The Lasting Impact of Mani Ratnam's Early Masterpieces

Mani Ratnam is a visionary filmmaker whose early works left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. With a unique blend of emotional storytelling, political undertones, compelling characters, and technical finesse, his films redefined how stories were told in Tamil and Indian cinema. Here's a look at some of his most impactful early films and why they resonated so strongly with audiences.

Mani Ratnam’s breakthrough film, Mouna Ragam, explored the emotional complexity of a woman caught between her past love and an arranged marriage. With Revathi’s strong-willed portrayal and subtle, real-world relationship dynamics, the film broke stereotypes around female characters. Ilaiyaraaja’s soulful music and the director’s nuanced approach to emotional storytelling made it a classic that connected with modern audiences.

Inspired by The Godfather, Nayakan starred Kamal Haasan in a career-defining role as Velu Nayakar, a slum-dwelling don fighting for justice. The film blended crime, emotion, and socio-political commentary in a way that had rarely been attempted in Tamil cinema. With P.C. Sreeram’s stunning cinematography and Ilaiyaraaja’s iconic score, Nayakan became an epic that still ranks among India’s finest films.

This film about two half-brothers brought a youthful energy that Tamil cinema hadn’t seen before. With its use of stylized lighting, dynamic camera work, and an electrifying soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja, Agni Natchathiram set new technical benchmarks. It was a bold experiment that paid off, especially with younger audiences who loved its kinetic energy and modern aesthetics.

A Telugu-language film, Geethanjali was a departure from Ratnam’s urban settings. It was a romantic drama about two terminally ill people who fall in love. The film touched hearts with its delicate treatment of death, youthful exuberance, and breathtaking visuals shot in Ooty. It showcased Ratnam’s ability to balance sentiment with restraint.

In Anjali, Ratnam told the story of a mentally challenged child through the lens of a middle-class family. The film was praised for its compassionate portrayal of disability and its emotional resonance. With brilliant performances from child actors and a haunting background score, Anjali raised awareness while touching hearts.

Loosely based on the Mahabharata, Thalapathi featured Rajinikanth and Mammootty in an intense tale of friendship, loyalty, and fate. The film merged mythology with modern storytelling, set in the underworld, and delivered powerful drama backed by Ilaiyaraaja’s stirring music. It showcased Ratnam’s command over layered narratives and moral ambiguity.

With Roja, Mani Ratnam moved into national consciousness. A story of love and patriotism set against the backdrop of terrorism in Kashmir, Roja resonated deeply with Indian audiences. A.R. Rahman’s debut music composition became a cultural phenomenon, and the film’s political message, wrapped in a love story, made it both accessible and impactful.

One of his most courageous films, Bombay tackled the Hindu-Muslim riots through a personal love story. Despite controversy, the film won acclaim for its humanity, balanced portrayal of religious tensions, and compelling music. It was part of Mani Ratnam’s "terrorism trilogy" and proved that socially conscious cinema could also be commercially successful.

Though not a huge hit commercially, Dil Se.. later gained cult status for its visual poetry, dark romance, and unforgettable songs. With Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, Ratnam examined themes of obsession, insurgency, and longing. The song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” on top of a moving train became a cultural milestone.

While slightly beyond the "early" period, this film embodies the essence of what made his earlier works powerful. It dealt with adoption, identity, and civil war in Sri Lanka — all seen through the lens of a child. Mani Ratnam once again showed his knack for tackling heavy subjects with empathy and visual beauty.

Mani Ratnam’s early films succeeded because they combined the soul of Indian storytelling with the craft of world cinema. He challenged conventions, introduced groundbreaking music and visuals, and addressed bold social themes — all while entertaining his audience. These films remain timeless, not just for their craft, but for their emotional and cultural impact.