Best movies of Mani Ratnam – A masterclass in storytelling

Widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, Mani Ratnam has redefined storytelling with his bold themes, evocative visuals, and unforgettable music. He began his directorial journey in the early 1980s, but it was with ‘Nayakan’ in 1987 that he truly left an indelible mark. Ratnam has directed films across languages, primarily in Tamil, with many reaching pan-Indian and even global audiences. His collaborations with legendary composer A.R. Rahman and cinematographers like Santosh Sivan have elevated his stories to cinematic brilliance.

Inspired by the real-life Mumbai underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar, ‘Nayakan’ stars Kamal Haasan in one of his most iconic roles as Velu Naicker. The film explores the life of a common man who turns into a feared gangster, ultimately raising questions about justice, morality and survival. The film created an unforgettable atmosphere of grit and melancholy. It was selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards and was later included in TIME magazine’s “All-Time 100 Movies.”

‘Roja’ was Mani Ratnam’s first collaboration with A.R. Rahman, and the result was nothing short of magical. The film tells the story of a village girl, Roja, who embarks on a journey to Kashmir to save her husband, a cryptologist kidnapped by militants. Beyond its touching love story, the film addressed the Kashmir conflict and national identity with rare sensitivity. Shot across lush locations and backed by Rahman’s revolutionary music, Roja became a turning point in Indian cinema.

One of Ratnam’s most socially powerful films, ‘Bombay’ dealt with the sensitive issue of interfaith marriage and the traumatic aftermath of the 1992 Bombay riots. Starring Arvind Swami and Manisha Koirala, it traced the journey of a Hindu man and a Muslim woman who defy societal norms to live a life together, only to see their world shattered by communal violence. Mani Ratnam used this backdrop to reflect on national unity and human loss. The film’s visuals, scored with haunting music by A.R. Rahman, were both poetic and raw.

Mani Ratnam explored the complexities of love amidst terrorism. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, the film weaves a tale between a radio journalist and a mysterious woman involved in a separatist movement. Set against the socio-political unrest in Northeast India, the film was layered with themes of obsession, identity and longing. It was also the third installment of Ratnam’s unofficial “terrorism trilogy” after Roja and Bombay. The song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya,’ shot on a moving train, became a global sensation.

‘Iruvar’ is a semi-fictional account of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, inspired by the lives of iconic figures like M.G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi. The film starring Mohanlal and Prakash Raj is a layered story about friendship, rivalry, and the intoxicating nature of power. Mani Ratnam masterfully blends cinema and politics, showing how art can be a tool of influence and ideology. ‘ Iruvar’ became an acclaimed political drama. Though it initially faced political resistance but it is now considered a classic in Indian cinema’s portrayal of political evolution.

Marking Mani Ratnam’s entry into Telugu cinema, ‘Geethanjali’ is a poignant love story between two terminally ill young people. Starring Nagarjuna and Girija, the film unfolds in the scenic landscapes of Ooty, bringing a sense of ethereal beauty to its tragic theme. Ratnam chose to approach the idea of death not with sorrow but with celebration, focusing on moments of joy and hope. The film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and remains one of the most beloved romantic dramas in Telugu cinema.

With ‘Anjali,’ Mani Ratnam turned the spotlight on a sensitive subject, mental disability in children, long before it became a mainstream discussion. The film tells the story of a terminally ill child with a cognitive disorder and how her presence transforms the lives of her family members and neighbors. Baby Shamili’s heartbreaking performance, combined with Ratnam’s empathetic direction, made the film a tearjerker with a powerful social message. ‘Anjali’ won three National Film Awards and cemented Ratnam’s position as a director with heart and substance.