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Key Points

Mani Ratnam opens up about why he's considered a dream director for actors. He emphasizes the importance of mutual creative satisfaction in collaborations. The filmmaker is reuniting with Kamal Haasan after three decades for 'Thug Life'. Ratnam praises Haasan's writing contributions that make the creative process smoother.

Key Points: Mani Ratnam on Being Dream Director and Reuniting With Kamal Haasan

  • Mani Ratnam discusses his selective approach to collaborations
  • Reunites with Kamal Haasan after 30 years for 'Thug Life'
  • Shares insights on actor-director creative synergy
  • Film features ensemble cast including Trisha and Ali Fazal
3 min read

Can't just take film because they...: Mani Ratnam on actors dubbing him dream director

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam shares insights on his selective process with actors and his upcoming reunion with Kamal Haasan in 'Thug Life'.

"I can't just take a film because they want to work with me. I should be able to give them something. – Mani Ratnam"

Chennai, May 22

Over the past 40 years, veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has not only woven cinematic spells with thought-provoking narratives in different languages but also shaped the careers of numerous actors.

In fact, time and again, many artistes, especially newcomers, have expressed their wish to collaborate with him and learn the art of filmmaking. He is amongst the dream directors every actor in the Indian film industry desires to work with.

During a recent interview with ANI, Mani Ratnam got candid about being called a "dream director".

"Some people would like the dream to remain a dream," he quipped.

Explaining his collaborative process with the actors, Mani Ratnam added, "So, it's not like you wanting to work with several actors ..(It's a two-way process) But that just shows how much you appreciate their talent and how much they like this kind of film. You should have something, especially if they really like to work with you."

"I should have something to offer," he said.

The 'Kannathil Muthamittal' director feels he should have something substantial to offer to actors when they collaborate with him.

"I can't just take a film because they want to work with me. I should be able to give them something a little more or almost as good as what they've done before," he said.

Mani Ratnam has worked with a gamut of actors including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and R Madhavan among others.

His upcoming film 'Thug Life' will see him reuniting with Kamal Haasan after three decades. They previously collaborated on 1987 film 'Nayakan'.

When he was asked about the grand reunion with Kamal Haasan and any changes he found in him, Mani Ratnam laughed as he replied, "He (Kamal Haasan) is also a writer. So, he takes half the blame or half the credit"

"But it's nice..You can collaborate not just on the making but on the thought process itself, on what the content is and how it can be developed and how it can be finished. The whole process becomes easy. As a director, it's a pleasure when you have an actor who's very good.Now, if you have an actor who also writes with you, it's even more easier," he shared.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ6Gr1UxD5G/?igsh=MWppMngxYWNoaXU1dg==

Co-written by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, 'Thug Life' is set to be released in theatres on June 5

The film also features Trisha Krishnan, Sanya Malhotra, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, and Rohit Saraf.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Mani sir's humility is what makes him truly great! Even after 40 years, he still feels he needs to offer something substantial to actors. That's why his films have such depth. Can't wait for Thug Life! 🤩
R
Rahul S.
Interesting how he sees collaboration as a two-way street. Most directors just want actors to follow orders blindly. His partnership with Kamal Haasan after 30 years is going to be fire! Nayakan was legendary.
A
Ananya M.
While I admire Mani Ratnam's work, I wish he would give more opportunities to fresh talent instead of always working with established stars. The industry needs new faces too!
V
Vikram J.
His comment about Kamal Haasan taking "half the blame or half the credit" shows such mutual respect between legends. This is how creative partnerships should be - no ego clashes!
S
Shalini R.
Mani Ratnam's films are like fine wine - they get better with time. Even his 20-year-old movies feel relevant today. Hope Thug Life maintains his golden touch! ❤️
K
Karthik N.
The way he balances commercial elements with meaningful storytelling is unmatched. From Roja to PS-1, he's proved you don't need to dumb down content for box office success.

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