Table of Content
If you’re someone who loves emotionally rich stories, timeless music, and powerful storytelling, then Mani Ratnam movies are a must-watch.
From Dil Se's haunting love tale set against a political backdrop to Bombay’s heart-wrenching take on communal tension — every film by this legendary director hits differently.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to dig through old DVDs or hunt for screenings anymore. Some of the best Mani Ratnam movies are now streaming on OTT platforms!
So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just stepping into his cinematic world, we’ve got you covered. Bookmark this list, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a binge session filled with drama, romance, politics, and soul-stirring music — all from the master storyteller himself.
1. Dil Se
Where to watch: Netflix
This film, which has won a National award, takes place during the insurgency in Northeast India. SRK portrays a journalist for All India Radio named Amar, who encounters an enigmatic woman, portrayed by Manisha Koirala, while traveling to Assam. He becomes infatuated with her, but she doesn’t return his emotions because she isn’t truly who Amar believes she is.
This marks the initial major turn in the story. The second twist occurs when Amar's family sets up a meeting for him with Preeti Nair (portrayed by Preity Zinta) to explore romantic possibilities. However, their relationship fails, and he ultimately returns to Koirala, only to encounter a bleak conclusion. What occurred? Watch the movie on Netflix to discover!
2. Guru
Where to watch: Netflix
Directed and co-written by Mani Ratnam, Guru narrates the motivating tale of a young man named Gurukant “Guru” Desai (played by Abhishek Bachchan) who works hard to become the wealthiest entrepreneur in India. Although no official declaration has verified it, many believe that this 2007 one of the Mani Ratnam movies is partially based on the life of Indian entrepreneur Dhirubhai Ambani. The film is set in Gujarat and Mumbai in the mid-1990s.
3. Yuva
Where to watch: Netflix
Yuva stands out as one of the finest political-drama thrillers of the early 2000s in Hindi films. The story revolves around three men—Michael, Arjun, and Lallan (portrayed by Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, and Abhishek Bachchan, respectively)—whose lives intertwine one disastrous morning in Kolkata, altering everything, permanently. Aaytha Ezhuthu, the title of the film, was also concurrently filmed in Tamil.
4 Roja
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Roja is a film that has won both International and National Awards, boasting a total of 11 accolades. It’s also one of the Mani Ratnam Movies that significantly established him globally. The movie traces Roja’s, portrayed by Madhoo, uncomplicated existence until she weds an urbanite and relocates to Kashmir, where he is abducted by militants, prompting Roja’s intricate journey to locate him.
Importantly, this film marked the debut of A. R. Rahman as a film composer. He received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction, the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director, and the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Tamil in recognition of his achievements.
Also Read: 7 latest Vijay Deverakonda Movies That Prove His Versatility
5. O Kadhal Kanmani
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
O Kadhal Kanmani, commonly referred to as OK Kanmani. This one of the Mani Ratnam Movies is a touching contemporary romance penned. It follows a couple with differing aspirations in life who, skeptical of marriage, cohabit before ultimately choosing to part ways. The movie features Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen in prominent roles and truly resonates with millennial film enthusiasts.
6. Nayakan
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Nayakan, featuring Kamal Haasan in the main role, is the compelling story of how an ordinary slum inhabitant named Sakthivel “Velu” Naicker turned into a notorious gangster after confronting a corrupt police system. His strength and authority gradually begin to affect him negatively, ultimately resulting in his demise. One that can be best characterized as poetic justice – in relation to the intricate storyline.
7. Bombay
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Bombay, a romantic-drama directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Arvind Swami and Manisha Koirala, is set in the early 1990s. The story of a Hindu guy and a Muslim woman who fall in love in a tiny hamlet and move to Mumbai to start a new life is told in this Mani Ratnam movie. One that lacks communal hatred until riots erupt in Bombay following the demolition of the Babri Masjid. The riots split their family and highlighted several of the city's most tumultuous events from the 1992 riots.
These Mani Ratnam movies on OTT aren’t just films — they’re experiences. Dive into his world now and thank us later!
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