Despite the naïve patriotism on display, Roja is classic Mani Ratnam and a movie for the ages

Roja holds a special place in my life as a cinephile. Growing up in Mumbai as a Tamilian, my movie universes were always mutually exclusive, it was always Kamal / Rajini at home and Amitabh outside. Mani Ratnam was celebrated thanks to Sunday Afternoon Doordarshan viewings of Mouna Raagam, Anjali and Nayakan. But even with …