Legendary director Mani Ratnam is one of the few directors who remain reclusive and is seen at ease only with his colleagues in the industry and his protégés.

Many of his protégés have gone on to make a mark for themselves in the Industry but all of that has been out of their own effort.

The latest to do so is Kannan, who is directing Jayam Kondaan. This young director was working with director Manobala on a project that featured Suhasini Mani Ratnam. Taking note of Kannan’s enthusiasm, Suhasini introduced him to husband Mani Ratnam, who promptly took him in as his assistant. Kannan was overwhelmed by this gesture and willingly joined his idol.

Kannan had worked with Mani Ratnam on several projects after that and had earned Mani’s confidence as his trusted protégé. He also narrated a script he had developed, to his mentor. Impressed by it, Mani recommended him to producer T.G. Thiagarajan of Sathya Jyothi films requesting them to take a look at the script. This rare gesture of Mani Ratnam comes in for a special mention, as he had never recommended anyone except actor Siddharth, his former assistant, whom he recommended to director Shankar to be cast in his film, Boys.