ATM audio release

Vijay fans now have a reason to rejoice as their Ilaya Thalapathy’s much-awaited Azhagiya Tamizh Magan is going to hit the screens on Diwali. The film happens to have generated enough curiosity as it marks the coming together of A R Rahman and Vijay. Though the pair had worked together earlier for Udhaya, it did not create an impact due to its delayed release.

ATM on the other hand has been announced with much fanfare as Vijay pairs up with Shriya for the first time. And this is her first release after Sivaji, which has gone as per schedule. The final cut is being readied and theatres have also been blocked. The movie’s brisk pace is evident from the audio release date, which was announced recently. Rahman who has scored all the tunes and the audio is to hit the stores on 15th October. They have got their timing right! With just three weeks ahead of its release in theatres, it is just about enough time for Rahman’s tunes to grow on its listeners. The movie has five songs and sources say Vijay has crooned a number for this movie; the release of the CD’s should put an end to all this guessing!"

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Rahman’s Golden age has come

Not long ago, we heard that Rahman was composing songs for Shekar Kapur’s Elizabeth-the Golden Age. The movie was screened at the recently concluded Toronto International Film Festival, and is said to have received rave reviews. Elizabeth-the Golden Age released yesterday, received accolades from the critics, and some went on to say it is one the finest epic films in recent times.

The battle sequences were stunning, and according to some critics its visuals appear like a painting coming alive. What is heart warming is the fact that A R Rahman’s musical score has come in for a special mention. “A musical score by Craig Armstrong and A R Rahman is virtually a character in itself, huffing and puffing through nearly every scene, provoking tension and calling characters to action,” says the Hollywood Reporter. Chennaiites will have to wait a while before they can be witness to all the grandeur, as the movie is not going to hit the screens any time soon, for the restless souls there are trailers available on the net.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Chinese plagiarism hurts Rahman

Gone are the days when Indian musicians composed music albums drawing inspiration from other sources. It's time now for us to share the limelight. Not so long ago, lovers of international music would come up with the name of the original version as soon as they heard an Indian film song; and this is not confined to Tamil songs alone. Now it is the other way round.

With the advent of the internet and the likes of Rahman at the helm of Indian music, it has been ensured that their tunes reach far and wide. This deserves special mention as it has not only spread our music across the continents but has even created awareness about Indian music in general. On the flip side, it has also ended up as 'inspiration' for other music composers. This is true in China where popular Taiwanese singer Kelly Poon has recorded Rahman's 'Shakalaka Baby' in her latest album, in Mandarin. Yao Chien, the composer and producer of the album claims his company, Ursa Major, has sought permission from Universal music, which takes care of the copyrights for Rahman's works. Kelly Poon on the other hand had stated that if she were to take the legal route to obtain the rights for the tune, it would have been tough to release the album. She added: "As it is a popular Indian song, I am just adapting the song and introducing it in China." Kelly might have her intentions right; just that the law happens to take a different view. Kelly Poon was a Project Superstar Champion 2005, a reality competition for singers across China, which is similar to the Indian TV show, Super Singer. This number especially has catapulted her to the status of singing sensation among the Chinese. So much for what was not hers! As for Rahman, he wasn't available for any comments. Guess success comes with its share of problems.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Jodhaa Akbar, a preview

There was a buzz in the air.

And this time it was neither Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om nor Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya causing the stir.

Rather, it was Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar, which was about the epic love story between Emperor Akbar and a certain Rajput princess, that was causing a stir at the Adlabs theatre in Mumbai's Film City.

The occasion? The director was hosting the first ever preview of his huge film, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Jodhaa Akbar is scheduled for release on January 25.

Judging from the preview, the film holds a lot of promise. The promos sees Hrithik dressed in various avatars of the Emperor with A R Rahman's song, Marhaba, playing in the background. One scene sees him taming an elephant, while another sees meeting Ash for marriage.

Ash, on the other hand, doesn't speak much and is shown dressed in fine bridal wear, getting ready for her grand wedding.


Speaking about the film, Ashutosh said he did not focus completely on history though he has taken care not to hurt the religious sentiments of people.
"It is not history, but the epic romance of Jodhaa and Akbar," Ashutosh explains. Asked if the film would be in the league of the classic, Mughal-E-Azam, Ashutosh quipped, "This love story came first in history; then Mughal-E-Azam followed." He also brushed aside the fact that Hrithik hardly looked anything like Emperor Akbar; he simply looked like Hrithik Roshan "Hrithik looked like Hrithik in Krrish. In my film, he looks like Emperor Akbar," he said.




