Mani Ratnam, born Gopalaratnam Subramaniam on 2 June 1956, is a renowned Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter, primarily active in Tamil cinema, as well as in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. With an impressive track record, he has secured seven National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and six Filmfare Awards South, along with various accolades from international film festivals. In 2002, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his significant contributions to the film industry. Despite being born into a family deeply connected to the film world, Ratnam initially showed little interest in the field, pursuing a career in management consulting after completing his post-graduation. However, his passion for cinema eventually led him to venture into filmmaking, with his breakthrough coming in 1986 with the acclaimed film "Mouna Ragam." Throughout his career, Ratnam has delivered a diverse range of successful films, from romantic dramas like "Roja" and "Dil Se.." to epic historical dramas such as "Ponniyin Selvan: I" and "Ponniyin Selvan: II." His unique style, visually striking cinematography, and storytelling prowess have solidified his position as a leading filmmaker in the Indian film industry. Ratnam is married to actress Suhasini, and they have a son. He continues to reside in

Mani Kaul (25 December 1944 – 6 July 2011) was an influential Indian director known for his contributions to Hindi films and Indian parallel cinema. He gained recognition with his debut film "Uski Roti" (1969), which won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie and marked a significant departure from traditional Indian cinema. Kaul's career was highlighted by his ability to blur the lines between fiction and documentary, evident in films like "Duvidha" (1973) and the award-winning documentary "Siddheshwari" (1989). He co-founded the Yukt Film Co-operative, promoting avant-garde filmmaking. Additionally, Kaul's impact extended to his role as a teacher, including a stint at Harvard University, and he was a member of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival. Kaul's work delved into diverse themes, from interpreting Fyodor Dostoevsky’s works to discussing the status of women. Despite his passing in 2011, his legacy lives on through his thought-provoking films and documentaries, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His extensive filmography and numerous accolades solidify his enduring influence on the film industry.

Mani C. Kappan, born in 1956, is a prominent Indian figure known for his multifaceted career in politics, film production, direction, and acting. As the current Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Pala constituency in Kerala, he emerged victorious in a by-election held in September 2019, succeeding the late K. M. Mani. Additionally, Kappan has been involved with the Nationalist Congress Party, where he served as the State Treasurer and overseen its Overseas Cell. Notably, Kappan's influence extends to the film industry, where he produced and directed several successful Malayalam movies, such as "Meleparambil Aanveedu" and "Mannar Mathai Speaking." Furthermore, he has showcased his acting prowess in around 25 films, encompassing both antagonistic and protagonist roles. Kappan's diverse background also includes a successful stint as an international volleyball player. Moreover, in the political arena, he founded the Nationalist Congress Kerala party and secured a seat in the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, defeating Jose K. Mani. His familial ties to former Member of Parliament Cherian J. Kappan and his impactful contributions to the film and political spheres solidify his esteemed position in Indian society.