· movies · 19 min read
All 47 Mani Ratnam Movies (in Order)
Get ready to dive into the world of Mani Ratnam, the visionary director known for his thought-provoking and socially relevant films. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the cinematic magic he’s brought to life through his various movies. From his early works to the latest releases, we’re here to give you a comprehensive roundup of Mani Ratnam’s movie masterpieces. So, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
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1. Unaroo (1984)
Unaroo, ” a compelling 1984 Indian drama movie, follows a dedicated group of workers who challenge their union leaders in a quest to bring a new factory to life. Directed by Mani Ratnam and written by T.
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2. Idaya Kovil (1985)
Idaya Kovil, ” a drama-romance film from 1985, showcases the life of Shankar, a rising singer who experiences heartache when he loses his love, Gowri, to suicide. The plot focuses on Shankar’s journey to fame and the unexpected friendship that develops with Surya, a college girl who harbors feelings of her own. This moving narrative explores themes of unrequited love, spirituality, and the complexity of human emotions.
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3. Pagal Nilavu (1985)
Pagal Nilavu (1985) is a captivating romantic crime drama that takes its viewers on an exhilarating journey of love and intrigue. Set in the picturesque backdrop of a village, the story revolves around the complex relationships between the village overlord’s loyal henchman and the policeman’s sister. As the two lead characters fall in love, the intense emotions and forbidden alliances lead to a web of melodrama and unexpected twists.
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4. Mouna Ragam (1986)
Mouna Ragam, a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss from 1986, follows the story of Divya, a woman devastated by the death of her lover. Faced with societal pressure, Divya is reluctantly persuaded into an arranged marriage with Chandra Kumar.
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5. Nayakan (1987)
Embark on an unforgettable cinematic journey with Nayakan, a 1987 Indian crime drama that delves into the captivating world of a mafia kingpin. The film follows the life of a common man who, driven by the corruption of the police force, fights for justice and becomes a powerful don.
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6. Agni Natchathiram (1988)
Agni Natchathiram is a gripping Indian crime drama film set in 1988 that holds a special place in the hearts of many film enthusiasts. Directed and written by the acclaimed Mani Ratnam, the movie brilliantly explores the complexities of love, hate, and fatherhood.
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7. Geethanjali (1989)
Geethanjali, a riveting drama romance from 1989, tells the tale of a terminally ill young man, Prakash, and a spirited girl named Geethanjali. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a foggy hill station, the film unfolds as the two characters bond, their love blossoming amidst the chilly air. However, a sinister shadow looms over the love story, casting doubt on Geethanjali’s true intentions.
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8. Anjali (1990)
Anjali” is a captivating drama film released in 1990, directed by Mani Ratnam and written by Mani Ratnam and Javed Siddiqui. The movie stars Shamili, Revathi, and Raghuvaran in the lead roles. It is a story of a family faced with the tragedy of their child’s mental illness, which they hadn’t known existed for years.
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9. Thalapathi (1991)
In the riveting 1991 Indian action-crime drama “Thalapathi, ” an abandoned infant, Surya, grows up in a bustling slum, eventually forming a strong bond with a benevolent crime boss named Devaraj. As they navigate the treacherous streets of their world, their peaceful existence is threatened by the arrival of an honest district collector. Set against the backdrop of the Mahabharata, “Thalapathi” masterfully captures the gritty realities of the slums and the power struggle that ensues.
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10. Roja (1992)
Roja” is a gripping romantic drama set against the backdrop of Kashmir in 1992. The film centers around the story of Roja, a rural Tamil Nadu woman who marries a dashing city dweller named Ravi, and together they move to the serene landscape of Kashmir. Despite their blissful beginning, their lives take a sinister turn as Ravi is abducted by militants.
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11. Kasak (1992)
Kasak” is a deeply compelling Indian drama-romance film from 1992, directed by K. Bapaiah and written by Mani Ratnam. The heartfelt story revolves around Divya, a woman who lost her beloved Suraj and, to preserve family honor, decides to marry Vijay.
