Mouna Raagam, 1986
Director: Mani Ratnam

This was Mani’s first film. We planned so many things before we actually started shooting. Mouna Raagam was the story of marital disharmony. My work was very simple because my approach was simple.

I used a lot of dark shades in the latter part of the film, in tune with the story. I felt the long shadows and the light and shade effect accentuated the marital disharmony between the husband and wife.

Similarly, in the flashback, when the girl was studying in college, I tried to give a different energy level. The film had a beautiful tone. I must say, Mouna Raagam shook the industry then!