In the quote, Mani Ratnam reflects on his approach to choosing languages for his movies based on their settings or themes. He suggests that if a story's backdrop is deeply rooted in a particular region, it makes sense to produce the film in the local language, such as Hindi for northern India. However, when dealing with subjects that have broader appeal and are not tied specifically to one area, he remains open to creating versions of the movie in multiple languages.
The deeper meaning behind this statement highlights Ratnam's pragmatic approach to filmmaking, considering both artistic integrity and commercial viability. By aligning a film’s language with its thematic context or regional relevance, he aims to enhance cultural authenticity and audience engagement. On the other hand, when a story is universally relatable, producing multilingual versions can expand reach and impact. This strategy underscores his commitment to reaching diverse audiences while maintaining strong connections to specific cultural contexts.
Mani Ratnam is an acclaimed Indian film director known for his work across multiple languages in India, particularly Hindi and Tamil cinema. He has built a reputation over decades for creating films that resonate with both regional sensibilities and broader social issues, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards within the industry.