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Home / Entertainment / Regional Indian Cinema News / Photos / `Alaipayuthey` to `O Kadhal Kanmani`, must-watch movies by filmmaker Mani Ratnam

`Alaipayuthey` to `O Kadhal Kanmani`, must-watch movies by filmmaker Mani Ratnam

Updated On: 02 June, 2024 07:58 AM IST | Athulya Nambiar

Mani Ratnam Birthday 2024: Mani Ratnam is one of the most brilliant minds in filmmaking in India. The storyteller began his career in 1983 with the Kannada film `Pallavi Anu Pallavi` starring Anil Kapoor. Mani has always made films that are way ahead of its time and often on topics that filmmakers would hesitate to address. All of this while ensuring that the films are visually appealing and have great music, making the films memorable for years to come.  These films showcase Mani Ratnam`s versatility as a filmmaker and his ability to weave complex narratives with deep emotional and social themes

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Mani Ratnam Birthday 2024: Mani Ratnam is one of the most brilliant minds in filmmaking in India. The storyteller began his career in 1983 with the Kannada film `Pallavi Anu Pallavi` starring Anil Kapoor. Mani has always made films that are way ahead of its time and often on topics that filmmakers would hesitate to address. All of this while ensuring that the films are visually appealing and have great music, making the films memorable for years to come.  These films showcase Mani Ratnam`s versatility as a filmmaker and his ability to weave complex narratives with deep emotional and social themes

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Mani Ratnam Birthday 2024: Mani Ratnam is one of the most brilliant minds in filmmaking in India. The storyteller began his career in 1983 with the Kannada film `Pallavi Anu Pallavi` starring Anil Kapoor. Mani has always made films that are way ahead of its time and often on topics that filmmakers would hesitate to address. All of this while ensuring that the films are visually appealing and have great music, making the films memorable for years to come.  These films showcase Mani Ratnam`s versatility as a filmmaker and his ability to weave complex narratives with deep emotional and social themes

Iruvar (1997) :  The film follows a dramatized account of the lives of two men, mirroring the real-life relationship between Tamil Nadu`s former Chief Ministers, M.G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi. With outstanding performances by Mohanlal and Prakash Raj, the film explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and political ambition. This also marked Aishwarya Rai`s first film and the beginning of her on-screen collaboration with Mani Ratnam

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Iruvar (1997) :  The film follows a dramatized account of the lives of two men, mirroring the real-life relationship between Tamil Nadu`s former Chief Ministers, M.G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi. With outstanding performances by Mohanlal and Prakash Raj, the film explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and political ambition. This also marked Aishwarya Rai`s first film and the beginning of her on-screen collaboration with Mani Ratnam

Bombay (1995):  Starring Manisha Koirala and Arvind Swamy, the film narrates the story of a Hindu man and a Muslim woman who face the trials of communal tension and riots in Bombay as they try to raise their children amidst escalating violence. Addressing sensitive topics like interfaith marriage and communal riots, this film is celebrated for its bold storytelling and Rahman`s unforgettable soundtrack

3/11

Bombay (1995):  Starring Manisha Koirala and Arvind Swamy, the film narrates the story of a Hindu man and a Muslim woman who face the trials of communal tension and riots in Bombay as they try to raise their children amidst escalating violence. Addressing sensitive topics like interfaith marriage and communal riots, this film is celebrated for its bold storytelling and Rahman`s unforgettable soundtrack

Dil Se... (1998):  Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, the film follows the story of a radio journalist who falls in love with a mysterious woman involved in a terrorist plot, leading to a tragic love story set against the backdrop of insurgency. The film also marks the debut of Preity Zinta who plays Preeti Varma in a supporting role. The film`s intense narrative, stunning visuals, and iconic soundtrack by A.R. Rahman have made it a cult classic

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Dil Se... (1998):  Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, the film follows the story of a radio journalist who falls in love with a mysterious woman involved in a terrorist plot, leading to a tragic love story set against the backdrop of insurgency. The film also marks the debut of Preity Zinta who plays Preeti Varma in a supporting role. The film`s intense narrative, stunning visuals, and iconic soundtrack by A.R. Rahman have made it a cult classic