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12. Gaayam (1993)
Gaayam, originally released in 1993, is a gripping drama that explores the complexities of human relationships and the corrupt underbelly of politics. The story follows Durga, a young man about to marry Anitha, as he becomes entangled in a web of crime, politics, and violence. When Durga’s brother is killed by a powerful MLA, he is forced to navigate the dangerous world of mafia retaliation and corrupt politicians.
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13. Thiruda Thiruda (1993)
Thiruda Thiruda, ” directed by Mani Ratnam, is a thrilling crime drama that takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride filled with action and suspense. Set in 1993, this gripping movie follows an Inspector as he embarks on a mission to recover a substantial amount of stolen money.
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14. Indira (1995)
Indira, under the direction of Suhasini, is an impassioned drama that transports audiences to a rural India torn apart by inter-village rivalries. The titular character, played by Anuradha Hasan, is an unassuming village belle who emerges as a beacon of hope, fighting tirelessly for the rights of her fellow villagers. As the conflicts escalate, Indira uses her wit, courage, and charm to unite the warring factions.
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15. Aasai (1995)
Aasai, released in 1995, is a fascinating Drama, Romance, and Thriller movie from India. The film, directed by Vasanth and written by Sankar Raman and Vasanth, stars Ajith Kumar, Suvalakshmi, and Prakash Raj.
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16. Bombay (1995)
Bombay” is a compelling drama-romance set in the 1990s, exploring the complexities of love and religious tensions. The film unfolds in a small village, where a Hindu man and a Muslim woman fall deeply in love. They move to the bustling city of Mumbai, starting a new life and raising two children.
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17. Fire (1996)
Fire” (1996) is a potent drama that delves into the lives of two women who find themselves abandoned by their husbands. The movie explores the themes of repression and the unconventional bonds that form between people when they are at their most vulnerable.
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18. Iruvar (1997)
Iruvar” is an engrossing Tamil film from 1997 that has managed to endure the test of time. Set in the world of politics and cinema, the movie follows the journey of two friends, played by Mohanlal and Prakash Raj, who start from humble beginnings and reach new heights in their respective fields. However, as their ambitions rise, a rift emerges between them, which culminates in a gripping political race.
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19. Nerukku Ner (1997)
Nerukku Ner, a thrilling Tamil drama released in 1997, explores the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and personal struggles. Directed and written by Vasanth, the film features Joseph Vijay, Suriya, and Kousalya in starring roles.
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20. Dil Se.. (1998)
Dil Se. . is a captivating drama-romance film that explores the intense and passionate world of love. Directed and co-written by Mani Ratnam, the film follows the life of a radio broadcaster, Amar (played by Shah Rukh Khan), who is deeply attracted to a mysterious woman, Meghna (Manisha Koirala). As the pair embark on a journey filled with incredible emotions and desires, they discover the true meaning of love, loss, and the power of passion.
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21. Taj Mahal (1999)
Taj Mahal” is an enchanting romance film from 1999, directed by Bharathiraja and penned by Mani Ratnam. Set against the backdrop of two warring families and villages, the movie revolves around the love story of Maayan and Machakanni. Their hearts are instantly captivated by each other, but an intense clash between their families threatens to keep them apart.
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22. Chandrodaya (1999)
Experience the captivating journey of “Chandrodaya, ” a mesmerizing 1999 Kannada drama film. Directed by S. Mahendar and written by the talented Mani Ratnam, this movie stars Ramesh Aravind, Avinash, and Ramesh Bhat in leading roles. Set in India and running for a lengthy yet satisfying 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film seamlessly blends intense emotions with riveting drama, keeping the viewers engrossed throughout its runtime.
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23. Alai Payuthey (2000)
Alai Payuthey” is a gripping romantic drama set against the backdrop of social differences in India. Directed by Mani Ratnam, this compelling film follows a tumultuous journey of love as it unfolds against the harsh realities of a class-divided society. The movie stars Madhavan and Shalini in captivating performances, while Swarnamalya adds depth to the narrative through her poignant portrayal of a software engineer.
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24. Dum Dum Dum (2001)
Dum Dum Dum, released in 2001, is a romantic comedy that follows the journey of Adityan and Ganga. Both characters have reservations about getting married, but face unexpected challenges when it comes to their wedding plans. As they struggle to break free from societal pressures, they eventually meet in the city, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comedic mishaps.