Haider Ali (actor in the popular television serial, Nukkad) was the one who came to me with the script of Jodhaa Akbar, after Lagaan," Ashutosh continued. "I loved it and wanted to do it but didn't have the time then. So I did Swades first."
But making Jodhaa was easier said than done for Ashutosh as he had to take the requisite permissions, and also do a lot of legwork before the film shoot. "I had to do a lot of homework," he said. "I met some historians like Irfan Habib of Aligarh Muslim University and also attended seminars to know more about the subject before I decided to make the film." The film, which will portray 15 years of the life of the emperor, has five songs. The music will be released on November 27.
Courtesy: Rediff.com

Great news for Surya's fans

All of Surya's fans are waiting in bated breath for his upcoming Diwali release Vel. It's been more than a year since they have had glimpses of their favorite hero. This comes as a pleasant surprise as his fans were all disappointed with the delay of Goutham Menon's magnum Opus Vaaranam Aayiram.

But there is good news, Goutham who recently decided to shoot a quickie "Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam", during the time Surya was not available for VA, is done with its first schedule. The entire schedule was completed in Ramoji Rao film city in Hyderabad. Now with Vel being wrapped and Surya available, he has decided to switch to VA from Chennayil'. Goutham plans to work on both the projects simultaneously with Chennayil being expected to be completed sooner. Goutham's fans too are waiting to see his next release, as both have big names associated with them, Goutham-Rahman combo with Trisha in the lead on one side and the successful trio of Goutham-Surya-Harris on the other. Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Rahman – what’s next after Azhagiya Tamil Magan

It seems like a long time since Sivaji songs were released, however, they still generate frenzy among the music lovers. Pronouncing a comeback of sorts in Tamil movies, Rahman proved why he is still sought after with those songs. The maestro is busy these days scoring tunes for the upcoming Vijay-Shriya starrer ATM. Inside sources state that Rahman’s rip-roaring music for ATM is sure to become a rage as soon as they are released.

Besides ATM, as it seems, there is an impressive line up of movies that require the genius’ rendition. Of the only other two projects Rahman seems to be working on in Tamil so far, producer Dhanu’s Sakkarakatti is progressing. Rahman seems to have been bowled over by the plot and bought additional time to spend on the score. Which means, soon enough, yet another chartbuster is on the cards. Gowtham’s mascot Harris is being replaced by Rahman for his next venture titled Chennayil Oru Mazhaikkalam. Touted to be a musical entertainer, this movie focuses on the life and times of an IT professional, which means both stylish and very contemporary.

That apart, down South, if reliable sources are to be believed, Rahman will score for the Pavan Kalyan starrer Puli directed by S.J. Surya. Puli is also associated with some of the bigwigs of the industry including Camera by renowned cinematographer Ravi K Chandran. Rahman’s major Hindi projects include the Aamir Khan – Asin starrer Gajini directed by Murugadoss. He is also associated with the epic movie Jodhaa Akbar, directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker that stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. Rahman’s music for Jodhaa has raised the bar among his fans and critics alike for the story revolves around the great Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Hindu wife Jodhabai

On the cards is also Delhi 6, directed by Rakeysh Mehra whose previous successful venture with Rahman include Rang De Basanti that was also nominated for the Oscars. Besides, Rahman is also talked to be scoring Yuvraaj produced by Anil Kapoor and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Aamir Khan Productions and PVR Cinema. On the whole, fans are in for a big treat the latter part of this year, Rahman style.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Inside story on the Rajini, Kamal and Mani Meet

These days, the top talk in Kollywood seems to be the meeting of the most powerful triumvirate of Tamil cinema, viz. Rajini, Kamal and Mani Ratnam. This meeting has already been rendered different shades by the media, but reliable sources have confirmed that a discussion on an upcoming project had indeed taken place.

