Director Mani Ratnam: A Master Storyteller Whose Films Breathe with Soul – Wishing Him a Very Happy Birthday!

Bollywood and South Indian film director Gopala Ratnam Subramaniam, professionally known as Mani Ratnam, is celebrating his 69th birthday today, June 2.

By Priyanka Yadav 02 Jun 2025 in Birthday Special

New Update

Listen to this article

0.75x 1x 1.5x

00:00 / 00:00

Wishing a heartfelt happy birthday to the artisan of cinema whose stories make hearts beat, give voice to society, and embody beauty — Mani Ratnam, a name that has transformed Indian cinema from mere entertainment to a resounding emotional and aesthetic experience.

Celebrating Mani Ratnam: Iconic Films of a Legend

Pallavi Anu Pallavi (1983)

Born on June 2, 1956, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Mani Ratnam began his film career in 1983 with Pallavi Anu Pallavi. In 1998, he made his Hindi film debut with Dil Se. Since then, he has directed several iconic films, proving his creative brilliance on the global stage. On the occasion of his birthday, here’s a look at some of his most celebrated works.

Geethanjali (1989)

This was one of Mani Ratnam’s finest films, starring superstar Nagarjuna and Girija Shettar in lead roles. It was a box office success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.

Thalapathi (1991)

Featuring Rajinikanth and Mammootty in leading roles, this film also starred Jayashankar and Amrish Puri in key parts. A superhit at the box office, Thalapathi is considered one of Rajinikanth’s best performances under Mani Ratnam’s direction.

Roja (1992)

Starring Arvind Swamy and Madhoo, Roja remains one of Mani Ratnam’s most powerful and critically acclaimed films. The soundtrack by A.R. Rahman was a massive hit. Reportedly made on a budget of ₹1 crore, the film grossed ₹5.6 crore.

Bombay (1995)

A masterpiece directed by Mani Ratnam, Bombay featured Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala in lead roles. Based on the Mumbai riots, the film won two National Awards and grossed ₹14.02 crore worldwide on a budget of ₹2.7 crore, according to IMDb.

Dil Se (1998)

Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Manisha Koirala, Dil Se is still widely loved. According to Sacnilk, it earned ₹24.45 crore worldwide on a budget of ₹8 crore.

Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)

A heart-wrenching story about an adopted girl, this film starred R. Madhavan and won six National Awards including Best Feature Film, Best Music Direction, and Best Editing. It went on to win a total of 40 awards.

Guru (2007)

Directed by Mani Ratnam, Guru starred Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film was released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Made on a budget of ₹22 crore, it earned ₹82.40 crore worldwide.

Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 (2022), Part 2 (2023)

This historical epic directed by Mani Ratnam featured Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Sarath Kumar. According to Sacnilk, Part 1 was made on a ₹250 crore budget and earned ₹488.36 crore globally, while Part 2 grossed ₹344.63 crore worldwide.

Honors and Awards

Mani Ratnam has received numerous accolades for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema, including six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and six Filmfare Awards South. In 2002, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. Besides being a director and producer, he is also a screenwriter.

When a Bomb Was Thrown at Mani Ratnam’s House

After the release of Bombay in 1995, based on the Babri Masjid riots, the film — starring Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala — received critical acclaim but also faced backlash. It was banned in Singapore and Malaysia. Tragically, Mani Ratnam’s house was bombed in protest, and he was hospitalized due to injuries. Authorities suspected Islamic extremists were behind the attack.

Personal Life

Mani Ratnam’s wife, Suhasini, is a former actress and now a successful director. When he first proposed to her, she declined, saying she was a traditional woman interested in marriage rather than relationships. However, they later married in 1988 and welcomed a son, Nandan Mani Ratnam, in 1992. Nandan is currently studying political science and has no interest in filmmaking.

Upcoming Project: Thug Life

Mani Ratnam's upcoming film Thug Life is set to release on June 5, 2025. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Ali Fazal, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, and Pankaj Tripathi.

Warmest birthday wishes to Mani Ratnam Sir! Your films have redefined Indian cinema — blending emotion, aesthetics, and social relevance into unforgettable stories. You are truly a visionary storyteller.

Read also:

#Thug Life first look #Thug Life official trailer #Thug Life trailer #Thug Life update #Thug Life #Mani Ratnam Thug Life #mani ratnam film #Directed by Mani Ratnam #bombay mani ratnam #ar rahman mani ratnam #Mani Ratnam

Advertisment