Prashanth Neelakantapuram (born 4 June 1980) is an Indian film director and screenwriter who primarily works in the Kannada film industry. He made his debut with the 2014 Kannada film, Ugramm and later directed the two-part film series: K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018), and K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022), the latter being the highest-grossing Kannada film.
In an interview with a Kannada weekly magazine, Neel said he took to filmmaking initially for the need of money, following which he completed a course in the same, eventually developing interest in it. After having completed the course, he decided to cast his brother-in-law and actor Srimurali in Aa Hudugi Neene, a screenplay that he had written during the time. After the latter expressed his concerns due to his inexperience, Neel changed his mind and began observing Srimurali's mannerisms over a period of time, and came up with the project Ugramm, an action film.[9] The film turned out to be a massive commercial success and emerged as one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of 2014.[10]
Reports emerged in late 2014 and early 2015 of Neel having been signed to direct three films. The first is a sequel to Ugramm, entitled Ugramm Veeram, which would feature Srimurali reprise his role from Ugramm. His next film KGF which stands for Kolar Gold Fields presented Yash in the role of Rocky, an orphan who becomes a don. The sequel KGF: Chapter 2, was scheduled for a theatrical release on 16 July 2021, but was delayed due to the second wave of the COVID pandemic in India.[11]
On 2 December 2020, Hombale Films announced the film Salaar with Prabhas. The film's shoot began on 29 January 2021. In May 2021, Mythri Movie Makers and N.T.R. Arts have announced a film in collaboration with Neel and Jr. NTR, for his 31st film.[12] The film is expected to begin its production in April 2023.[13]
 |
Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Director | Writer | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Ugramm | Yes | Yes | Kannada | |
| 2018 | K.G.F: Chapter 1 | Yes | Yes | Kannada | |
| 2022 | K.G.F: Chapter 2 | Yes | Yes | Kannada | |
| Bagheera |
No | Yes | Kannada | Filming[14] | |
| 2023 | Salaar |
Yes | Yes | Telugu | Filming [15] |
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Director (Kannada) | Ugramm | Nominated | [16] |
| 2015 | SIIMA Awards | Best Debutant Director (Kannada) | Won | [17] | |
| 2019 | Best Director (Kannada) | K.G.F: Chapter 1 | Won | [18] | |
| 2019 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Director (Kannada) | Nominated | [19] | |
| 2019 | Zee Kannada Hemmeya Kannadiga Awards |