Mouna Ragam (1986):  Divya, a woman grieving over the death of her lover, is convinced into an arranged marriage with Chandra Kumar. Over a year the couple attempt to adjust to each other`s presence and live with each other. The film starring Revathi, Mohan and Karthik, made in the initial decade of Mani Ratnam`s career is still among his top ranked works

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Mouna Ragam (1986):  Divya, a woman grieving over the death of her lover, is convinced into an arranged marriage with Chandra Kumar. Over a year the couple attempt to adjust to each other`s presence and live with each other. The film starring Revathi, Mohan and Karthik, made in the initial decade of Mani Ratnam`s career is still among his top ranked works

Alaipayuthey (2000):  A young couple`s journey from passionate romance to the realities of married life is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. Known for its fresh take on relationships and a memorable soundtrack, the film stars R. Madhavan and Shalini in lead roles

6/11

Alaipayuthey (2000):  A young couple`s journey from passionate romance to the realities of married life is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. Known for its fresh take on relationships and a memorable soundtrack, the film stars R. Madhavan and Shalini in lead roles

Ponniyin Selvan 1 &2:  POnniyin Selvan, made in two parts is an epic drama, based on the Tamil novel of the same name by author Kalki. It traces the many complex characters and journey of the Chola dynasty. The film boasts of a stunning ensemble cast including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, R. Parthiban, Rahman, Lal and Vikram Prabhu

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Ponniyin Selvan 1 &2:  POnniyin Selvan, made in two parts is an epic drama, based on the Tamil novel of the same name by author Kalki. It traces the many complex characters and journey of the Chola dynasty. The film boasts of a stunning ensemble cast including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, R. Parthiban, Rahman, Lal and Vikram Prabhu

OK Kanmani (2015):  Two youngsters Adi and Tara are attracted to each other when they meet at a wedding. Since they do not believe in marriage, they decide to live together. What follows forms the crux of the story. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen in the lead  

8/11

OK Kanmani (2015):  Two youngsters Adi and Tara are attracted to each other when they meet at a wedding. Since they do not believe in marriage, they decide to live together. What follows forms the crux of the story. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen in the lead  

Roja (1992):  A young woman from a village in Tamil Nadu embarks on a mission to rescue her husband, a cryptologist, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Kashmir. The film stars Arvind Swamy and Madhoo in the lead.  The film`s poignant portrayal of love and patriotism, along with A.R. Rahman`s evocative music, has made it a classic

9/11

Roja (1992):  A young woman from a village in Tamil Nadu embarks on a mission to rescue her husband, a cryptologist, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Kashmir. The film stars Arvind Swamy and Madhoo in the lead.  The film`s poignant portrayal of love and patriotism, along with A.R. Rahman`s evocative music, has made it a classic

Thalapathi (1991): An orphaned boy grows up to become a feared gangster, forming a deep bond with a local don while grappling with his own sense of justice. Loosely based on the Mahabharata, the film stars Rajinikanth and Mammootty, delivering powerful performances amidst a backdrop of intense drama

10/11

Thalapathi (1991): An orphaned boy grows up to become a feared gangster, forming a deep bond with a local don while grappling with his own sense of justice. Loosely based on the Mahabharata, the film stars Rajinikanth and Mammootty, delivering powerful performances amidst a backdrop of intense drama

Nayakan (1987):  A young boy witnesses his father`s murder and grows up to become a powerful underworld don in Mumbai. Starring Kamal Haasan, the film is loosely inspired by the life of Mumbai underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar and the Hollywood film `The Godfather`. The film is noted for Kamal Haasan`s stellar performance, brilliant direction, and a gripping narrative and for not judging its protagonist morally

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Nayakan (1987):  A young boy witnesses his father`s murder and grows up to become a powerful underworld don in Mumbai. Starring Kamal Haasan, the film is loosely inspired by the life of Mumbai underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar and the Hollywood film `The Godfather`. The film is noted for Kamal Haasan`s stellar performance, brilliant direction, and a gripping narrative and for not judging its protagonist morally

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