaking. Its sequel, 2.0, arrived in 2018.
As Endhiran enters its 17th year, the affection it continues to generate among cast, crew, and audiences alike suggests its place in Indian cinema's pantheon remains undisputed.
Point of View
That choice signals something about the collaborative culture that made Endhiran possible. Sixteen years on, the film’s longevity in public memory is also a case study in how spectacle anchored by genuine craft — rather than spectacle alone — ages well. Whether Shankar can replicate that alchemy in his current projects remains the more pressing question for Tamil cinema fans.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Endhiran’s 16th anniversary being celebrated in 2026?
Endhiran was released in October 2010 , making October 2026 its 16th anniversary. Cinematographer Rathnavelu marked the occasion with a social media post featuring BTS photographs and a note of gratitude to the cast and crew.
What did Rathnavelu write about Endhiran?
Rathnavelu wrote that revisiting the BTS moments from Endhiran felt like ‘opening a time capsule’ filled with passion, madness, and unforgettable memories. He expressed deep gratitude to director Shankar for the opportunity and trust, and also paid tribute to his junior camera team.
Who were the key cast and crew of Endhiran?
Endhiran was directed by Shankar and starred Rajinikanth in dual roles — as a scientist and a robot — with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the female lead. The film featured music by AR Rahman , cinematography by Rathnavelu , and was produced by Sun Pictures . Supporting cast included Danny Denzongpa , Santhanam , and Karunas .
How successful was Endhiran at the box office?
Endhiran, also known as Robot in Hindi, broke box-office records across India upon its release in 2010 and is widely regarded as one of the country’s biggest blockbusters. It was a landmark moment for Indian sci-fi and visual effects filmmaking.
Did Endhiran have a sequel?
Yes. The sequel, titled 2.0 , was released in 2018 , again directed by Shankar and starring Rajinikanth, this time alongside Akshay Kumar as the antagonist.
