Ashwin Dev
5. Guru (2007)
Loosely based on the life of the business mogul Dhirubhai Ambani, ‘Guru’ excels in all aspects: direction, story, music, cinematography and acting. Abhishek Bachchan is incredibly lucky have gotten the opportunity to play the ambitious middle class man who conquered the business world and he does justice to the role. As expected from Mani Ratnam, ‘Guru’ has plenty of romance for everyone and the songs and dance numbers help tremendously to enhance it. Speaking of dance numbers, Aishwarya Rai is an actress whose talent is usually overshadowed by her breathtaking looks. But, it is hard to overlook her portrayal of the determined wife who stands by her husband through tough times. Vidya Balan and Madhavan also deliver great performances as anticipated. Mani Ratnam’s obsession for scenes shot in rain is quite noticeable in most of his movies. As a pluviophile, I love that about him. When it comes to Guru, I couldn’t help but mention the Barso Re song sequence and the Vidya-Madhavan scene that will deluge you with a plethora of emotions!
4. Nayagan (1987)
‘Nayagan’, Mani Ratnam’s version of ‘Godfather’, is action, violence and melodrama in all its glory. The film was India’s official entry to the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language film in 1988 although it wasn’t nominated. Following the life of a Bombay underworld don (loosely based on the life of a real life don), Mani Ratnam exploits every bit of the phenomenon that is named Kamal Haasan. The character is an invincible and intimidating gangster. At the same time, he is a vulnerable and fragile family man. The well-written character was perfectly safe in Kamal’s versatile hands and it earned him a National Award for Best Actor. Ilaiyaraaja’s music is haunting and so are some of the dialogues and scenes. Highlights of the movie? Kamal Haasan, Kamal Haasan and Kamal Haasan.
3. Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
‘Kannathil Muthamittal’ aka ‘A Peck on The Cheek’ focuses on an adopted girl’s journey seeking her biological mother in the midst of the Sri Lankan civil war. It is one of the most touching films of Mani Ratnam. While touching up on the war, the movie is mainly about the pure and divine relationships among the central characters along with a ubiquitous love story that is an inevitable part of a Mani Ratnam movie. The indescribable nature of the relationship between a mother and her child is portrayed beautifully in it. Owing to my ignorance of the subject matter, I might have missed all the subtle political undertones that the movie conveys. But, at the end of the day, it is a simple story with simple human characters. Unlike most of his movies, the characters weren’t otherworldly. They were normal, real human beings dealing with emotions that are relatable. That’s what makes this film more special. It feels so real as opposed to Rahman’s score and the songs that are, in fact, out of this world.
2. Bombay (1995)
Mani Ratnam weaves a beautiful love story in the background of the 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai(then Bombay) in the second film of his ‘terrorism trilogy’. The depiction of inter-religious relations obviously sparked controversies although he shrewdly and carefully dealt with the unbelievably sensitive theme. I have been mentioning Rahman’s name several times so far. But, it would a crime if I don’t mention him while writing about ‘Bombay’. Yet another haunting score and soundtrack from the maestro. Most people applaud Mani Ratnam’s aptitude for romance by citing ‘Alai Paayuthe’ (‘Saathiya’ in Hindi). But, personally I think nothing else compares to the passion and chemistry between Aravind Swamy and Manisha Koirala in ‘Bombay’. Even after years, I am mesmerized by his directorial brilliance when I see how incredibly sensual yet tasteful the scenes of the famous Humma Humma song is! The whole movie is a roller-coaster emotional ride that evokes a range of emotions from the audience and ends in a much appreciated relieving and hopeful climax. To paraphrase the man himself, it is sad that the message on communal harmony that ‘Bombay’ put forth is extremely relevant even today.
1. Iruvar (1997)
‘Iruvar’ is Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus. It is the perfect blend of a brilliant screenplay, an epic ensemble cast, Santosh Sivan’s exceptional cinematography and more importantly the audacity, vision and ambition of the master-class director that Mani Ratnam is. I immensely respect him for his sheer courage to make a movie based on the marriage between the film industry and politics of Tamil Nadu and then deliver it to an audience that is quite sensitive about both of those! This controversial political drama is definitely the most under-appreciated Mani Ratnam movie. Speaking of the cast, Mohan Lal is one of the most versatile actors ever in Indian cinema. (His effortless acting is one of the major reasons why I ended up being so crazy about movies) That being said, he has never been able to leave his personal idiosyncrasies aside when playing a role.
No matter how brilliant his performance is, the audience can see Mohan Lal himself in every single character that he plays. But, all thanks to Mani Ratnam, ‘Iruvar’ is one of the very few films in which Lal came as close to method acting as he ever did and most probably as close as he ever will. Prakash Raj’s performance should be a textbook example for the definition of a supporting actor. Also, it was through ‘Iruvar’ that the ever-so-gorgeous Aishwarya Rai walked into the world of cinema, you know, just after she fell right out of heaven. Moreover, every single one of the cast including Tabu, Revathi, Nasser and Gauthami delivered memorable performances. ‘Iruvar’ was bold, brash and honest and the censor board butchered it. But, for generations to come, it will be Mani Ratnam’s best work. Oh! Almost forgot. And, Rahman!
Read More: Imtiaz Ali Movies
