(complied by Arjun Anil)
Mani Ratnam’s filmography is often crowded with unique screenplays that move the audience like no other. Celebrating one of the most consistent Indian directors on his 69th birthday today, take a look at some of his most critically acclaimed works:
Based on the real-life Bombay mafia head Varadharaja Mudhaliar during the 1970s and loosely inspired by ‘The Godfather’, ‘Nayakan’ won four National Film Awards and remains a cult classic
Inspired by the story of Karna and Dhuryodhana. Ratnam’s ‘Thalapathi’ explores the friendship between two individuals united by a common purpose: fighting injustice against the poor. Ratnam broke the stereotypical features of protagonists in this film
Set against the Bombay riots post the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, Ratnam chronicled the story of an inter-caste couple who face pressure from their family, as well as the political unrest
Inspired by MGR, Karunanidhi, and Jayalalithaa, ‘Iruvar’ tells a fictionalised political saga. Prakash Raj bagged a National Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance
Based on the terrorism in the northern region of India, this Mani Ratnam romantic thriller was a major international success and bagged 10 Filmfare Award nominations
Based on the ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ novel by Ramaswamy Krishnamurthi (Kalki), Ratnam brought to the big screens a dream Kollywood project of multiple filmmakers and actors, including MGR