Book description
Mani Ratnam's Nayakan is among Time's '100 Best Movies Ever'; and Roja
launched A. R. Rahman. This book, unique to 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. Ratnam 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 of films in Hindi and other
languages. There are fond recollections of collaborations with stalwarts
like Balu Mahendra, P. C. Sreeram, Thotta Tharrani and Gulzar, among
many others. And delectable behind-the-scenes stories-from the
contrasting working styles of the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja 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 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.
