Mani Ratnam, like his name a precious diamond like director whom we rarely witness from generation to generation. This MBA graduate without any prior experience became filmmaker carving a niche for himself. We rarely find other filmmakers inspiration in his works. The way he showcases the emotions, behaviour of characters and creating a conflict is something else which we don't see in any other movies. He has crafted many classics during his span of four decades in the film industry.
Mani Ratnam debuted as director with Kannada film Pallavi Anupallavi in 1983. Then he made a Malayalam movie Unaroo and made his entry into his native language Tamil with his third film, Pagal Nilavu. After a couple of more Tamil films, Mani Ratnam has found his style with Blockbuster Mouna Ragam in 1986. He recieved praises for his unique style of narration and handling emotions. The film got dubbed into Telugu with same name and ever since all of his films released in Telugu too.
Then he made Nayakan with Kamal Haasan. It fetched him name and fame. The film has become a cult classic. It has entered into Time's list of world's best 100 films. Then he made Agni Natchathiram, which was rumoured to be inspired from the real life of Karunanithi and his two sons. His Anjali is a path-breaking film featuring lot of kids dealing with emotions. Both Nayakan and Anjali were India's official entries to Oscars.
Then he collaborated with Nagarjuna for Geethanjali where it deals with the love story between ill-fated couple. The film became huge commercial as well as critically acclaimed success. It is the only Telugu film Mani Ratnam has directed so far in his career. He has made Terrorism Trilogy with Roja, Bombay and Dil Se. Then, Romantic Trilogy with Mouna Ragam, Alai Patuthey / Sakhi, O Kadhal Kanmani / Ok Bangaram.
After Anjali, Mani Ratnam made Thalapathy starring Rajinikanth and Mammootty whose characters are based on Duryodhana and Karna from Mahabharatam. The film became hugely successful. Mani's work and Illaiyaraja's music is highly appreciated. His Roja and Bombay films brought him nationwide recognition. He made the biopic of MGR, Karunanithi and Jayalalitha as Iruvar / Iddaru which is highly acclaimed for its making. Then Mani Ratnam made Hindi films, Dil Se with Shahrukh Khan and Guru with Abhishek, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Meanwhile he made Alai Payuthey / Sakhi and Kannathil Muthamittal / Amrutha and Aaytha Ezhuthu / Yuva.
Mani Ratnam though making films since 40 years has keep up with times and never went out of fashion. His films still stay relevant and connect with new generation audience. His Ok Bangaram, Nawab and recently Ponniyin Selvan stands as a testament how good he is in making quality films.
CineJosh wishes the Master Director Mani Ratnam a very Happy Birthday and many more classics in from him in the coming years.