Biography
Gopalaratnam Subramaniam, known as Mani Ratnam by profession, stands as an essential figure in Indian cinema. With a career spanning Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films, he’s celebrated for his directorial, production, and screenwriting prowess.
Ratnam’s cinematic journey is marked by six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and global film festival accolades. It reflects his exceptional storytelling finesse and commercial success.
Each of Ratnam’s creations bears a distinct style characterized by exquisite visuals and innovative lighting techniques. Notably, Ratnam’s recent foray into historical epic dramas, Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023), is based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s Indian epic.
Ratnam continues to be a beacon in South Indian cinema and holds a revered stature across the Indian film industry.
Mani Ratnam Photo
Wiki
| Full Name | Gopalaratnam Subramaniam |
| Nick Name | Mani Ratnam |
| Born (Mani Ratnam Date of Birth) | 2nd June 1956 |
| Mani Ratnam Age (as 2024) | 68 |
| Mani Ratnam Native place | Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Hometown | Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Food Habit | Unknown |
| School | Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School |
| College | Ramkrisna Mission Vivekananda College, University of Madras Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of management of studies, University of Bombay |
| Profession | Director, Screenwriter, producer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Mani Ratnam Father’s name | Ratnam Iyer |
| Mani Ratnam Mother’s name | Unknown |
| Mani Ratnam bother names | 3 brothers G.Venkateswaran, G. Srinivasan, Sethu Sriram |
| Sisters | Sharda Ratnam |
| Spouse | Suhasini Maniratnam |
Birthday
| Mani Ratnam Birthday | 2nd June |
Physical Stats
| Hair Colour | Grey |
| Eye Colour | Black |
Age
| Mani Ratnam Age | 68 Years Old |
Height
| Mani Ratnam Height | 5’ 7” |
| Height in centimeters | 170 cm |
Weight
| Mani Ratnam Weight | 75 kg |
| Weight in lbs | 165 lbs |
Education
Mani Ratnam Education: Born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, Mani Ratnam entered the world into a family of Tamil Brahmin lineage as Gopala Ratnam Subramaniam. His formative years saw him attending Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, laying the foundation for his educational journey.
Completing his academic pursuits, Ratnam obtained a degree in Commerce from Vivekananda College, under the University of Madras. His quest for knowledge led him to further heights. He was admitted to an MBA program from the prestigious Jamnalalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.
Ratnam initially carved out a career path as a management consultant. He utilized his expertise in the field before eventually making his mark as a filmmaker. He showcased his multifaceted talents and creative vision to the world.
| School | Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School |
| University | Vivekananda College, University of Madras Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of management of studies, University of Bombay |
Marital Status
When it comes to Mani Ratnam marriage, he entered matrimonial ties with actress Suhasini on August 26, 1988, and their family includes a son. They have made their home in Alwarpet, Chennai, where Ratnam oversees his production company.
In a distressing turn of events in 1995, Ratnam faced an alarming situation when his residence became the target of homemade bomb attacks. This unfortunate incident led to his hospitalization due to injuries sustained.
Authorities suspected the involvement of Muslim extremists, stemming from the opposition generated by Ratnam’s film “Bombay.”
Wife
Suhasini Maniratnam is a versatile figure in the Indian film industry. She is one of the famous personalities in the Indian Film Industry. She has gifted a number of remarkable films to South South-Indian films, including Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films as well.
Mani Ratnam Wife
Family
| Marital Status | Married |
| Mani Ratnam Wife | Suhasini Maniratnam |
| Mani Ratnam son | Nandan Ratnam |
| Mani Ratnam daughter | N/A |
Career
Beginning of career
Mani Ratnam’s dissatisfaction with his consulting job stemmed from its resemblance to academic pursuits, leaving him unfulfilled. Driven by his passion for filmmaking, Ratnam took a break from his corporate role, opting to immerse himself fully in the creative process behind the movie.
Despite their lack of experience, Ratnam and his cohorts relied heavily on resources like the American Cinematographer magazine to navigate the intricate realm of filmmaking, learning and adapting as they ventured into this new terrain.
Earlier career and struggle
Mani Ratnam’s journey into filmmaking took flight when he transformed an English-scripted story into the Kannada film “Pallavi Anu Pallavi”. Ratnam enlisted stalwarts like Balu Mahendra for cinematography, B. Lenin for film editing, and Thota Tharani for art direction.
“Pallavi Anu Pallavi” earned Ratnam the Best Screenplay Award from the Karnataka State Government in 1983. Following this, Ratnam ventured into Malayalam cinema with “Unaroo,” featuring Mohanlal, exploring the corruption within Kerala’s labour unions.
