Mani Ratnam & A. R. Rahman Movies Together List — 21 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-04 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Mani Ratnam and A. R. Rahman appeared together in 21 Tamil films between 1992 and 2023. Their highest-rated collaboration was Ponniyin Selvan 1 (2022 — 7.8/10). Films span Roja (1992) through Ponniyin Selvan 2 (2023).
The Mani Ratnam & A. R. Rahman partnership
Their work runs across 4 decades of Tamil cinema. They saved their best for last — Ponniyin Selvan 1 (7.8/10) came 30 years in. For 31 years, a Mani–A. film arrived almost every year.
From Roja (1992) to Ponniyin Selvan 2 (2023). Indira (1995, 7.5/10) is the underseen one in the catalogue.
The shape of the work
The 1990s belonged to Indira; the 2020s to Ponniyin Selvan 1. A. R. Rahman original music composer in some, music composer in others. Mostly Tamil, with 6 films in Hindi.
21 films across 4 decades
The 1990s brought 7 films together, anchored by Indira (7.5/10).
The 2000s brought 6 films together, anchored by Guru (7.4/10).
The 2010s brought 6 films together, anchored by OK Kanmani (7.2/10).
The 2020s brought 2 films together, anchored by Ponniyin Selvan 1 (7.8/10).
- Indira
- Iruvar
- Guru
- Aaytha Ezhuthu
- OK Kanmani
- Chekka Chivantha Vaanam
- Ponniyin Selvan 1
- Ponniyin Selvan 2
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
21 films across 31 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 2 languages, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
72% of Mani Ratnam's screen credits are with A. R. Rahman.
Before Roja, Mani Ratnam had directed 7 films, including Agni Nakshatram (1988) and Mouna Ragam (1986).
After Ponniyin Selvan 2, Mani Ratnam went on to direct 1 more film, including Thug Life (2025).
Roja was A. R. Rahman's acting debut.
After Ponniyin Selvan 2, A. R. Rahman went on to appear in 9 more films, including Maidaan (2024) and Amar Singh Chamkila (2024).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Mani Ratnam & A. R. Rahman's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
They worked with the same 14 people again and again — a small repertory company. Arvind Swamy appears alongside them in 7 films — practically a third lead.
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