The Recurring Themes in Mani Ratnam’s Films

Team FC

Realistic love stories

In Mani Ratnam's films, we see the protagonists plagued by hurdles that are easy to understand. The conflict is not far-fetched and is rooted in a reality where grief is the remnant of love. The director's Mouna Ragam is a testament to the same.

Ambitious male characters

The men in Ratnam's films are often driven by power, keen on proving their worth to the world. Films like Guru and Iruvar have men who measure their value by the control they have.

Independent female characters

For characters like Tara from O Kadhal Kanmani, career is the priority. They don't compromise on their futures, don't settle for anything less than they deserve, and manage to find love and success both.

Trains

Whether in O Kadhal Kanmani or Alaipayuthey, the events at the railway station set the stage for the rest of the story. As the train moves forward, so does the journey of the couples in the films.

Reflections

In Ratnam's films, the mirror is used to for multiple purposes. When we witness an interaction through a reflection, it creates the impression that we're imposing on a private conversation. And when we see a character looking at themselves or at their beloved in the mirror, we're given a chance to perceive how they see them. This use of mirrors can be seen in Guru, Roja and Alaipayuthey.

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