Iruvar

Iruvar is a kind of movie only Mani can make. It is an experimental work with almost true storyline, mellow music score and wonderful performances from the cast.

The movie might not be of interest and significance by the audience who aren't familiar with the political history of Tamilnadu. Before watching this piece, the viewer needs some knowledge about the relationships and friendships of Ex-CMs of Tamilnadu.

Mohanlal, Prakashraj and Aishwarya Rai are the main leads in this movie. Lal and Prakash have done their best. However talented actresses like Tabu and Revathi appear in few scenes and don't have much scope to show their acting skills. But this is one movie they would not have regretted acting in. The art direction, camera-work and costume design are excellent.

An outstanding experimental work though not a huge commercial success. A must see for the film institute students.

I think this is one of Mani's best films ever. Everything about it was astounding. Rehman's music - transported you to the period. Prakash Raj's acting was amazing, he's a class act in this one. Mohan Lal, needless to say was sparkling, some of his emotions, like when he says they expelled him for asking a question and in numerous other instances, were superb. Aish was great... and the accolades goes on.

Also the movie was remarkable for Mani's raw power / edge in showing a movie that so loosely piles incident upon incident, scene after scene - more like a real life documentary, and less like a feature film. Great experimenting and also great final product. Was enjoyed more by film scholars and film students, and not so much by the general public. In the end, it's just good to know that one of India's most successful commercial directors is also experimenting with new themes, new presentation styles, thereby pushing the frontiers of what can be done film-wise.

Undoubtedly the best movie i have ever watched. Mani Ratnam, Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, A R Rahman & Santosh Sivan at their best. Mohanlals act in this film is a guide for all budding actors. The soundtrack of the film is amazing. Every shot of this masterpiece looks like picture postcards. Thanks to Santosh Sivan. I don't mind watching this film a hundred times. Iruvar is Aiswarya Rai's first film & its definitely her career best film. Mani Ratnam , Mohanlal & Rahman deserved national awards. Its a pity that they were not given national awards.Another thing which surprises me is that the movie was a flop, which is a wonder aspect of Tamil Cinema.

Anandan is a very aspiring and talented stage-actor. He dreams of making it big in films and approaches various sources. Luck favors eventually and he notches up with a director and meets Tami Chelvan who happens to be a writer and an atheist. They both become the thickest of friends. Anandan meets huge success and Tami Chelvan uses his popularity to make in-roads in his political career.

Ego clashes erupt subsequently and Anandan overthrows Tami Chelvan from power. It is a beautiful drama of two friends and their ego. Photography, Score and Direction are commendable.

I really recommend this to connoiseurs of quality films

Its the debut movie of Beauty queen Aishwarya Rai Bachan...She is lucky to co-star with the legend Mohanlal.Mohanlal teamed with Mani Ratnam for the first time to make this majestic movie.Mani was forced to cut many scenes from the movie due to some protests from political parties,which badly affects the movie..but still its a class one.Mohanlal was excellent in the role of M.G.Ramachandran,wonder why he didn't get the national award for this movie,but he won South Indian Film Fare Best Actor award..Its one of Prakash Raj's earlier movies and he was awesome!..this one is his best performance and he won Best-supporting actor.Only Mani Ratnam can make such classic..Its a masterpiece movie in all sense....acting..direction..script..cinematography.

Its surely one the must-see movies before you die.