It was like sheer magic onstage. In a simple, yet star-studded event in Chennai—the release the music album of the much-awaited Kaatru Veliyidai—ace director Mani Ratnam and Academy award winner A.R.Rahman came together to mark the silver jubilee of their association. “It has been 25 years. Yet, it feels like yesterday. From Roja to my latest Kaatru Veliyidai, he has not changed much. He still has the same smile. He works on every film as if it is his first, despite achieving so much,” Mani Ratnam praised Rahman.
Clad in a simple white shirt, the iconic filmmaker with his signature grey hair and French beard was all smiles when he asked Rahman, “When do we start composing for our next film?” The Rahman-Mani Ratnam journey began on August 15 1992 with Roja. Mani Ratnam has not worked with any music director other than Rahman in these 25 years. “All these years, it has been an amazing musical journey with Rahman. He and lyricist Vairamuthu will have to tolerate me for many more years to come,” said Mani Ratnam.
Thanking Ratnam for giving him the opportunity in 1992, Rahman was all praise for the filmmaker and the Kaatru Veliyidai team. “Mani Ratnam is my biggest blessing. If I look back, I feel very grateful for the love I received from the people of Tamil Nadu,” said Rahman, signing off with his signature phrase 'Ella pughalum iraivanuke', meaning all fame to god.
Kaatru Veliyidai, a love story set in the backdrop of armed forces, has actor Karthi and Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead. An emotional love story, shot in Leh and Ladak region, Karthi said it would be an emotional journey for the audience and help inculcate gratitude towards the soldiers.
Here's the song list—'Nalla Allai' by Sathya Prakash and Chinmayi; 'Azhagiye' by Arjun Chandy, Haricharan, Jonita Gandhi; 'Vaan' by Shashaa Tirupati; 'Saarattu Vandiyila' by AR Raihanah, Tipu, Nikhita Gandhi; 'Tango Kelyaoo' by Haricharan and Diwakar; 'Jugni' by AR Rahman, Tejinder Singh.