Every Film Feels Like My First Film: Mani Ratnam

At the CII Dakshin summit, Mani Ratnam engaged in a candid conversation with Gautham Vasudev Menon. During the chat, the Ponniyin Selvan director opened up about feeling nervous every time he makes a new film. 

Recounting his experience directing his debut film Pallavi Anu Pallavi, Mani Ratnam said, “I felt I knew nothing about filmmaking when I made my first film. However, I had this belief in me that by the time I complete my third or fourth film, I would be an expert in the process. However, even now every film feels like my very first film. I think filmmaking is elusive in that sense.”

Mani Ratnam further compared filmmaking to his experience playing golf. He explains, “Just like how I never get my golf game right, I feel I never get directing right. That’s what keeps me going.” 

The director's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan 2 is slated to release in theatres on 28th April 2023. Based on Kali Krishnamurthy’s epic novel, the film features Karthi, Aishwarya Rai, Jayam Ravi, Vikram and Trisha in pivotal roles. The first instalment of the story was wildly successful, earning over 500 crores at the global box office.