Guru, The New Indian Express, and I

Mani Ratnam's Guru is one of those films I keep returning to. I lost track of how many times I’ve watched it, but every time, it pulls me in like the first. Today was no different.

Abhishek Bachchan is truly underrated. It is easily one of his finest performances since Yuva. With every rewatch of Guru, I notice something new: his quiet intensity, the layers in his performance, and the sheer force he brings to the role. 

And Aishwarya Rai... where do I even begin? The depth in her eyes, the strength in her expressions, the way she holds every frame; even in the most heartbreaking moments, she’s radiant and effortlessly graceful.

Without a doubt, Sujata is one of Mani Ratnam’s most memorable and well-written heroines. She isn’t just Guru’s wife; she’s his equal, his 50% partner, as he calls her. It’s rare to see a heroine whose journey feels just as significant as the hero’s. And that’s exactly why Mani Ratnam’s films stay with you. He gives his female characters more than just a place in the story; he gives them a voice.

Guru’s charm goes beyond its real-life inspirations. It’s a film that draws you in with its stellar cast and AR Rahman's mesmerising music. 

The songs aren’t just beautifully composed; they’re visually stunning, seamlessly woven into the narrative with breathtaking cinematography and deep emotion. Full marks to the genius of Rajiv Menon.

I didn’t know Hindi, but Ey Hairathe... was my ringtone for years. There’s something undeniably magical about its composition, visuals, vocals, and performances. The first half unfolds almost like a novel, immersing you in its world with rich storytelling.

Beyond the film itself, Guru holds a special place in my heart for a personal reason. At 14, I had the rare chance to witness its shoot. I didn’t quite understand what was happening, of course, but the experience remains etched in my memory. Much of the filming took place on the sprawling Express Estates, once home to The New Indian Express and Dinamani.

The campus, with its towering trees, high ceilings, and old-world charm, had a character of its own. Back then, all you could see was the historic office building, long before the towering EA structure altered the skyline.

My father worked at The New Indian Express, and while my memories from that time are scattered, I can still picture him showing me the shoot. I remember glimpsing Mithun Chakraborty and, of course, Mani Ratnam himself, completely immersed in his craft. 

I didn’t know then that life had a full-circle moment waiting for me. Years later, I would walk through those very gates, not as a visitor, but as an intern. And eventually, I would return for not one but two fulfilling stints at The New Indian Express.

I also never imagined that one day, I’d go on to interview Rajiv Menon and Mani Ratnam.

Some places and moments have a way of staying with you forever.

Image: Madras Talkies