Updated on: 02 June, 2025 05:05 PM IST |Sneha Sunojkumar
Explore 5 seminal films by Mani Ratnam, from gangster epics to poignant romances, showcasing his genius in shaping Indian cinema and storytelling.
"Nayakan" is a monumental achievement in Mani Ratnam's career and a landmark in Indian cinema. Starring Kamal Haasan in a powerhouse performance as Velu Naicker, the film chronicles the evolution of an ordinary man into a formidable yet sympathetic underworld don in Mumbai. Drawing inspiration from figures like Vito Corleone and real-life incidents, Ratnam crafted a gritty, morally ambiguous narrative that explored themes of justice, sacrifice, and the complexities of power. Its raw realism and compelling character study set a new benchmark for the gangster genre, solidifying Ratnam's reputation as a serious filmmaker.
This film was a game-changer, propelling Mani Ratnam to national prominence and, critically, introducing the musical prodigy A.R. Rahman to the world. "Roja" masterfully blends a tender love story with the tense backdrop of terrorism and national identity in Kashmir. It portrays the unwavering spirit of a simple village woman, Roja (Madhoo), as she embarks on a desperate quest to rescue her kidnapped husband (Arvind Swami). Ratnam's sensitive handling of a volatile political issue through an emotionally charged personal narrative, coupled with Rahman's path-breaking soundtrack, made "Roja" a critical and commercial phenomenon across India.
Following "Roja's" success, Mani Ratnam continued his bold thematic explorations with "Bombay," a powerful and controversial film set against the horrifying backdrop of the 1992-93 Bombay riots. The movie tells the poignant story of an inter-faith couple (Arvind Swami and Manisha Koirala) and their struggle to safeguard their family amidst escalating communal violence. Ratnam's direction is stark and unflinching in its depiction of chaos and destruction, yet it maintains a profound focus on the human resilience and the universal message of peace and love. "Bombay" was a cinematic call for unity, earning both widespread acclaim and heated debate for its daring subject.
"Thalapathi" is a visually stunning and intensely dramatic film that showcases Mani Ratnam's prowess in weaving classical narratives into contemporary settings. Loosely inspired by the epic Mahabharata, specifically the bond between Karna and Duryodhana, the film features a magnetic collaboration between superstars Rajinikanth (as Surya) and Mammootty (as Deva). Ratnam's signature style, characterized by dramatic lighting, evocative cinematography by Santosh Sivan, and a raw, powerful emotional core, transformed this tale of friendship, loyalty, and identity into a high-octane commercial and critical success, cementing its place as a stylistic masterpiece.
"Mouna Ragam" stands as a landmark film that redefined the portrayal of urban romance in Tamil cinema. The story revolves around Divya (Revathi), a modern, strong-willed woman who reluctantly enters an arranged marriage with Chandrakumar (Mohan) while still grappling with the loss of a past love. Mani Ratnam's direction is subtle and sensitive, delving into the emotional complexities of her inner turmoil and the gradual, mature development of her relationship with her patient husband. The film's realistic characterizations, refreshing narrative approach, and a timeless soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja profoundly influenced a generation of filmmakers and romantic drama
