Maverick director Mani Ratnam’s Sakhi (Alai Payuthey in Tamil) has completed 25 years today.
Exactly at the dawn of Millennium, Sakhi got released on April 14 in 2000. As a Millennial who grew up idolising Mani Ratnam, I was spellbound by heart touching tale of Sakhi.
What’s heartening is, even after 25 years, this Mani Ratnam’s film evokes same emotion and cheers up after every watch. Even listening to Sakhi’s songs elevates mood and bring backs lovely memories. That’s the magic of Sakhi (Alai Payuthey).
Besides Maniratnam’s directorial finesse, what made it special was the refreshing chemistry between lead pair Madhavan and Shalini, cinematographer PC Sreeram’s visual mastery and AR Rahman’s music.
Mani Ratnam movies have always been commendable for their visual appeal, aesthetic sense, stylish presentation, heart touching music. Sakhi had all these elements in right proportions, turning it into one among the all time best romantic movies.
The journey of Karthik (Madhavan) and Shakti (Shalini) from youngsters smitten by love to responsibile married couple – in the process, facing Opposition from their families, navigating through career pressures, self respect and ego clashes – had been interestingly depicted in Sakhi.
Star director Mani Ratnam was always ahead of his times. That makes Sakhi film relevant even today. Not just Millennials but even Gen Z and Gen Alphas will connect with Sakhi and love it.
Incidentally Sakhi was the debut movie of one of the most handsome actors of Indian cinema, Madhavan. It was also debut for Shalini as heroine. Earlier she had acted in many movies as child actor.
As Sakhi completes 25 years, film lovers will sincerely thank Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman, PC Sreeram, Madhavan, Shalini and the team for giving us such a memorable and lovely movie. But the only complaint is, ‘Why is Mani Ratnam not focusing on such love stories now?’
May Sakhi’s 25th anniversary rekindle fond memories and inspire Mani Ratnam to think about a love story once again.
(This article writer Deepthi Nandan Reddy is a journalist, writer, entrepreneur focusing on startups, movies and political activism.)
