Mani Ratnam, the leading movie maker of South India, is one of the few movie makers of India who bother to choose contemporary or realistic themes. Known for his astute sense of camera, Mani Ratnam, works out perfect recipe for all audiences in India(and sometimes for abroad too).
His rich repertoire include
- Nayagan - the story of a Mumbai underworld don - heavily inspired by the Godfather.
- Mouna Raagam - the story of a girl tormented between the memories of her dead lover and the love of her new husband.
- Iruvar - the story revolves around two close friends, who later become arch rivals in politics. The characters have striking resemblences to Tamil Nadu's Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and Karunanidhi.
- Anjali - a story of a little autistic child.
- Thalapathi - Mani's tribute to friendship.
- Geethanjali - Depicts how love becomes a bondage to ruin the joy of living when restricted to physical level
- Roja - Set amidst the Kashmir Millitancy problem, a South Indian wife fights to get back her kidnapped husband.
- Bombay - exposes 1992 Bombay blasts/rites and the religious leaders beyond them.
- Dil Se - This time Mani moves to North-east infiltration problems.
- Alaipayuthe - Explores the difference between the pre-marital "attraction" and post-marital "love"
- Kannathil Muthamittal - The Lankans get their turn.
AR Rahman composes music for his movies. Maestro Ilaiayaraja was his ex-composer.
See also: Indian film