Mani Ratnam Birthday Special 7 Films That Prove Why He Is A Master Filmmaker

As he celebrates his 68th birthday, here are seven of his best films that showcase his mastery of filmmaking:

Hero (1987): Kamal Haasan plays Velu Naikkar, a landmark “hero” in Tamil cinema, a character inspired by real-life Mumbai underworld kingpin Varadarajan Mudaliar. The film revolves around a common man becoming a powerful gangster. The meticulous depiction of the crime, coupled with Ilayaraja’s memorable score, made “Nayagan” a classic, earning a place in Time magazine’s “100 Greatest Films of All Time”.

Dalapathy (1991): Starring Rajinikanth and Mammootty, “Thalapathy” is inspired by the Mahabharata, particularly the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana. The film follows the life of an orphan (Rajinikanth) who becomes the trusted lieutenant of a local don (Mammootty). Ilayaraja’s stirring music coupled with intense narration makes “Talapati” a significant entry in Ratnath’s career.

Roja (1992): ‘Roja’ is a Tamil romantic thriller that gained national attention and was dubbed into several languages ​​including Hindi. The film tells the story of a young woman named Roja, whose cryptologist husband is kidnapped by terrorists in Kashmir. It is known for its patriotic theme, AR Rahman’s debut as a music director and its vivid portrayal of the Kashmir conflict.

Dil Se.. (1998): ‘Dil Se..’ combines a Bollywood film with a gripping narrative of love and terrorism. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, the film explores the intense and tragic love story between a journalist and a mysterious woman linked to a terrorist group. The film is notable for its stunning cinematography, soulful music by AR Rahman and the iconic song “Chaiya Chaiya”.

Alaipayute (2000): “Alaipayuthe” is a Tamil romantic drama that delves into the complexities of marriage and relationships. The film, which inspired the Bollywood remake of “Saathiya”, follows the story of a young couple who elope and later face challenges in married life. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of love and marriage and AR Rahman’s memorable soundtrack.

Guru (2007): “Guru” is a Bollywood film based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries. Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, the film narrates the raga-to-riches story of an ambitious villager who becomes a successful businessman. “Guru” is celebrated for its strong narrative, brilliant performances and AR Rahman’s catchy music.

O Kadal Kanmani (2015): “O Kathal Kanmani” is a Tamil romantic drama that depicts the lives of a young couple in a live-in relationship in Mumbai. Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menon are playing the lead roles in the film, which is known for its modern take on love and relationships. It is notable for its captivating narration, rousing music by AR Rahman and masterful direction by Mani Ratnam.

These films highlight Mani Ratnam’s versatility and his ability to craft stories that resonate with audiences.