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25. Five Star (2002)
Five Star” tells the story of Prabhu, Ilango, Sundar, Priya, and Indra, five best friends who promise to never lose touch after graduating college. Although they successfully land jobs at the same company, fate has different plans for Ilango as his tyrannical father forces him into an unwanted marriage.
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26. Saathiya (2002)
Saathiya, ” a touching drama, follows the story of a couple, Aman and Suhani, who elope and settle down, hoping that their love is all they need. However, their journey only begins as they face numerous challenges, including Suhani’s complicated relationship with her sister, the impact of a tragic accident, and the complexities of their own love story.
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27. Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
Kannathil Muthamittal, ” the unrated 2002 Indian film, presents a captivating tale of a young girl’s quest to discover her real mother. With a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes, this emotionally charged drama-war film is directed by Mani Ratnam and written by Sujatha Rangarajan, Mani Ratnam, and Sujatha.
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28. Maqbool (2003)
Maqbool” is a riveting thriller based on the classic Shakespearean tragedy, ‘Macbeth. ’ Set against the backdrop of the bustling Mumbai underworld, this intriguing tale follows the life of Maqbool, a skilled assassin with a tragic past. Caught amidst a web of deception and power struggles, Maqbool is torn between his loyalty to his boss, Abbaji, and his growing affection for his mistress, Shagufta.
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29. Annavru (2003)
Annavru, a poignant drama released in 2003, revolves around the story of Surya, a boy who was abandoned by his 14-year-old unwed mother Nirmala after birth. Growing up in the harsh environment of the slums, Surya befriends a local criminal leader named Anna. Through this friendship, a compelling tale of love, loss, and redemption unfolds.
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30. Black Friday (2004)
Black Friday, ” directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a gripping drama that depicts the investigation following the 1993 Bombay bombings. This harrowing account unfolds through the interwoven stories of police officers, conspirators, victims, and middlemen, ultimately unveiling the complex and brutal aftermath of a devastating event that left the city in ruins. The film stars Kay Kay Menon, Pawan Malhotra, and Aditya Srivastav, and has received an 8.4 IMDb rating from over 21,000 votes.
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31. Yuva (2004)
Yuva, a compelling drama directed by Mani Ratnam, revolves around three men from diverse backgrounds who intersect in the bustling city of Calcutta. Michael, a goon, Arjun, a youth leader, and Lallan, a teenager, each have their own unique pursuits and aspirations. As fate unfolds, their paths cross on a bridge, altering the course of their lives forever.
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32. Aayitha Ezhuthu (2004)
Aayitha Ezhuthu”, a riveting Indian film released in 2004, delves into the lives of three men whose paths intertwine after an accident at the Napier Bridge in Chennai. Directed by the visionary Mani Ratnam, the film masterfully explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the power of chance encounters.
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33. Guru (2007)
Guru” is a sweeping Indian drama that explores the rise of an ambitious villager named Gurukant Desai, played by Mithun Chakraborty, to become the biggest tycoon in Indian history. Set in 1958 Bombay, Guru navigates the challenging world of business and politics, creating a powerful empire that shakes the very foundations of traditional society. Directed by the esteemed Mani Ratnam, this compelling film also stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
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34. Raavanan (2010)
Raavanan, an Indian action adventure drama, follows the captivating and tumultuous journey between two unlikely lovers. The story takes off with a notorious bandit chief named Ravana, who spirals into chaos when he crosses paths with the wife of the policeman who had killed his beloved sister. In a twist of fate, the bandit leader develops deep feelings for his captor’s spouse, challenging the age-old battle between good versus evil.
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35. Raavan (2010)
In the thrilling 2010 film Raavan, viewers are taken on a wild rollercoaster ride of action, adventure, and drama. Set in the stunning landscape of India, the plot revolves around a bandit leader who, fueled by a sense of revenge, abducts the wife of the policeman responsible for killing his beloved sister. However, as fate would have it, the bandit falls in love with the very woman he sought to avenge.
