The renowned director talked about his journey and learnings as a filmmaker in this MAMI masterclass.
30 Oct 2023
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The renowned director talked about his journey and learnings as a filmmaker in this MAMI masterclass.
"I don't want obedience from my actors, I expect contribution. I don't want actors to please me. They can even do the opposite of what I want them to do if it works for the film. I can always tell you what I want but what more can you bring to the table?"
An entire screen was jam-packed as cinephiles strived to bag a seat for MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023's first masterclass that saw Mani Ratnam in conversation with Imtiaz Ali. The session that went on for two hours was an amalgamation of craft, humour and life. As Imtiaz Ali slipped into the role of a moderator, it was a heart-to-heart chat with some savage one-liners from Ratnam. Here are some of the best excerpts from the session with the Dil Se director, who didn't mince his words even once.
Mani Ratnam in conversation with Imtiaz Ali at the MAMI masterclass
Politics in Dil Se
Referring to Dil Se's much talked about climax and the politics in his movies, the renowned filmmaker said, “Dil Se was made around India's 50 years of Independence. It was a reminder that not all corners of the country are liberated as one would like to believe. Shah Rukh Khan 's character in the movie was not just an All India Radio reporter, he was the voice of everyone. He realises that there's hurt, anger, unhealed wounds among people that we are trying to ignore.”
‘Making
Raavan
as a bilingual was a mistake'
A pioneer of bilinguals in our country in a way, Ratnam made ‘Raavan' (2010) in two languages at a time, not many attempted to do so. The director however, admitted that it wasn't the right decision. “Making Raavan as a bilingual was a mistake. It was a burden because I was literally making two films at a time and neither Hindi nor the Tamil audience could completely relate to it. It was a case of neither here nor there”, said the director.
‘As a storyteller, you realise you're a scavenger'
Elaborating on the mind of filmmakers and their constant hunt for great stories and subjects, Ratnam explains “As a storyteller you realise that you're a scavenger. Even when tragedy strikes, you're looking for stories and opportunities. I remember witnessing a blast from a close distance and the first thing that struck me wasn't the tragedy alone but even the technique. In films we show that blasts generally happen from a distance, but that isn't the case.” Also, detachment is extremely important when it comes to editing a film. “You can't hold onto everything you like in a film.”
‘I don't want obedience from my actors, I expect contribution'
The director known for his unique vision and extracting the best out of his actors, had an interesting take on teamwork. He revealed, “I don't want obedience from my actors, I expect contribution. I don't want actors to please me. They can even do the opposite of what I want them to do, if it works for the film. I can always tell you what I want but what more can you bring to the table? I like actors who give you that little more.” When asked what happens in case of a massive difference of opinion, Ratnam teased, “Then I tell them who's the boss (laughs)!” Citing examples he said, “Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth often joked about this. They would say, “We can tell you what we feel but you won't accept it. This is your film, isn't it?”
A still from Ratnam's Raavan (Hindi)
‘As an audience I am evolved, as a filmmaker, I am not!'
Ratnam believes that it is important for filmmakers to take criticism in their stride – whether it comes from the audience or their own team. “I have a team of assistant directors and they are hard to please. They don't hesitate to tell me if something doesn't thrill them. The day they find mistakes in my work, I know they are potential filmmakers. I used to criticise films when I didn't even know how to make one. Finding fault is important. As an audience, I am evolved. As a filmmaker, I am not! There is nothing in this artform that can be called perfect. There's always room for improvement. I do not watch my films after they are released. I can't take it. I only see errors and I cringe”, explains the director.
‘Sometimes I wonder if I am a one-trick pony'
Despite having made highly acclaimed films, the legendary director feels that there is still an element of self-doubt. He revealed, “Sometimes I wonder if I am a one-trick pony. I always thought of myself as a fraud director. When I did my first film, I didn't know how to shoot. I had to pretend that I knew. I remember Kamal Haasan telling me this when I pitched my first film to him. He said, “Don't aim at the heart, aim at the gut and you will make it.” Haasan suggested that I need to make something that a lot of people can identify with and how you communicate with the audience is important.
Success gives you a voice
“When you start new, people think you know nothing, and they know everything. They expect you to do what they want you to do. As soon as you get a hit film, tables turn. Then they think you know everything, and they know nothing. That is how life is.”
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