Rajkumar Santoshi
Rajkumar Santoshi (Hindi: राजकुमार सन्तोषी) is a critically acclaimed director and producer of Hindi films.Widely regarded as one of the, if not the finest in India, Santoshi has often been hailed as the one that elevated Sunny Deol to the top of the pecking order in Bollywood in the early 90s. His riveting movies are often characterised by their inherent realism and fine direction of actors. Unlike his contemporaries, Santoshi often relies on original screenplays instead of merely adapting Hollywood movies and adding the usual 'naach gaana' magic mix.Surprisingly, while Santoshi has gained the recognition of his peers, he is rarely nominated for awards. His best known movies are Pukar (that garnered Anil Kapoor the National Award), Khakee (One of the few movies where Amitabh Bachchan proves his versatility), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (A brilliant homage to the Indian freedom fighter while laying a scathing attack on Gandhi's role during British rule) and the now cult Andaz Apna Apna.
Films he has written and directed include :
- Ramayana (Announced)
- London Dreams (Announced)
- Prithviraj Sanyukta (Announced)
- Saamna (Announced - (probably shelved)
- Halla Bol (Completed - (scheduled for release in Jan 2008)
- Family: Ties of Blood (2006)
- Khakee (2004)
- The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
- Lajja (2001)
- Pukar (2000)
- China Gate (1998)
- Ghatak (1996)
- Barsaat (1995)
- Damini (1993)
- Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
- Ghayal (1990)
Writer/Producer/assistant director
Films co-produced or written by him but not directed by him:
- Ardh Satya (1982) Assistant director
- Vinashak (1998) Screenplay
- Jaanam Samjha Karo (1999) Screenplay, Co-producer
- Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002) Screenplay