In a grand celebration of the brilliance of ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam, G5A recently hosted a three-day retrospective on him titled A Retrospective of Mani Ratnam: Celebrating Four Decades of Cinematic Excellence. The event showcased the legendary filmmaker’s artistry through a visual journey curated alongside some of his most iconic cinematographers. The retrospective witnessed a star-studded presence with the attendance of Abhishek Bachchan, Vasan Bala, Bejoy Nambiar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Santosh Sivan, and more. Amid this celebration, acclaimed filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, in an exclusive conversation with The Movie Mail, shared his deep admiration and learnings from Mani Ratnam’s illustrious career.
First Encounter with Excellence
Nikkhil, known for creating some award-winning movies and shows like Kal Ho Naa Ho, D-Day, Mumbai Diaries 26/11, Rocket Boys, and Freedom at Midnight, recalls that his first brush with Mani Ratnam’s brilliance came through the Hindi-dubbed version of Roja.
“The film blew my mind on every level—whether it was the incredible music, the picturisation, or the equation between Rishi and Liaqat, the terrorist,” he remembers. “The last scene, where their conversation unveils a perspective we never thought of, was an absolute eye-opener for me. After that, I went back and explored his earlier works through Hindi-dubbed versions. It was always a journey of discovery for me, unlike Bejoy Nambiar, who perhaps had the language advantage.”
Crafting Grey Characters: Lessons from Mani Ratnam
When asked if he draws inspiration from Mani Ratnam’s knack for portraying characters in shades of grey, Nikkhil told TMM, “Life is not black and white; it’s always in the grey,”. He further shared, “Mani sir’s films like Nayakan, Roja, or Bombay, have multi-layered characters that ask difficult questions—ones that require courage to even voice. Watching his films taught me how to be brave in crafting such narratives.”
Ratnam’s flair for balancing mainstream entertainment with hard-hitting questions is another aspect that has influenced Nikkhil. “He has given us beautiful songs, memorable love stories, and visual spectacles, while still addressing pressing social issues. Striking that balance is no easy feat, but his films are a masterclass in doing so,” he mentioned.
Lessons from a Maestro
Although Nikkhil has had limited personal interaction with Mani Ratnam, the lessons he learnt from his craft are profound. “I’ve exchanged maybe 10 sentences with him, and every word counts,” he shared. “He walks into a room not exuding the air of a master, yet commands attention. When he speaks, it’s with clarity and conviction. That’s the biggest takeaway for me—do everything with conviction, no matter what.”
Dreams of a Remake
During the course of the conversation, Nikkhil also informed that if given the opportunity, he would love to reinterpret two of Ratnam’s classics – Roja and Bombay. “With Bombay, I could continue the thematic exploration I did with Mumbai Diaries 26/11. The way he weaved a love story amid communal riots, using music, drama, and social conflict, was breathtaking,” he explained.
“Roja fascinates me for how it tackled the Kashmir conflict. The film’s depth, especially the conversations that explore the terrorist’s perspective, is unparalleled. Who else dares to bring such nuance to mainstream cinema?”, he said.
Mani Ratnam’s Enduring Legacy
As Mani Ratnam’s cinematic journey was celebrated in the retrospective, voices like Nikkhil Advani’s serve as a testament to his profound influence. Whether it’s his courage in storytelling, his multifaceted characters, or his seamless blend of art and entertainment, Mani Ratnam remains a beacon for filmmakers who aspire to push the boundaries in cinema. The G5A retrospective was not just an ode to Mani Ratnam’s brilliance but also a reminder of his unparalleled legacy in shaping the cinematic narrative across decades.
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