Manis of Mani Ratnam. Review on Five Best Films of Mani Ratnam

Here is a person who eats movies, drinks movies and sleeps movies. For those of you who dont know what 'Mani' means, in some south Indian languages it means a Jewel. Just as his name suggests, he is a Jewel in the crown of Indian movie industry.

While all of his works are masterpieces, some have a lesser overall visibility because of the subject appealing to only a certain subset of the audiences. Technical aspects in his films are beyond perfection, music - very intense and appealing, screenplay - tight, creative and unique, direction - impressive and extraordinary.

'Mouna Raagam'(Revathi, Karthik and Mohan) touches your heart delicately.

'Sakhi' (Alay Payuthe in Tamil, remade in hindi as 'Saathiyan') is a beautiful Poem.

'Roja' was a story narrated in such a manner that its almost impossible for anyone not to notice.

'Bombay' had one of the most precise screenplays ever.

'Donga Donga' (Thiruda Thiruda in Tamil) was creative and so different.

'Anjali' was so simple, sweet, sensitive and humane.

'Geetanjali' was a celebration of life !!

'Dalapati', 'Iddaru'(Iruvar) and 'Kannathil Mutthamittal' are those whose appeal is restricted beyond certain geographical boundaries because of the subjects they handle.

Finally, my top 3 picks from his movies are

3. 'Gharshana' (Agni Nakshatram)

This movie was a sensation when it came out, for more than anything else, its Sleek Treatment. Its from this point onwards that his own trademark signature, his un-matchable 'Style' of Narration and Rendering evolved. Technical aspects were Amazing. Music was a treat and performances were such that the Characters could be seen and felt. This pick for its initiation of a great style of movie-making.

2. 'Dil Se'

An Epic which walks through a constant battle between Eternal Love and Human Hatred. Unbelievable depiction of this apparent conflict came along with an Abstraction of certain details, which limited the appeal of the movie to some audiences only. People who liked it just Loved it and People who didnt just hated it. Certain moments of the movie challenge the depths of Gulzars Lyrics. Music was an absolute treat to the ears and the Song picturizations, to the eyes. Locales and Cinematography were simply Spell-bounding. Shah Rukh Khan excels with his devilishly passionate portrayal of one of the most difficult roles and Manisha wont allow to notice her over the Character. Background music was like a continuos flow of water. The Intensity grows on you as the story unfolds and reaches an inescapable bitter destiny.

The movie belongs to the Genre of 'Guide', 'Khamoshi' (old, black & white), 'Lamhe' etc which were atleast a decade early of their times !

1. 'Nayakudu' (Nayakan)

A tale so Beautifully Narrated and yet so Realistic and Hard-Hitting. A Biography of an Underworld don, which takes us through different unexpected phases of his Life. You feel like everything is happening is front of your eyes and the main protagonist is suddenly so familiar as your immediate neighbor. Wonderfully scripted, Heartily portrayed and Flawlessly Depicted - A TRUE MASTERPIECE !