The proposed Rajinikanth starrer is touted to be funded by Ulaga Nayagan Kamal Haasan perhaps under Raj Kamal banner which may be co-produced by his guru and mentor K Balachander. Mani Ratnam is expected to direct this venture. The eminent director seems to have accepted the conditions, on request that he should be given the liberty of going in with his style of film making. Music is slated to be handled by none other than Mani's protégé, A.R.Rahman. Kamal Haasan may have a guest role in the film.
The story has not yet been finalized but is expected to take up shape soon. There are whispers that the film may be loosely based on the life history of Rajini and Kamal just like the biographical film Iruvar directed by Mani Ratnam himself.
Whatever it is, the news of these three legends coming together has in itself increased the hormone levels among Tamil Cinema fans. And if it does happen, it will be nothing short of a gargantuan carnival.
Fingers crossed!

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

A.R.Rahman makes India proud yet again

A.R.Rahman has again made India and especially Chennai proud. CNN, in a special program, listed the world’s best music directors and amidst the big names of "Ennio Morricone" & "Hans Zimmer” Rahman managed to find a place. CNN called Rahman the “Maestro of Madras” who has sold albums more than the Beatles.

The show also discussed his popular rendition for the “Lord of the rings” stage drama. There was also mention about his first international movie, Elizabeth 2, directed by Shekar kapur. If the very fact of gaining mention in an international program is big, then being compared with the likes of Ennio Marricone and Hans Zimmer is nothing short of a Wow. Behindwoods.com salutes Rahman for taking India to the world. Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Count down for ATM begins

Azhagiya Tamil Magan is one of the most anticipated movies this year which will be a Diwali Dhamaka. Vijay fans are upbeat about this project and a thunderous opening is expected this November. Here is Behindwoods exclusive information for you. ATM is nearing completion except for a song sequence which will be shot in a magnificent set in Binny Mills.

‘Valayapatti thavil’ is the opening lines of this peppy number which features Shriya and Vijay in an exuberant mood dancing to the tunes of A R Rahman. The slim seductress will raise the blood pressures of all her fans when she will be gyrating atop a lorry. The post production will commence once this song is completed.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Will A.R. Rahman get an Oscar?

The Indian maestro A.R. Rahman has just completed a new English movie, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, directed by Shekar Kapur - an Indian as well. It is a sequel of Shekar’s very popular - Oscar winner and multiple Oscar nominee - Elizabeth. Big names like Kate Blanchett, Oscar nominee Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush are involved in this project.

The first movie was made at a budget of $25 million and garnered more than $60 million all over the world, and also bagged an Oscar for the best make up. Apart from this, it was also nominated for the Best Actress in a Leading Role award, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration award, Best Cinematography award, Best Costume Design, including Best Picture award and not to forget the Best Music - Original Dramatic Score by David Hirschfelder. David will also work in this colossal project along with A.R. Rahman. The sequel of Elizabeth is getting much bigger with much higher budget. Also, chances are high for A.R. Rahman to be nominated for an Oscar. Shekar Kapur, one of the finest directors that India has ever produced is very optimistic about this movie. It will be released in the US this October and Indian audience can catch this movie in the theatres only by next year. Hope we get good news by January and better news by March. Behindwoods has only one thing to say to Rahman: “We will pray for you brother”. Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

A.R.Rahman given clean chit

The controversy surrounding the Jana Gana Mana album by A.R.Rahman came to an end today, with the Chief Justice A.P. Shah and Justice Jyothimani dismissing the petition to ban the album. According to the petitioner, Mohanraj, General Secretary of Jebamani Janata Party, the music director’s intention to release the album was to cash in on the national anthem.

Moreover, he alleged that the national anthem should be sung within stipulated seconds but Rahman has sung it for over seven minutes.
The judges, while dismissing the petition on both counts, said that it is the right of the citizens to sing the national anthem and it cannot be deemed as an act of disrespect. Also they gave the verdict that there is no such rule as to the stipulated time.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

A.R. Rahman may get three years imprisonment

A.R. Rahman – the proud Indian he has always been, had released Vande Mataram on the occasion of the 50th year of independence and in the 60th year he came up with an album "Jana Gana Mana". Even though the intentions were good, he seems to have forgotten that there is a law that the national anthem should be sung in a specific way and should be finished within the stipulated seconds.