Ratnam’s directorial opportunity with “Pagal Nilavu” under Sathya Jyothi Films presented a different canvas, incorporating dance sequences and comedic elements. He followed this with “Idaya Kovil,” a romantic drama inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s “Limelight” (1952).
Back through
In 1986, Mani Ratnam helmed the Tamil romantic drama “Mouna Ragam”. It marked a significant milestone in Ratnam’s career. “Mouna Ragam” not only secured the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil but also earned Ratnam his maiden Filmfare Award for direction.
The following year, in 1987, Ratnam’s directorial prowess shone brilliantly in “Nayakan,” starring Kamal Haasan. Drawing inspiration from “The Godfather,” the film chronicled the life of Varadarajan Mudaliar, an underworld figure who earned accolades nationwide.
“Nayakan” swept three National Awards and emerged as India’s official entry for the Oscars. Maintaining his stride, Ratnam crafted “Agni Natchathiram” in 1988, a narrative delving into the intricate relationships between step-brothers.
Shifting gears in 1989, Ratnam collaborated with Telugu actor Nagarjuna for “Geethanjali,” a poignant tale of a couple grappling with terminal illnesses. The film earned critical acclaim, clinching the National Film Award for “Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment”.
Ratnam continued his streak of emotionally charged narratives with “Anjali” in 1990. It focused on an autistic child’s transformative effect on those around her. The film struck a chord with audiences and earned recognition as India’s official entry to the Oscars.
Building on this success, Ratnam ventured into the underworld theme with “Thalapathi” (1991), a loosely Mahabharata-inspired tale featuring Rajinikanth and Mammootty. The film garnered Ratnam the Best Director award at the 39th Filmfare Awards, alongside accolades for Ilaiyaraaja’s mesmerizing musical score.
National proclaim
Following “Thalapathi,” Mani Ratnam ushered in a new era by collaborating with debutant music maestro A. R. Rahman for his iconic Tamil film “Roja” (1992). Ratnam took a lighter approach with “Thiruda Thiruda” (1993), a spirited caper penned by Ram Gopal Varma.
Its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1994 added a global touch to its reception. Returning to Tamil drama in 1995, Ratnam presented “Bombay,” a poignant narrative starring Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala. “Bombay” (1993) encountered controversy and censorship upon release, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian film to spotlight the union between individuals from Hindu and Muslim communities.
Despite the initial challenges, “Bombay” resonated deeply, not only receiving critical acclaim but also winning multiple awards. It includes the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration and recognition at international film festivals.
Kannathil Muthamittal
Mani Ratnam’s “Kannathil Muthamittal” portrayed the poignant tale of a child of Sri Lankan Tamil descent adopted by Indian parents. It yearned to reunite with her biological mother amidst the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
The film’s profound impact was evident through the reception of six National Film Awards. It is the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Direction in Tamil. It has international recognition at the Jerusalem Film Festival and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.
Ratnam delved into the bilingual film “Raavanan” in 2010, featuring Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film’s unveiling at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival added to its anticipation. It showcased Ratnam’s penchant for storytelling across diverse narratives and genres.
Comeback to present
In 2015, Mani Ratnam presented “O Kadhal Kanmani,” a romantic drama starring Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen. It boosts the craftsmanship of P.C. Sreeram in cinematography, A. Sreekar Prasad in editing, and A. R. Rahman in music composition.
Moving forward from “Kattru Veliyadai,” Ratnam ventured into the crime thriller “Chekka Chivantha Vaanam.” The film boasted a star-studded cast featuring Arvind Swami, Silambarasan, Arun Vijay, and Vijay Sethupathi in pivotal roles.
The film is supported by Jyothika, Aishwarya Rajesh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Dayana Erappa, Prakash Raj, Thiagarajan, and Mansoor Ali Khan. Its September 2018 release garnered positive reviews and emerged as a significant success at the box office.
Ratnam’s confirmed next project, “Ponniyin Selvan: I,” draws inspiration from the Indian epic penned by Kalki Krishnamurthy.
