Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, known for his outspoken nature and unapologetically honest opinions, has once again made headlines—this time for sharing candid insights about his strained creative relationship with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam. In a recent interview, Varma delved into their long-standing differences in cinematic taste, revealing that neither of them has ever truly appreciated the other’s artistic vision.
Ram Gopal Varma, often referred to as the maverick of Indian cinema for his unconventional storytelling and gritty narratives, spoke openly about how he and Mani Ratnam have never really connected on a creative level. Despite both directors being among the most influential voices in Indian cinema, their styles, sensibilities, and filmmaking philosophies remain vastly different.
During the conversation, Varma recalled an instance when he had tried to pitch an idea to Mani Ratnam, only to be met with complete disinterest. “I once shared a concept with him—something I thought had great potential—but he didn’t even bother to hear me out completely,” Varma revealed. “It was quite clear at that moment that we operate in very different worlds. I respect his craft, but I’ve never truly enjoyed his kind of cinema, and I’m pretty sure he feels the same about mine.”
This rare glimpse into the dynamic between two cinematic giants offers an honest perspective on how creative minds can sometimes diverge, even in a shared industry. Mani Ratnam is celebrated for his emotionally rich and visually poetic films like Roja, Bombay, and Guru, while Ram Gopal Varma carved a niche for himself with darker, rawer narratives such as Satya, Company, and Rangeela. Their differing approaches have won both of them critical acclaim, yet their mutual lack of appreciation for each other’s work comes as a surprise to many fans.
Ram Gopal Varma further explained that while artistic differences are common, what sets their disconnect apart is the complete absence of engagement. “There are directors whose work I might not enjoy personally, but I still understand and acknowledge their impact. With Mani, it’s more of a fundamental difference in storytelling language and vision. We’ve never connected—even on an idea level.”
The filmmaker emphasized that this lack of mutual admiration doesn’t come from rivalry or animosity, but simply from artistic divergence. “It’s not about ego or personal dislike—it’s about creative instinct. Mani Ratnam crafts cinema that speaks to a certain sensibility, a certain rhythm, and mine speaks to another. Neither is wrong. They’re just different paths.”
Varma’s brutally honest remarks have sparked widespread discussions in film circles, with many praising his transparency. In an industry where praise is often publicly exchanged even when it’s not genuine, his admission stands out for its rare authenticity.
Interestingly, despite the lack of creative alignment, both directors have contributed immensely to shaping Indian cinema in their own ways. While Mani Ratnam is often associated with lyrical storytelling and strong emotional undercurrents, Ram Gopal Varma has been a pioneer of the gangster and horror genres in Indian filmmaking. Their respective bodies of work reflect vastly different worldviews, yet both have inspired generations of filmmakers.
As fans and film enthusiasts react to Varma’s comments, some express disappointment, hoping for a collaboration between the two legends someday. Others appreciate the honesty and recognize that even creative powerhouses can have fundamentally different approaches without diminishing each other’s legacy.
In the end, Ram Gopal Varma’s remarks serve as a reminder that art is deeply personal—and appreciation of it can vary, even among its greatest practitioners.