And if done otherwise it is deemed as disrespect to the national anthem and could attract a sentence of a maximum of three years imprisonment. And now many people are ready to sue Rahman for this action. "Do good, there will be none to support; do good, there will be hundreds to find fault". How true is this statement! Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Rahman exclusive interview in Vikatan.com

Courtesy: Vikatan.com

A R RAHMAN Jana Gana Mana album 60th Independence Day

"A.R. Rahman’s gift for the 60th Independence Day By Behindwoods News Bureau. August 13, 2007 Music director A.R. Rahman has recently launched the Jana Gana Mana album to commemorate the 60th anniversary of India’s independence. Readers may be aware that the maestro, for the golden jubilee Independence Day celebrations, had released a similar album “Vande Mataram”. A.R.Rahman A.R. Rahman, while speaking at the function organised by the Times Music, which is releasing the album, said that some of the best voices in India have been roped in to sing for this album. They are, Bhimsen Jhoshi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, S.P. Balasubramaniam, Jasraj, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and the maestro himself. About 80 music instruments have been used for this song. This is probably the first time that so many instruments have been used for a single song. According to Rahman: “the music album emphasises on the economic development of our country and stresses on the need for tolerance among the citizens.”"

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Rahman releases 'Jana Gana Mana'

CHENNAI: A decade after he sang "Vande Mataram" to reflect of the mood of the nation when it turned 50, A R Rahman released "Jana Gana Mana", his version of the
national anthem here on Saturday.

The album -- which features some of the biggest names of the Indian music industry, ranging from D K Pattammal to S P Balasubramanium and Balamuralikrishna to Lata Mangeshkar -- is another venture from the Bharatbala-Rahman duo that was behind
"Vande Mataram" in 1997.

Speaking at the packed Music World store at Spencer Plaza here, Rahman said it was of great value to score music for the national anthem.

Responding to a query, he said he could not single out any particular singer from a collection of 35 soundtracks as his favourite. "Everybody is so impressive," he said.

The man, who is now tasting success in the international arena, has not performed any solo number on the album and declined to say why this was so.

Bharatbala, the producer of "Jana Gana Mana", appreciated Rahman's support for the venture.

Courtesy: DnaIndia.com

Rahman, Gulzar release album on `Jana Gana Mana`

Mumbai, Aug 11: As India is all set to celebrate 60 years of independence, musical genius A R Rahman, film maker and lyricist Gulzar and Bharatbala released an exclusive collection of renderings of the national anthem by musical maestroes of India. The music for the album has been given by A R Rahman. In a firstof its kind creation, the legends lending their voices include Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, D K Pattamal, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Bhupen Hazarika, Asha Bhonsle, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ustad Sultan Khan, Amaan And Ayaan Ali Bangash, Rahul Sharma, Vikku Vinayakram, Uma Shankar, Kadri Gopalnath, Ravikiran, E Gayathri,Pandit Kartick Kumar, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and many more. This collectors edition which is available in a set of a special booklet, a DVD and an audio CD is set across the vast landscape ofIndia. The set also includes the national anthem picturised on theIndian army. The album has been shot at 21,000 feet in the icy glacier of Siachin. Speaking to reporters yesterday A R Rahman said, ``the greatness of this concept is the humbleness it reflects, the legends praising their motherland in their unique way is an experience in itself andI enjoyed every moment of being associated with it.`` Speaking on the occasion Gulzar said, ``Bharatbala has a habit ofdoing beautiful and unique things and from the genius Rahman we cannext expect a fresh new version of `Sare Jahan Se Acha`.`` Bharatbala productions is a film production house led by Bharatbala and Kanika Myer who have made more than 500 television commercials for indian and international brands in the past fifteen years. Their well-known projects are `Vandemataram` which was the finalist at the prestigious Cannes and New York film festivals.Bharatbala productions have also conceptualised and filmed the`Incredible India` campaign.

Courtesy: Zeenews.com

Freedom gets a voice!

