Ever since their first union ‘Roja’, the stellar combo of Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman has delivered several prodigious albums across languages. There is something special about their initial collaborations.
AR Rahman, fondly called as the Mozart of Madras, made his composing debut in the film ‘Roja’ and rendered seven splendid tracks. The album, which is still considered one of Rahman’s best works, was listed in Time magazine’s “10 Best Soundtracks” of all time.
One wonders how did it all start!! Mani Ratnam happened to listen to some ad jingles, composed by Rahman, in an awards function, where Rahman received the award for Best Jingle Composer. Impressed with Rahman’s works, Ratnam visited his studio and listened to a tune that Rahman had composed long back on the Kaveri River water dispute. Ratnam signed him immediately for the film, which was the first one in his terrorism trilogy. Rahman, in spite of his reluctance to seriously take up work in films, accepted the offer since Ratnam had the reputation of a director with a good taste for music. Rahman would later say: “I wasn’t sure myself why I accepted Roja. I was offered ₹25,000 for it, a sum that I could make in three days composing ad jingles. I think it was the prospect of working with Mani that enticed me”. Roja was released in 1992 to universal acclaim. It is considered a milestone in Tamil and Indian film music that heralded the start of a new era.
Mani & Rahman, have worked together in 15 films altogether with every soundtracks having marked a phenomenal critical and commercial success in Indian cinema. Rahman won three out of his six National Awards from his association with Ratnam.
When filmmaker Mani Ratnam and music composer A.R. Rahman come together as a team, one can look forward to sensitive lyrics and enthralling music like that of Yuva.
Remember how the music of films like Roja and Bombay complemented the director’s finesse with the music maker’s melodies? Yuva too has youthful, fresh and different music.
The opening track Dhakka laga bukka, sung by Rahman, Mehboob and Karthik, is packed with emotion. Khuda hafiz sung by the trio, Lucky Ali, Karthik and Sunitha Sarathy, is a gem. Kabhi neem neem by Madhushree is a frothy song, whereas, Dol dol, a feet-tapping number by Blaze and sung by Shaheen Badar. The last number Fanna is sung by Sunitha Sarathy, Tanvi and Rahman, in which Rahman’s voice completely takes over with his stunning sargams.
It is a sweet album with Latino beats, some Arabic influence, folk strains and yet is distinctly Indian in appeal.
So lets all enjoy the Music!!!!
