{{short description|Indian director, screenwriter (born 1980)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}} {{Infobox person | name = Prashanth Neel | image = Prashanth Neel in 2022.jpg | image_caption = Neel in 2022 | birth_name = Prashanth Neelakantapuram | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|06|04|df=y}} | birth_place = Bangalore, Karnataka, India | occupation = {{hlist|Film director|screenwriter}} | years_active = 2014–present | spouse = {{marriage|Likitha Reddy|2010}} | children = 2 }}
'''Prashanth Neelakantapuram''' (born 4 June 1980), commonly known as '''Prashanth Neel''', is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Telugu and Kannada films. He debuted with the Kannada action-thriller ''Ugramm'' (2014) and later directed the ''KGF'' franchise (2018–2022), whose second part became the highest-grossing Kannada film of all-time. Subsequently, Neel had his maiden Telugu film release with ''Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire'' (2023).
==Personal life== Prashanth Neelakantapuram<ref name="name">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2022 |title=నీల్ అంటే నీలకంఠాపురం – ప్రశాంత్ నీల్ మనోడే ! ఇవిగో డీటైల్స్ |url=https://telugu.abplive.com/andhra-pradesh/prashant-neil-is-a-close-relative-of-ap-congress-raghuveera-reddy-30437 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425150842/https://telugu.abplive.com/andhra-pradesh/prashant-neil-is-a-close-relative-of-ap-congress-raghuveera-reddy-30437 |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=ABP Desam |language=te}}</ref> was born on 4 June 1980<ref name="dob">{{cite web |date=4 June 2021 |title=Prabhas and Jr NTR wish 'KGF' director Prashanth Neel for birthday |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prabhas-and-jr-ntr-wish-kgf-director-prashanth-neel-birthday-150099 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523002143/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prabhas-and-jr-ntr-wish-kgf-director-prashanth-neel-birthday-150099 |archive-date=23 May 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=The News Minute |quote=Prashanth Neel [..] is celebrating his 41st birthday on Friday, June 4.}}</ref> in a Telugu family <!--DO NOT CHANGE/REMOVE WITHOUT CONSENSUS ON THE TALK PAGE--> settled in Bangalore.<ref name="name" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2022 |title=KGF : ప్రశాంత్ నీల్ మన తెలుగువాడే.. ఈ రాజకీయ నాయకుడికి బంధువే.. మీకు తెలుసా?? {{!}} Facts about Prashanth Neel |url=https://10tv.in/movies/facts-about-prashanth-neel-413871.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423102032/https://10tv.in/movies/facts-about-prashanth-neel-413871.html |archive-date=23 April 2022 |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=10TV |language=Telugu}}</ref><ref name="n18" /> His parents are Subhash and Bharathi,<ref name="n18">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2022 |title=KGF Director Prashanth Neel's Special Connection With Andhra Pradesh. Learn More |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kgf-director-prashanth-neels-special-connection-with-andhra-pradesh-learn-more-5065183.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525150446/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kgf-director-prashanth-neels-special-connection-with-andhra-pradesh-learn-more-5065183.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |access-date=26 May 2022 |website=News18}}</ref> and their family hails from Neelakantapuram village, near Madakasira in Andhra Pradesh. He regularly visits his native place, Neelakantapuram, where his father's tomb is located.<ref name="n18" /><ref name="name" /><ref name=":1" /> He shortened his eponymous surname to Neel.<ref name="name" />
Neel married Likitha in 2010. The couple has a daughter and son.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 January 2021 |title=In Pictures: Prashanth Neel shares a heart-warming post to wish daughter a happy birthday |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/in-pictures-prashanth-neel-shares-a-heart-warming-post-to-wish-daughter-a-happy-birthday/articleshow/89142797.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214061224/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/in-pictures-prashanth-neel-shares-a-heart-warming-post-to-wish-daughter-a-happy-birthday/articleshow/89142797.cms |archive-date=14 February 2022 |access-date= |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Neel's sister is married to actor Sriimurali, who eventually starred in Neel's directorial debut ''Ugramm''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=17 December 2020 |title=ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್ ನೀಲ್, ಶ್ರೀಮುರಳಿಗೆ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ; ಇಲ್ಲಿವೆ ಬಾವ-ಬಾಮೈದರ ಅಪರೂಪದ ಫೋಟೋಗಳು |url=https://kannada.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/kannada-hero-srimurali-wife-is-director-prashanth-neel-sister-sesr-503941.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601111739/https://kannada.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/kannada-hero-srimurali-wife-is-director-prashanth-neel-sister-sesr-503941.html |archive-date=1 June 2022 |access-date= |website=News18 Kannada |language=kn}}</ref> Neel is a first cousin of former Andhra Pradesh state minister, Raghu Veera Reddy and is also a cousin of Telugu film actor, Aadarsh Balakrishna.<ref name="name" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Thummala |date=23 April 2022 |title=KGF డైరెక్టర్ మన సీమబిడ్డే.. రఘువీరారెడ్డి బంధువు.. ఆసక్తికర విషయాలు |url=https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/director-prashanth-neel-relation-with-congress-ex-minister-raghu-veera-reddy/articleshow/91007195.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425150842/https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/director-prashanth-neel-relation-with-congress-ex-minister-raghu-veera-reddy/articleshow/91007195.cms |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date= |website=Samayam Telugu |language=te}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2020 |title=Exclusive Interview : Aadarsh Balakrishna- I have taken my career very seriously now |url=https://www.123telugu.com/interviews/exclusive-interview-aadarsh-balakrishna-i-have-taken-my-career-very-seriously-now.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130041954/https://www.123telugu.com/interviews/exclusive-interview-aadarsh-balakrishna-i-have-taken-my-career-very-seriously-now.html |archive-date=30 November 2020 |access-date= |website=123telugu.com}}</ref>
