Mani’s
school of filmmaking has churned out various
directors – who were his assistants
at different points of time:
Susi Ganesan
Having worked under Mani Ratnam for a few
films, he started off his direction career
with the Prashanth starrer Virumbugiren. What
Thiruttu Payale did to his career needs no
elucidation.
Dharani
Dharani, the creator of some of the biggest
commercially successful movies of recent years
like Gilli and Dhool, had his tutelage under
Mani sir. Working with Mani Ratnam in all
the movies right from Dil Se to Alai Payuthey,
Dharani learnt the ropes of direction from
the master craftsman.
V
Priya
She was one of Mani’s long serving assistants
who ventured out into direction with Kanda Naal
Muthal under Prakash Raj’s Duet films. This
film of hers came to be identified as a clean
family entertainer. Her most recent production
Kannamoochi Yaenada only reiterated her take on
movies. She still owes her understanding of the
nuances of cinema to her mentor Mani Ratnam.
Azhagam Perumal
Audiences first took notice of him in his cameo
in Alaipayuthey as the caring house owner who
shelters Maddy and Shalini. Dum Dum Dum directed
by him was a hit that happened under his mentor’s
banner. He even ventured into acting and this
accidental outing proved to be successful, especially
his performance in Pudupettai received accolades
from all quarters.
Shaad Ali – remake of Alaipayuthey
in Hindi
The latest among Mani Ratnam’s assistants
to make it on their own. He made it big in Bollywood
with the Hindi remake of Alaipayuthey and later
went on to make a big name for himself in Hindi
films.
