Mani Ratnam’s masterclass at IFFI: Bridging literature and cinema

Panaji: Legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam captivated audiences at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) with a masterclass on “Transforming Literary Masterpieces into Engaging Films.” In an engaging dialogue with filmmaker Gautham V. Menon, Ratnam shared invaluable insights into the art of adapting literature into cinema, offering lessons for aspiring storytellers and cinephiles alike.

Adapting literature to the screen

Mani Ratnam emphasized the intricate relationship between cinema and literature, asserting, “The closer the graph between cinema and literature, the better Indian cinema will be.” He delved into the challenges of translating the imagination of written works into visual narratives, stressing the need for filmmakers to retain the essence of the original text while enhancing its appeal for the screen.

On adapting literary works, Ratnam remarked, “Films are a visual medium, while books are mainly imaginative. A filmmaker must be extra cautious in bringing a reader’s imagination to life.”

Insights from ‘Ponniyin Selvan’

Reflecting on his recent epic, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s iconic novel, Ratnam highlighted the challenges of recreating the Chola dynasty. With the remnants of the Chola period in Tamil Nadu largely lost to time, Ratnam opted to shoot in northern India, creatively reimagining the architecture to reflect the Chola era.

Cinema as a collaborative art

Ratnam underlined the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “As a director, my job is to bring every person in the film, be it an actor or a crew member, to a focal point together.” He highlighted the importance of uniting creative forces to produce a cohesive and impactful cinematic experience.

Lessons for young filmmakers

Ratnam offered sage advice to aspiring directors, encouraging them to take thoughtful creative liberties while preserving the spirit of the source material. He shared his belief that every adaptation should honour its literary roots while offering a fresh, cinematic perspective.

A humble maestro

Despite his legendary status, Ratnam maintained his characteristic humility, remarking, “In many ways, I still feel like a beginner.” This candid reflection resonated with the audience, serving as a reminder that great art stems from a lifelong curiosity and passion for storytelling.

Mani Ratnam’s masterclass at IFFI 2024 offered a rich blend of practical advice and creative inspiration, bridging the worlds of literature and cinema. His insights left aspiring filmmakers with a deeper understanding of the delicate art of adaptation and the enduring power of collaborative storytelling.