Mani Ratnam Quotes

I am glad that we can make bold films, different films within the commercial market and still do well.

What I feel is great acting might be rubbish for another filmmaker. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It all boils down to the trust between an actor and a director.

I work with actors who fit the bill. I have worked with Abhishek in 'Yuva,' 'Guru' and 'Raavan' because he was the perfect choice.

Bilingual films come with a certain inbuilt practical problem with respect to the setting of the story and the dialect.

I am a big fan of sleek action films.

Before the release of any film, I feel like a beginner.

Unfortunately scripts don't chase me. I chase them. I struggle, battle, discard, pick it back, struggle further, plead with it, curse it, cajole and try to be clever. But it is invariably the script that rules.

When it comes to casting for movies, it is a priority that you cast right. The guiding principle must be what is right for the movie, that is the basis you cast someone, not because so-and-so is a friend.

Films will break barriers - and good films will travel all over India.

A director is a very selfish person. For him, his film is like his baby.

I always look for genuineness. If I feel I can connect with the audience, I will try to develop it. For example, the genesis of 'Kannathil Muthamittal' was an article published in a magazine.

I liked Guru Dutt, the way he used songs and the way he shot songs. He was a class apart.

For a filmmaker, whether the film is liked, understood or appreciated counts as much as the moolah.

When I made my first film, I was arrogant and over-confident.

I have only one simple ambition when I make a film. That it should be the best I have made so far. With 'Kadal' it was no different.

When Kamal Haasan did 'Nayakan,' he had done a few roles that had him aged and demanded a lot of commitment from. He was already a veteran and a master.

I grew up on the commercial film format. I have grown up all my life watching films and they have all been mainstream commercial cinema.

My films are as much for the people as they are for me. The reception affects me, but doesn't change me as a person. That's important.

I don't believe in giving advice.

I enjoy making all kinds of films. I love action films, war films, period films, adventure films.

Each success gives me the adrenaline to move to another film.