What makes a Mani Ratnam film

When the crowd settles, the light dims, the dreamy shaft of ray hits the screen, and the words appear, 'A film by Mani Ratnam.' It is not to announce the creator's name but to remind you that what is in store is a singular vision.

- TEAM CE

Characters speak in hushed tones and with poetic minimalism, themes rich enough to rival mythology, a vivid and honest dissection of modern relationships, the powers that make and unmake them, and frames lit with intent and precision. These are but some aspects which are unmistakably Mani Ratnam.

With a rich and versatile filmography that extends across decades, Mani Ratnam keeps reinventing himself. From capturing how love blossoms even within the mechanical shackles of an arranged marriage system in Mouna Ragam to portraying the chaotic trepidations inherent in a live-in relationship in OK Kanmani, the director evolves with the times. However, like Van Gogh captures a starry night and a wheat field with the same colours, Mani Ratnam captures his evolving ideas through his signature vision. A vision that makes him one of the greatest auteurs of Indian cinema. But, as curious rays of carefully selected photons make up the shaft of light inside a theatre, Mani Ratnam's vision is made up of several distinct characteristics. And here we try to unravel some.

Game of Thrones In a key scene in Game of Thrones, a character says, "Power lies where men believe it lies." Mani Ratnam wonderfully expands on this in his films, as we see how symbols of power create chaos. In Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, as Senapathy (Prakashraj) dies, the camera doesn't focus on him; it hauntingly looms over his sofa, a sign that his passing is immaterial and people will care more about the next person on the chair.

In Iruvar, as Tamilchelvan (Prakashraj) is elected Chief Minister, we see him enter the office of the CM, but the focus is on the CM's chair. He looks at the chair fondly. Now, his fame, political power, and his oratory skills all converge on that chair. And remember Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) looking at the throne in Ponniyin Selvan with steely fondness?