After Ponniyin Selvan, These Mani Ratnam Movies Are Proof That He Can Create Magic On Screens

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JUNE 02,2023

In the world of nonsensical action masala movies and fictional romantic comedies, it is Mani Ratnam who brings out the sheer magic on the big screen. With his latest release Ponniyin Selvan 2, the filmmaker proved his versatility once again.

Also Read: Director Mani Ratnam Asks Hindi Cinema To Stop Using The Term Bollywood, Here's Why

Be it period drama, biopics, tragedy drama, or even love stories - Mani Ratnam can bring out cinematic incantation in any genre.

As the filmmaker turns 67, Radio City is back with yet another comprehensive list of Mani Ratnam movies that you must add to your weekend binge-watch list. After Ponniyin Selvan, these movies are proof of the filmmaker's eye for storytelling.

1. Roja - 1992

Did you know Roja was the first film of the trilogy to be followed by DIl Se and Bombay? Headlined by Madhoo and Arvind Swamy, the movie revolves around a village girl who marries a city man and moves to Kashmir. The tragedy begins in their life when the husband is kidnapped by the militants.

2. Bombay - 1995

Set in the backdrop of the Babri Masjid demolition and the terrifying aftermath that led to the Hindu-Muslim horrific riots, this Mani Ratnam movie revolves around a Hindu Muslim couple who move to Bombay for a better life but end up facing the wrath of the cultural tensions. Bombay starred Maisha Koirala and Arvind Swamy.

3. Dil Se - 1998

This was Shah Rukh Khan's breakthrough movie. Starring Manisha Koirala in the lead, Dil Se was a journey of seven shades of love - attraction, infatuation, love, reverence, worship, obsession, and death. The romantic thriller is based on nationalism, terrorism, and sacrifices.

Also Read: Ponniyin Selvan 2 Budget, Cast, And More SHOCKING Details About Mani Ratnam's Magnum Opus

Dil Se was yet another magical collaboration of Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman, which ended up giving some revolutionizing music.

4. Nayakan - 1987

The movie that made Kamal Hassan a superstar, Nayakan is a story of an honest man who fights against a corrupt Police officer but ends up on the bad side too. The movie is inspired by the life of the Bombay underworld Don Varadarajan Mudaliar and the Hollywood blockbuster The Godfather.

5. Alai Payuthey - 2000

Did you know the Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerji starrer Saathiya is a remake of this Mani Ratnam masterpiece? The original film starred R Madhavan and Shalini. The storyline is about two young but immature lovers who get married only to realize it is not a cakewalk.

6. Yuva - 2004

Here's another fun fact - Anurag Kashyap wrote the dialogue for this Mani Ratnam movie. It did not take him long to become a Mani Ratnam fan. The movie that starred Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, and Vivek Oberoi is based on three men from different layers of society and how their lives change as they cross paths.

7. Guru - 2007

When biopics weren't even a thing, it was Mani Ratnam to take a bold step and narrate a story on the life of business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani. This is the story of a village boy who goes on to become one of India's richest, most successful businessmen. The movie was headlined by Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

8. Raavan - 2010

The film received mixed reviews and even faced protests in Sri Lanka. While a lot of people found this Mani Ratnam film average, it still continues to be a cult cinematic experience for many.

Raavaan was a modern-day take on the Indian mythology Ramayana but from the devil's point of view. If you are a movie buff and want to witness Ratnam's magic, the Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan starrer is a visual delight.

Radio City wishes Mani Ratnam a very happy birthday.