From ‘Iruvar’ to ‘Ponniyin Selvan-1’: 4 times Mani Ratnam & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan created magic on screen

Much has been written about how on-screen jodis have the power to light up the screen with their chemistry. There are certain on-screen pairings that can make even the most skeptical viewer fall in love with their love, and root for them.

However, there’s another category of filmi pairings that is relatively overlooked -the actor-director pairing. Some actors and filmmakers create magic i.e unparalleled cinematic moments on screen, whenever they collaborate. The actor’s range and sensibilities mesh perfectly with the director’s vision and style of direction. Examples from Bollywood would include Ayan Mukerji and Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ranveer Singh, Mani Ratnam, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The duo recently came together for Ratnam’s dream project ‘Ponniyin Selvan:1’. The historical drama marks the return of this hit actor-director pair after a decade.


At the trailer launch of ‘Ponniyin Selvan:1’, Bachchan reminisced about working with Ratnam, “It has always been a pleasure working with Mani Ratnam. Let it be my first film or this, there has been no change even after so many years while working with him. I would like to thank him for introducing me to the cinema through 'Iruvar'. He has been my teacher and will continue to be so," she was quoted as saying.

Ratnam and Bachchan go a long way back. She started her journey on the silver screen under the guidance of the auteur. Her debut film ‘Iruvar’ (1997) saw her essaying a dual role - one a demure housewife Pushpavalli, other Kalpana, a glamorous ingenue who captivated the heart of her co-star. ( Mohanlal) The film became a critical and commercial success and Bachchan gained overnight stardom.

Although they have collaborated for a grand total of 4 films so far, each film - from ‘Iruvar’ to ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ had turned out to be a cinematic experience par excellence. From Pushpavalli/Kalpana to Nandhini, Ratnam had given Bachchan some of her most memorable roles.

‘PS:1’ opened to rave reviews. Aside from praising the stellar performance of the ensemble cast, critics have lauded Bachchan’s depiction of Nandini, a Pazhuvoor queen who wants to avenge the death of her paramour, the Pandyan king Veerapandiyan. She seeks to destroy the life of Aditha Karikalan (Vikram). Bachchan came across as dignified and majestic in the movie.

Nandini, who has a towering presence, is shown to be a political genius, acting as a puppet master behind many of the key events that take place in the movie. The movie minted Rs 230 crore worldwide in just three days of its release.

Let’s have a look at the other movies Ratnam and Rai had done together

Iruvar (1997)

Considered one of the seminal works of Ratnam, ‘Iruvar’ is a fictionalised rendition of the friendship and rivalry between two key players of Tamil Nadu politics-MG Ramachandran and M Karunanidhi. Bachchan who debuted with this film appeared in a role that closely resembled actor-politician Jayalalithaa. She also essayed a double role in the movie. The film also starred bigwigs like Mohanlal and established actors like Prakash Raj. The movie turned out to be a blockbuster at the BO. For Bachchan, this was nothing short of a dream debut. Through Santosh Sivan’s impeccable camerawork that paid an ode to Bachchan’s ethereal beauty, she became a national crush overnight.

Guru (2007)

This was Bachchan’s second project with Ratnam. Co-starring her husband Abhishek Bachchan, this movie was an unofficial biopic of tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani. Bachchan’s character Sujata was inspired by Ambani’s wife Kokila. Ratnam paid a tribute to Rai’s beauty and dancing skills through two incredible songs ‘Barso Re’ and ‘Tere Bina’. ‘Barso Re’ depicts the playful side of the character and she is shown to be dancing through the pouring rain and being at one with nature. The song had some resemblance to ‘Chhoti Si Aasha’, a hit song from another Ratnam blockbuster ‘Roja’.

Raavan (2010)

This action-adventure fantasy was a retelling of Valmiki’s epic Ramayana. Ratnam however modernised the story and the narrative was framed from the point-of-view of Beera aka Raavan. This was the Hindi adaptation of Ratnam’s Tamil hit film ‘Raavanan’, made in the same year. The actress played Ragini Sharma ( a character loosely inspired by Sita) who is the wife of IPS Dev Pratap Sharma (played by Vikram). She is taken hostage by Beera Munda (Abhishek Bachchan), a tribal leader.

Bachchan was a revelation as Ragini, a fierce and indomitable woman who gradually feels a kinship with her abductor. Bachchan’s character is seen grappling with Stockholm Syndrome as well. Bachchan described the character as ‘the most challenging role of her career back then. During the music launch of that film, she said, “This is the most challenging role of my career. What is unique about Mani is that he draws you into his world through narration. Ragini is a unique woman and a strong character to which I personally can relate to."