Kamal Haasan And Mani Ratnam Reunite For KH234, 36 Years After Nayakan

"I don't watch my films, and if I was to watch my film without knowing it was me, I am bound to find mistakes", says filmmaker Mani Ratnam, with his characteristic humour.

His evocative storytelling and poignant narratives have defined the grammar of Tamil cinema for over four decades.

He is witty as much as he is a man of a few words. However, the master filmmaker was at his chatty best at the masterclass hosted by filmmaker Imtiaz Ali at the ongoing Jio MAMI Mumbai film festival.

Entertaining a spellbound audience with anecdotes and revelations about his craft and process.

His recent magnum opus the epic Ponniyn Selvan 1 and 2, its grandeur and scale reaffirmed the genius of the filmmaker's eye for detail when it comes to the nuances and finer details of filmmaking. He is humility personified when he admits he cannot conform to the many superlatives that are prefixed to his name.

"As a viewer of cinema, my standards are very high, but as a filmmaker, I am not able to achieve the same", he confesses with humility.

His next is the much-anticipated collaboration with Kamal Haasan, "KH234", which is the legendary superstar's 234th film in his six-decade-long career. The duo will come together 36 years since their last stint in the gangster drama Nayakan in 1987. Describing Kamal Hasaan as an actor who brings a lot to the table. "When we did Nayankan together, a lot of elements, in terms of moments and small gestures came from him, which enhanced the narrative. So, when you work with a really good actor, realise you have to do less. I learnt a lot from him because he has this amazing ability to make people around him act well, which also enhances his performance and look real. It is a treat to watch him, how he makes the shot come alive," said Mani Ratnam.

A filmmaker who has worked with the biggest superstars in his movies acknowledges the following of a star and their image is imperative in casting but is not the only factor, and the reason why he is yet to do a film with Amitabh Bachchan.

"I can't take "Roja" to Rajnikanth and say do the film, it won't help the film or him. He has a following and he should be aware. But, I feel you don't have to cater to it fully, but just be mindful and see where it fits in your scheme of things. Likewise, I have not been able to go to Mr Bachchan, because I don't have a script for him, though I would love to work with him. So if you have something different for them that also meets their expectations, then it is ideal to cast a huge star." says Mani Ratnam.

His films have also been conversation starters, addressing socio-cultural as well as political issues. Whether it was militancy in Kashmir in Roja( 1992), the communal riots in Bombay ( 1995) , the insurgency in the northeast in Dil Se( 1998), or the LTTE issue in Kannathil Muthamittal (2002).

When asked why he did not take to politics like many of his contemporaries, the filmmaker had a straightforward response. "The issues I have expressed in films are those I strongly felt about and was able to express it. There was no agenda. For example, in Dil Se as we celebrated 50 years of Independence with pride, some corners of India were not feeling it, so the idea was why cannot we all feel the same? Regarding politics and perusing it with passion is a lot more serious than making films."

KH234 will reveal its first look on Nov 6, a day before Kamal Haasan's 68th birthday on Nov 7.