Atlee, a Visual Communication graduate from Sathyabama University, directed the short film 'En Mel Vizhuntha Mazhaithuli', which won two national awards. At 25, he worked as an assistant director to Shankar before making his directorial debut in 2013 with 'Raja Rani', starring Arya, Jai, Nayanthara, Nazriya, and Sathyaraj. The film grossed ₹50 crore and earned Atlee the Vijay Award for Best Debut Director.