Shanker's real entry into the movie industry was with Mohanlal and Poornima in the movie 'Manjil Virinja Pookkal'. The movie made him the star of Mollywood. He and Mohanlal later joined hands for several movies like Ente Mohangal Poovaninju, Engene Nee Marakkum, Sukhamo Devi etc. He is still active in the industry.