Seven Films Directed by Mani Ratnam That Every Ardent Movie Fan Must Watch

Starring R Madhavan, Simran and Nandita Das, 'Kannathil Muthamittal' bagged as many as six National Film Awards including Best Feature Film, Best Child Artist and Best Music Direction for A.R Rahman. It's a heartwarming story about a child adopted by Indian parents who desires to meet her biological mother in the midst of civic and political unrest following the Sri Lankan Civil War. The film was also awarded three Filmfare awards, seven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and top honours at leading international film festivals including Best Picture at Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.

Inspired from the lives of M.G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi, two of Tamil Nadu's biggest political forces, 'Iruvar' is the story of two best friends who eventually become political rivals and whose friendship is constantly tested at every stage. Personally, Ratnam feels that this is his best film. Starring Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Revathi in key roles, the film fetched two National Awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Raj.

Ranked as one of the top 20 Indian films by the British Film Institute, 'Bombay' starring Arvind Swami and Manisha Koirala, was also awarded the National Award for Best Film on National Integration. Based on the events in Mumbai that led following the Babri Masjid demolition that witnessed eventual riots between Hindus and Muslims, the film had courted legal trouble for depicting inter-religious relationships.

For its earnest portrayal of a young bride who is desperately searching for her missing husband in Jammu and Kashmir, 'Roja' acquired national popularity for Ratnam. Starring Madhoo and Arvind Swami in the lead, the film won the National Award for Best Film on National Integration.

A tragic portrayal of the struggles dealt with by an autistic young child, 'Anjali' won three National Film Awards including Best Child Artist for Shamili who essayed the titular role. The film also starred Revathi and Raghuvaran as Anjali's parents.

Kamal Haasan's landmark film which has been included in the ALL-TIME 100 Movies List by TIME Magazine, is a hybrid fiction inspired from revered mafia leader Varadarajan Mudaliar and The Godfather. 'Nayakan' released in 1987 during Diwali and ran at theatres for 175 days making it the biggest blockbuster of the year. Ratnam's directorial won three National Awards including Best Actor for Haasan, Best Cinematography for PC. Sreeram and Best Art Direction for Thota Tharani.

A tale of a woman torn between her former lover and a husband chosen by her father, 'Mouna Ragam' starring Revathy and Mohan in the leads was the break-out hit that established Ratnam in the big league of Tamil filmmakers. He won his first Filmfare Award as Best Director and the film also fetched the National Award for Best Regional Film.

A stellar filmmaker of our times, the legacy of Mani Ratnam is one to be cherished for generations of avid cinema lovers. Leaving a lasting impression with his socio-political films, the multiple National-Award winning filmmaker has helmed over forty films and the upcoming Tamil web series for Netflix, 'Navarasa'. As he turns a year older, we take a look at seven landmark films that have defined his illustrious career.