==Career== 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 Sriimurali 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://samvaada.com/themes/article/414/Ugram_Neel.interview |title="ಸಿನೆಮಾ ಉದ್ದೇಶ ಕತೆ ಹೇಳುವುದಲ್ಲ"- ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್ ನೀಲ್ |last=Setlur |first=Mukund |access-date=23 April 2015 |language=Kannada |trans-title=Aim of the Film is Not Narration of the Story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040310/http://samvaada.com/themes/article/414/Ugram_Neel.interview |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The film turned out to be a massive commercial success and emerged as one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-top-5-kannada-films-of-2014-so-far-south/20140716.htm |title=The Top 5 Kannada films of 2014 so far |website=Rediff |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=15 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615181242/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-top-5-kannada-films-of-2014-so-far-south/20140716.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
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,'' but due to unknown circumstances it was shelved. His next film ''KGF: Chapter 1'' which stands for Kolar Gold Fields has Yash playing the role of Rocky, an orphan who becomes a don. The sequel ''KGF: Chapter 2'', was scheduled for a release in July 2021, but was delayed due to the second wave of the COVID pandemic in India and was subsequently released in April 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Express |first=Financial |date=7 July 2021 |title=Raveena Tandon reveals delay to KGF: Chapter 2 release, new date to be announced soon |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/raveena-tandon-reveals-delay-to-kgf-chapter-2-release-new-date-to-be-announced-soon/2285670/ |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726025809/https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/raveena-tandon-reveals-delay-to-kgf-chapter-2-release-new-date-to-be-announced-soon/2285670/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="22release">{{cite web |date=23 August 2021 |title=KGF 2 to release in theatres on this date, Yash-Sanjay Dutt hype up the much-anticipated action film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kgf-2-to-release-in-theatres-on-this-date-yash-sanjay-dutt-action-film-7465550/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119081307/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kgf-2-to-release-in-theatres-on-this-date-yash-sanjay-dutt-action-film-7465550/ |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=23 August 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
In December 2020, Hombale Films announced the film ''Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire'' starring Prabhas. The film's shoot began in January 2021 and was released in December 2023. The film's sequel ''Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam'' has commenced shooting in October 2024.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2024-10-23 |title=Prabhas' birthday: 'Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam' shooting commences |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/prabhas-birthday-salaar-part-2-shouryaanga-parvam-shooting-commences/articleshow/114496749.cms |access-date=2026-01-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
In May 2021, Mythri Movie Makers and N. T. R. Arts have announced a film in collaboration with Neel and N. T. Rama Rao Jr.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 May 2021 |title='KGF' director Prashanth Neel announces new project with Jr NTR |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kgf-director-prashanth-neel-announces-new-project-jr-ntr-149231 |access-date=21 May 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521061625/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kgf-director-prashanth-neel-announces-new-project-jr-ntr-149231 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film was officially began in August 202''4,''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2024-08-09 |title='RRR' Star NTR Jr Starts Film by 'K.G.F.' Director Prashanth Neel – Global Bulletin |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/asia/ntr-jr-prashanth-neel-ntrneel-1236101433/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-25 |title=Jr NTR's 'NTRNEEL' plot leaked? Here's what Prashanth Neel’s action thriller may look like |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-ntrneel-plot-leaked-heres-what-prashanth-neels-action-thriller-may-look-like/articleshow/118551710.cms#:~:text=Jr%20NTR%20will%20reportedly%20play,factions%20and%20establishing%20his%20reign. |access-date=2025-02-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> with title reported as ''Dragon''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Jr NTR, Prashanth Neel Resume Shooting for Dragon {{!}} Filmfare.com|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/jr-ntr-prashanth-neel-resume-shooting-for-dragon-80083.html|website=www.filmfare.com|access-date=2026-01-26|language=en}}</ref>
==Filmography==
{{pending films key}} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 100%; text-align: center; |+ List of Prashanth Neel film credits ! rowspan="2" |Year ! rowspan="2" |Title ! colspan="2" |Credited as ! rowspan="2" |Language ! scope="col" class="unsortable" rowspan="2" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="col" | Director ! scope="col" | Writer |- | 2014 | ''Ugramm'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | rowspan="3" | Kannada | |- | 2018 | ''KGF: Chapter 1'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | |- | 2022 | ''KGF: Chapter 2'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | |- |2023 | ''Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | rowspan="1" | Telugu | |- |2024 | ''Bagheera'' | {{no}} | {{partial|Story}} | rowspan="1" | Kannada | |- |2027 | {{pending film|Dragon}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | rowspan="2" | Telugu |<ref name=":4" /> |- |TBA | {{pending film|Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} |<ref name=":3" /> |}
== Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ List of Prashanth Neel awards and nominations |- !Year ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Work ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref(s)|References(s)}} |- | rowspan="2" |2015 | 62nd Filmfare Awards South | Best Director – Kannada | rowspan="2" |''Ugramm'' | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2019/kannada/nominations |title=Filmfare Awards South 2019 Kannada Nominations | Filmfare |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306164844/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2019/kannada/nominations |url-status=live}}</ref> |- | 4th South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Debut Director {{Ndash}} Kannada | {{won}} | style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siima.in/2015/winners.html |title=SIIMA AWARDS | 2015 | winners | | |website=www.siima.in |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410212935/http://siima.in/2015/winners.html |url-status=live}} Note: Select "Kannada" language tab.</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |2019 | 8th South Indian International Movie Awards |Best Director – Kannada | rowspan="3" |''KGF: Chapter 1'' |{{won}} | style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siima.in/2019/winners.html |title=SIIMA AWARDS | 2019 | winners | | |website=www.siima.in |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422085301/http://siima.in/2019/winners.html |url-status=dead}} Note: Select "Kannada" language tab.</ref> |- | 66th Filmfare Awards South |Best Director – Kannada |{{nom}} | style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/winners-of-the-66th-filmfare-awards-south-2019_-38163.html |title=Winners of the 66th Filmfare Awards (South) 2019 |website=Filmfare |access-date=22 December 2019 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222020917/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/winners-of-the-66th-filmfare-awards-south-2019_-38163.html |url-status=live}}</ref> |- |Zee Kannada Hemmeya Kannadiga Awards | Best Director | {{won}} | style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zeekannada.zee5.com/hemmeya-kannadiga-awards-2019-winners-list-a-big-win-for-rachitha-ram-yash-and-chikkana/amp/ |title=Hemmeya Kannadiga Awards 2019 Winners List: A Big Win For Rachitha Ram, Yash And Chikkana |date=31 March 2019 |author=Parinika Uchil |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816163905/https://zeekannada.zee5.com/hemmeya-kannadiga-awards-2019-winners-list-a-big-win-for-rachitha-ram-yash-and-chikkana/amp/ |archive-date=16 August 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref> |- |2022 |11th South Indian International Movie Awards |Best Director – Kannada | rowspan="3" |''KGF: Chapter 2'' |{{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=2023-08-02 |title=SIIMA 2023 nomination out. 'PS 1', 'RRR', 'KGF 2' and 'Kantara' bag top spots |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/siima-2023-nomination-list-out-ps-1-rrr-kantara-bag-top-spots-2415011-2023-08-02 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" |2024 |70th National Film Awards |Best Feature Film in Kannada |{{won}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Prashanth Neel Reacts To KGF Chapter 2's National Award Wins: 'A Triumph for Kannada Cinema' |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/prashanth-neel-reacts-to-kgf-chapter-2s-national-award-wins-a-triumph-for-kannada-cinema-9017984.html |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> |- |68th Filmfare Awards South |Best Director – Kannada |{{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners of the 68th Filmfare Awards South ( Kannada ) 2023 {{!}} Filmfare.com |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/winners-of-the-68th-filmfare-awards-south-kannada-2023_-67191.html |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=www.filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |69th Filmfare Awards South |Best Director – Telugu | rowspan="2" |''Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire'' |{{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Telugu) 2024">{{cite news |last1=Filmfare |date=4 August 2024 |title=Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Telugu) 2024 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/full-list-of-winners-of-69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-telugu-2024_-67634.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804051630/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/full-list-of-winners-of-69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-telugu-2024_-67634.html |archivedate=4 August 2024 |accessdate=4 August 2024 |language=en}}</ref> |- |3rd IIFA Utsavam |Best Director – Telugu |{{nom}} | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=IIFA UTSAVAM 2024 UNVEILS NOMINATIONS, HONORING THE DIVERSITY OF SOUTH INDIAN CINEMA! |url=https://www.iifa.com/news/utsavam-news-details/iifa-utsavam-2024-unveils-nominations-honoring-the-diversity-of-south-indian-cinema- |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=IIFA |language=en}}</ref> |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb name|6073824}} * {{Twitter| id= prashanth_neel| name= Prashanth Neel}}
{{Prashanth Neel}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Neel, Prashanth}} Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:Telugu film directors Category:Telugu screenwriters Category:Kannada film directors Category:Film directors from Bengaluru Category:Screenwriters from Bengaluru Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners Category:Indian experimental filmmakers Category:National Film Award (India) winners Category:21st-century Indian screenwriters