Mani Ratnam’s female characters are not just roles played on screen; they are fully-fledged personalities with depth, conviction, and an undeniable presence. His heroines are headstrong, short-tempered, witty, and sometimes lost in their own world of dreams—a fascinating blend of strength and vulnerability.
Take Roja (from Roja), for example, who is unwavering in her determination to bring her husband back from militants, facing each challenge with quiet strength. Or Shaila Bano (from Bombay), who embodies resilience as she navigates the turbulence of communal riots while fiercely protecting her family. Then there’s Divya (from Mouna Ragam), who stands her ground and speaks her mind even in the face of societal expectations, her heart constantly in conflict between past love and present duty. Meghna (from Dil Se), the epitome of mystery and inner turmoil, is torn between love and a cause greater than herself. And Tara (from OK Kanmani), the modern woman who balances her career aspirations with her deep emotional connections, is fiercely independent yet tender, making her journey through love and life deeply relatable.
Each of these characters reflects a part of me, as if Mani Ratnam saw into the heart of every woman and brought out her essence on screen. These women are flawed, passionate, and strong—they are everything that society often tries to simplify, but Mani Ratnam refuses to reduce.
Being this way also made me a hopeless romantic, and I blame him entirely for that! His heroines fall deeply in love, but not in the superficial way often portrayed in cinema. Their love is complex, layered with challenges, misunderstandings, and, most importantly, respect.
The men in Mani Ratnam’s films are equally compelling, and their qualities only fuel the romantic in me. There’s Amarkant Varma (from Dil Se), whose obsession with love leads him on a perilous journey, fighting against fate itself. Arjun (from Alaipayuthey) is a mix of youthful arrogance and genuine affection, struggling to balance his love life with the realities of marriage. Velu Nayakan (from Nayakan) is a man of principles, driven by justice, yet constantly haunted by the cost of his choices. Aadi (from OK Kanmani) is the embodiment of modern love—free-spirited, supportive, and willing to grow alongside his partner, yet realistic about the challenges that come with love and commitment. These heroes aren’t perfect—they are human, with flaws and virtues that make their love stories all the more poignant.
Mani Ratnam gave me the confidence to be a strong-headed girl, unafraid to speak her mind. Through his films, he taught me that being outspoken, passionate, and fiercely independent is not something to be tamed, but to be celebrated. His characters—both women and men—navigate a world that is often unforgiving, yet they remain true to themselves, challenging the norms and expectations placed upon them.
In a society that sometimes tells women to soften their edges, Mani Ratnam’s films remind me to embrace every part of who I am. His heroines are not just characters; they are reflections of the strength, passion, and complexity that lie within every woman. And through them, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be a little headstrong, a little short-tempered, and yes, even a hopeless romantic.
PS : Of all Mani Ratnam’s films, *Kannathil Muthamittal* is my absolute favorite. This film goes beyond storytelling, reaching into the depths of my soul with its exploration of identity, love, and the longing for belonging. The emotional journey of Amudha and her parents resonated with me in a way that no other movie ever has, making it a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.
Good one
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