A biography for Mani Ratnamhasn’t been written yet.
“In school I was sidelined by Tamil language teachers. But in the film industry, I got interested in Tamil poetry after reading and working with the Vairamuthu.”
“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.”
“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.”
“For a filmmaker, whether the film is liked, understood or appreciated counts as much as the moolah.”
“As a filmmaker, every tool you get to tell the scene better is important.”
“There are filmmakers who get lucky with the first film itself, and then there are some of us who have to face difficulties.”
“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.”
“Before the release of any film, I feel like a beginner.”
“What you write sets the visual style for the film. But you have to compromise your style in your first few films before people let you do what you want to do.”
“When you listen to music, you listen to music. You like it very much or not.”
“I am glad that we can make bold films, different films within the commercial market and still do well.”
“When your principal artists deliver convincing performances, the film's quality is elevated.”
“Films will break barriers - and good films will travel all over India.”
“My job as a director is to communicate, and I want to communicate to all.”
“Certain subjects are best done with stars. Certain subjects like 'Alai Payuthe' are done with non-stars. In such films, stars are a burden.”
“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.”
“Can I call up any actor in Mumbai? I can, and they can say wrong number and hang up!”
“I don't believe in giving advice.”
“I enjoy making all kinds of films. I love action films, war films, period films, adventure films.”