A R Rahman: A proud Indian (TOI Photo) Rahman uses 80 instruments to give Bharatbala a symphonic version of Jana Gana Mana. He’s the voice, brains, soul and the music behind some of the most memorable tunes of our time. And when A R Rahman isn’t spinning out songs that have propelled him to the rarefied ranks of the world’s top 25 selling artistes, in between flicks of the scrollwheel on his P990 smartphone (BT caught him en route to an album launch at a suburban mall), he talks about freedom. Think Jana Gana Mana , and think India in all her avatars, and that’s what inspired the Bharatbala-Rahman combine to create audio and visual renderings of the National Anthem, originally penned by Rabindranath Tagore. This album, released on Times Music, is a tribute to the feeling of pride and unity evoked by the anthem. “India’s progressing very well economically but there should be more tolerance. People need to have balance in whatever they do,” Rahman muses. True to his musical versatility, he’s also done a symphonic version of the National Anthem. “I used around 80 instruments for this one. It took a while for us to put it all together.” Four years, to be precise. And it’s not just Rahman who’s added his prodigious talents to this project. That singular emotion of patriotism has been rendered by the likes of Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Lata Mageshkar, Pt Jasraj, Asha Bhonsle, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt Shivkumar Sharma and Jagjit Singh, to name a few. Speaking about the kind of treatment they visualised for the songs, Kanika Myer, of the production house, adds, “We wanted to re-render it keeping the original tunes in mind. We didn’t want it to sound like something you have to listen to but rather like something you’d want to listen to.” And indeed, there’s no song which thrills the heartbeat of a nation as successfully as our anthem. “It is important to give people what they love,” says the maestro. A perfectionist to the core, he adds, “I spend a lot of time on whatever I do. The older you become, the more you like melody and soothing music. There’s so much of chaos out there in the world, I feel like doing something which calms the mind.” And what does he listen to when he wants peace? “Sometimes, it’s just pure classical like Andrea Bocelli,” he says. Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com

Rahman releases new patriotic album

Music maestro A R Rahman and M C Maryko at a launch function in New Delhi.

Noted composer AR Rahman Saturday released a new album based on the national anthem here.

The album was released just ahead of India's Independence Day at the Chennai Music World store in Spencer Plaza.

The DVD album was produced by BharatBala Productions, makers of the feature film Hari Om for the BBC, and the "Incredible India" advertising campaign.

The new album has 35 soundtracks, including tracks from Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Balamuralikrishna, noted Carnatic singer D.K Pattammal and S.P. Balasubramanium.

Rahman had earlier done an album on 'Vande Mataram', another patriotic song.

Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com

A.R. Rahman promotes new album

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‘Jana Gana Mana’ is

a unique collection of national anthems by musical maestros

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— Photo: R. Ragu

One of a kind: Music director A.R. Rahman with producer Bharatbala at the launch of the album in Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: There was no place to move. Hardly any to breathe. Bodies jostled against one another, racks of music trembled and security guards shouted themselves hoarse trying to bring order to the situation.

The usually well-disciplined crowd at Music World in Spencer Plaza, though, was not going to be decorous today. Not when A.R. Rahman was on the premises.

Fans, music lovers and shoppers crowded the store as the renowned music director arrived here on Saturday to promote his new album ‘Jana Gana Mana.’

Around 300 people stood on their toes, peered over shoulders and waved camera cell-phones yelling excitedly to Rahman. “This is a very rare album. I really enjoyed doing it,” the famed composer-director-singer said.

“The album is a unique collection of national anthems by musical maestros,” said Bharatbala, one of the producers. The album, by Bharatbala Productions, was launched to coincide with the country’s 60th year of independence.

It consists of 25 films of renditions of the national anthem set in various parts of India including the Siachen glacier, in the DVD version. In the audio CD version there are 35 tracks of the anthem rendered by artists including Lata Mangeshkar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Hariharan, S.P. Balasubramanium, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Amaan Ali Bangash and Uma Shankar among others. The music has been composed by A.R. Rahman.

Around 100 ‘Jana Gana Mana’ albums were sold at the store on Saturday alone.

Courtesy: Hindu.com

Will Robot have A.R.Rahman?

Shankar has always trusted Rahman in the music department and their combination has always managed to weave a magical spell on the listeners. Of course, Shankar did opt for Harris Jeyaraj for Anniyan, but yet the duo bounced back with the blockbuster Sivaji. Now Shankar is ready to take his second Hindi movie with the King Khan, tentatively titled Robot.

A.R.Rahman recently opted out of Shahrukh Khan’s production “Om Shanthi Om” due to misunderstanding. Rahman's demand for a share in the royalty for a song did not go well with Shahrukh which explained the reason for the former’s withdrawal from the project. Now that Robot is finalized and Shahrukh Khan will also be producing the film it has to be seen whether A.R.Rahman is still considered for the movie, Even though the maestro has denied any grudges against Shahrukh khan, let us wait for the news.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com