No. of Pages : 328 Pages
ISBN : 0670085200 (ISBN13:
9780670085200)
Language : English
From the book blurb
His Nayakan is among
Time’s ‘100 Best Movies Ever’; and Roja launched
A.R. Rahman. This book, unique for Indian cinema, illuminates the genius of the
man behind these and eighteen other masterly films. For the first time ever,
Mani Ratnam opens up here, to Baradwaj Rangan, about his art, as well as his
life before films.
In these freewheeling conversations, candid, witty, pensive, and
sometimes combative, many aspects of his films are explored. Mani elaborates in
a personal vein on his choice of themes, from the knottiness in urban
relationships (Agni Natchatiram) to
the rents in the national fabric (Bombay); his directing of children (Anjali);
his artful use of songs; his innovative use of lighting, as also his making
films in Hindi and other languages. There are fond recollections of
collaborations with stalwarts like Balu Mahendra, P.C. Sreeram, Thotta Tharani,
and Gulzar, among many others. And delectable behind-the-scenes stories—from
the contrasting working styles of the legendary composer Ilayaraja and Rahman
to the unexpected dimensions Kamal Haasan brought to the filming of Nayakan to what Raavan was like when originally conceived. In short, like Mani
Ratnam’s films, Conversations with Mani Ratnam surprises, entertains and
stimulates.
With Rangan’s personal and impassioned introduction setting the
Tamil and national context of the films, and with posters, script pages, and
numerous stills, this book is a sumptuous treat for serious lovers of cinema as
well as the casual moviegoer looking for a peek behind the process.
Author
Baradwaj
Rangan is a well-known film critic. Apart from heading the position of Deputy
Editor of the popular newspaper The Hindu, he also teaches a course on cinema
at the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai.
What I think
I
belong to a generation whose patriotism was evoked by Roja and togetherness by
Bombay… Passion for love by Alaipayuthe
and desire to bring a change by Aaydha Ezhuthu/Yuva. Guru showed how to dream
big while Kannathil Muthamittal
showcased that the grass need not always be greener on the other side. If you
have known me or read my blog for that matter, you might know that I am
obsessed about Alaipayuthe, the
movie. For those who don’t know, I would have watched it more than a hundred
times! (Click here to know more!). Hence, getting hold of
Conversations with Mani Ratnam and understanding the perspectives of the
director sounded relevant for the movie buff in me. When I saw that it is compiled
by Baradwaj Rangan, renowned movie critic, I was excited. After all, I still
remember those Sunday afternoons spent reading his reviews in The Indian Express.
The
book begins with a foreword from none other than AR Rahman. What I liked about
the book is that the chapters are neatly arranged based on the movies directed
by Mani Ratnam in chronological order. It is amazing to know about his early
days of struggle as a director, sources of inspiration, how he decided about
the cast and crew for his films and how he raised from the status of South
Indian director to a Pan-Indian image (especially after Roja). The narrative is in simple question and answer format. As
the director speaks, we understand his films more; his perspectives more. We get
to know that Padmasree Kamal Hassan improvises
scenes and takes them to different level and Superstar Rajinikanth is a director’s actor. Ilayaraja and AR
Rahman have a very distinct style of working. We realize that Mani Ratnam is at
his best when he deals with complex relationships. It is startling to see that
such traits have been there since his first film Pallavi Anupallavi (I have not watched it though. I have also not
watched Geetanjali). Having said that
all other movies indeed deal with one or the other aspect of relationships (I have
watched all others!). The versatility of the director reiterates why he is what
he is!
The
flow of the conversations between Baradwaj Rangan and Mani Ratnam is lucid. The
book restricts itself to the cinematic life of the director without dwelling
into his personal life and turning it into a biography. The director’s humility
to accept his mistakes and agree that he could have done certain things
differently, makes him a role-model.
If
you enjoy movies and if you are a fan of Mani Ratnam movies, don’t miss this
book! I am sure that next time you watch his old movies, you would understand
it better; the intricacies and complexities in it better. You would appreciate
it more. I watched Ravanan again recently
and I saw it through a new angle this time.
Rating
4/5
Hmm , that is not a bad style of critiquing. Enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteI thought Pagal Nilavu was his first film? I have a lot of respect for him and I have been spellbound watching most of his movies at a young age. Need to watch some of his recent movies, though! I want to read this book soon. I'd prefer to listen to it, so will see if an audio book is available.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Ooh, that's impressive. It's always good to get inside great minds.
ReplyDeleteHe is no doubt a genius. Good go.
ReplyDeleteI too remember reading reviews on films by Baradwaj Rangan and have also read his personal interview in metro plus… long back. I too like Mani Ratnam movies and he takes each film with uniqueness and style of his own. I am sure it must be learning experience reading this book and know more about cinema and the way it was shoot. I believe Ravanna has one of the best cinematography I have seen among his film and it’s my most favorite film by Mani. Though I have watched many of his movies, but Bombay or Iruvar was my first film of him to check in theater. Hope to read this book. Well reviewed :)
ReplyDelete