Social Media
| @maniratnam.official | |
| Mani Ratnam | |
| @ManiRatnamFC | |
| NA | |
| Snapchat | NA |
| NA | |
| YouTube | NA |
Movies
Mani Ratnam Movies List
| Pallavi Anu Pallavi | 1983 |
| Unaroo | 1984 |
| Pagal Nilavu | 1985 |
| Idaya Kovil | |
| Mouna Ragam | 1986 |
| Nayakan | 1987 |
| Agni Natchathiram | 1988 |
| Geethanjali | 1989 |
| Anjali | 1990 |
| Chatriyan | |
| Thalapathi | 1991 |
| Roja | 1992 |
| Dasarathan | 1993 |
| Gaayam | |
| Thiruda Thiruda | |
| Bombay | 1995 |
| Indira | |
| Aasai | |
| Iruvar | 1997 |
| Nerrukku Ner | |
| Dil Se.. | 1998 |
| Taj Mahal | 1999 |
| Alaipayuthey | 2000 |
| Dumm Dumm Dumm | 2001 |
| Kannathil Muthamittal | 2002 |
| Five Star | |
| Saathiya | |
| Aayutha Ezhuthu | 2004 |
| Yuva | |
| Guru | 2007 |
| Raavan | 2010 |
| Raavanan | |
| Kadal | 2013 |
| O Kadhal Kanmani | 2015 |
| Ok Jaanu | 2017 |
| Kaatru Veliyidai | |
| Chekka Chivan tha Vaanam | 2018 |
| Vaanam Kottattum | 2020 |
| Putham Pudhu Kaalai | |
| Ponniyin Selvan: I | 2022 |
| Ponniyin Selvan: II | 2023 |
| Thug Life | 2025 |
Awards
| Film fare award for the best director | 1986, 1992, 1996, 2003 |
| National Film Award for the best popular film | 1990 |
| Film fare award for the best director in Telugu | 1990 |
| Film fare Critics award for best film | 1996, 2005 |
| Glory to the Film Fare award | 2010 |
| Nandi Award for the best story Writer | 1989 |
| Padma Shri | 2002 |
| National Film Award for the best featured Film | 1987, 1991, 2003 |
| Nargis Dutt Award for the best feature film | 1993, 1996 |
| Filmfare award for the best screenplay | 2003, 2005 |
| Chevalier award Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian cinema | 2008 |
Early Life
Mani Ratnam entered the world on June 2, 1956, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, into a family deeply entrenched in the film industry. His roots are tied closely to cinema through his father, S. Gopalaratnam, a distributor at Venus Pictures, and his uncle, “Venus” Krishnamurthy, a film producer.
With elder brother G. Venkateswaran and Brother G. Srinivasan also contributing to film production, the familial connection to movies ran strong. Growing up in Madras alongside siblings and cousins, Ratnam’s upbringing, surprisingly,
In his younger days, he viewed cinema as an unproductive pastime, as he mentioned in a 1994 interview. However, his perspective shifted during his schooling at Besant Theosophical School, where he avidly started watching movies, when it comes to Mani Ratnam filmography, he particularly admires actors like Sivaji Ganesan and Nagesh, and exploring their filmographies.
Educationally, Ratnam earned a commerce degree from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, which is affiliated with Madras University. Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance from Mumbai’s Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. Post-graduation in 1977, he delved into the corporate realm, taking on a management consulting role at a Madras firm.
Photos
Mani Ratnam Instagram Pic
Mani Ratnam Old Pic
Mani Ratnam Son and Wife Photo
Mani Ratnam With Suhasini Maniratnam
Facts
Mani Ratnam is one of the best directors in South India. His breakthrough arrived with Mouna Ragam (1986), etching his place as a prominent director in Tamil cinema. Notably, Nayakan (1987) and Anjali (1990) represented India at The Academy Awards, which are Mani Ratnam’s best movies. He has made a remarkable contribution to the Indian Film Industry.
House
| Mani Ratnam House | Chennai, TamilNadu, India |
Car Collection
| BMW |
| Mercedes Benz |
Net Worth
| Net Worth 2019 | Unknown |
| Net Worth 2020 | Unknown |
| Net Worth 2021 | Unknown |
| Net Worth 2022 | Unknown |
| Net Worth 2023 | $18.3 million |
| Mani Ratnam Net Worth 2024 | $18.5 million |
FAQ
Who is Mani Ratnam?
Ans: Mani Ratnam is a renowned film director, scriptwriter as well as a producer. He has made several films in Telugu and Tamil.
Who is Mani Ratnam son?
Ans: Mani Ratnam son’s name is Nandan Ratnam.
How many movies has Mani Ratnam directed?
Ans: Mani Ratnam directed 28 films based on 2014.
Who is Mani Ratnam father?
Ans: Mani Ratnam’s father is Ratnam Iyer, who used to be a film producer.
Who is Mani Ratnam wife?
Ans: Mani Ratnam’s wife is Suhasini Ratnam, who is one of the famous actresses. She has made significant contributions to Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films.
How much does Mani Ratnam earn?
Ans: Mani Ratnam earns approx. 9 crore by directing and producing one movie.
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