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36. Urumi: The Warriors Who Wanted to Kill Vasco Da Gama (2011)
Urumi, directed by Santosh Sivan, is a gripping action-drama set in 16th century Kerala. Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar, a passionate warrior, is on a mission to avenge his father’s death at the hands of Vasco da Gama and his soldiers. Alongside his loyal friend Vavvali and the fearless warrior princess Ayesha, this trio seeks to right the wrongs of the past.
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37. Kadal (2013)
In the gripping crime drama Kadal, Arjun Sarja plays a wrongdoer who finds himself caught in the crosshairs of the man who revealed his crimes. Directed by Mani Ratnam, this intense story of betrayal and retribution delves into the complex dynamics of human relationships.
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38. Thalaivaa (2013)
Thalaivaa, released in 2013, is a visceral action-packed film that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. It brings together elements of crime, drama, and revenge, giving you a thrilling cinematic experience.
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39. O Kadhal Kanmani (2015)
O Kadhal Kanmani” is a heartfelt drama that tells the story of two young lovers, Krish and Tara, who are compatible in every way and dismiss the idea of marriage as a waste of time. Surrounded by a close-knit family, they observe the unconditional love between an elderly couple living with them, which stirs emotions within Krish and Tara that they cannot easily manage. Told through the vibrant backdrop of Chennai, the film showcases their journey through young love, while highlighting the complexities of human emotions.
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40. OK Jaanu (2017)
OK Jaanu” is a romantic drama film released in 2017, directed by Shaad Ali and featuring the talented pair of Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in lead roles. The story revolves around two ambitious individuals, Adi and Tara, who move to Mumbai to chase their dreams.
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41. Kaatru Veliyidai (2017)
Kaatru Veliyidai” is a 2017 Tamil film that captures the hearts of its audience with its emotional journey and poignant narrative. Directed by renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam, the movie stars Karthi and Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead roles. The story revolves around fighter pilot Varun, who recalls his romance with Leela while being held captive in Pakistan during the Kargil War.
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42. Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018)
Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, released in 2018, is a gripping action, crime, and drama film that explores a family torn by fraternal rift. After the demise of their father, three brothers find themselves in a brutal power struggle as they compete to inherit the family business. The intensity of the plot is evident from the fact that there is no specific rating indicated due to graphic imagery and intense violence. At 2 hours and 26 minutes, this movie is not for the faint-hearted.
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43. Vaanam Kottattum (2020)
Vaanam Kottattum is a deeply moving drama that tells the story of a simple father whose life takes a drastic turn after one fatal mistake. Years later, he finally reunites with his family, only for his past to resurface in the form of a painful twist. The film is expertly crafted by director Dhana Sekaran and screenwriters Mani Ratnam and Dhana Sekaran, who bring the family’s complex emotional journey to life.
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44. Putham Pudhu Kaalai (2020)
Experience the cinematic magic of Putham Pudhu Kaalai, a groundbreaking anthology film bringing together five renowned Tamil directors! . This unprecedented collaboration, featuring Sudha Kongara, Gautham Menon, Suhasini Mani Ratman, Rajiv Menon, and Karthik Subbaraj, was created exclusively for Amazon Prime Video.
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45. Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)
Embark on an epic journey with Ponniyin Selvan: Part I, a grand spectacle that combines action, adventure, and drama. Set in the Chola kingdom, this gripping tale unfolds as Vandiyathevan embarks on a daring mission to deliver a crucial message from Crown Prince Aditha Karikalan. Meanwhile, Kundavai grapples with the challenges of maintaining political peace amidst a brewing power struggle.
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46. Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two (2023)
Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two” is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 historical drama “Ponniyin Selvan: Part One. ” Directed by the renowned Mani Ratnam, the film continues to delve into the life of Arulmozhi Varman, who strives to become the greatest ruler of the historic Chola empire located in South India.
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47. Chithha (2023)
Chithha, ” a heart-wrenching drama-thriller, released in 2023 and directed by S. U. Arun Kumar, follows a man who raises his niece as his own daughter. The film weaves a captivating story of love, family, and the unimaginable when the young girl goes missing.
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That’s All Folks!
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