The documentary is produced by A.R. Rahman, and it explores the journey of rhythm and sound, tracing the evolution of music across cultures, tribes, and generations…reports Asian Lite News
The Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman unveiled the teaser of his upcoming documentary feature titled ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ at the Bharat Pavilion during the ongoing 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
The documentary is directed by Rohit Gupta.
The event was also attended by Rohit Gupta, Executive Producer Abu Metha (Advisor to the Nagaland Chief Minister), and Executive Producer Theja Meru (Chairman TaFMA, Nagaland government).
The documentary is produced by A.R. Rahman, and it explores the journey of rhythm and sound, tracing the evolution of music across cultures, tribes, and generations.
The music composer said, “Music has this transformative power to change society and to connect and bring relevance to existence. ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ is a celebration of this universal rhythm that unites humanity in its diverse expressions. We look forward to the start of its film festival journey and what better than Cannes which celebrates cinema to make the first announcement on the film.”
“The germ of the idea came up when A.R. Rahman visited Nagaland to be part of the legendary Hornbill Festival. We knew we had to be part of it. The film is a collaboration of many creative minds, especially the TaFMA, and masterfully captured by director Rohit Gupta. The real heroes are the musicians of Nagaland, who tell stories that go back to times immemorial and their music exemplifies the ambition of our youth,” said Abu Metha.
‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ has been directed by Rohit Gupta and produced by A.R. Rahman, with Abu Metha, Adam J. Greig, Theja Meru, Rohit Gupta, Sheila Houlahan, Rohhit Daas serving as Executive Producers.
A.R. Rahman releases powerful, new version of 'Infinite Love'.(photo:IANSLIFE)
“Infinite Love,” a song by Rahman with funk, hip-hop and Indian classical influences, spread joy, thanks, and peace throughout the world…reports Asian Lite News
A.R. Rahman had no idea that “Infinite Love,” his 2012 single, would spark a movement. The world was inspired by the Grammy and Oscar-winning composer’s song of inclusivity, peace, and love during one of the darkest years, which was widely expected to conclude with the destruction of the Earth. Fortunately, both the world and music survived. “Infinite Love,” a song by Rahman with funk, hip-hop and Indian classical influences, spread joy, thanks, and peace throughout the world.
The song has now completed a decade of existence and on this momentous occasion, Rahman has reimagined the soaring anthem for a new world, a new generation. The original track’s timeless lyrics (“Infinite Love… Is The Rain Falling Into The Sea/ Infinite Love… Is The Miracle Showering Me… “) continue to honour humanity’s resilience and inclusive nature. A changemaker, who has led a revolution in the arts by fostering and spotlighting diverse talent from around India and the globe, Rahman continues to be a luminary for a peaceful world order.
About ‘Infinite Love’, says A.R. Rahman, “I would like to thank the people of the world for their encouragement & love, particularly the artist community for showing the world that they don’t care about race or nationality, and all they care for is the person you are and the gift you carry as an artist. The people who wish only good, even for their enemies. The people who have enriched their lives & others’ by giving unconditionally. The people who make others’ lives beautiful by creating music, movies, art & functional innovations! The people whose prayers make the world imperishable.”
We are as we are because it was love that found us, fed us and led us. What better medium than art to bring the movement full circle and send it on another revolution around the world? With the new rendition of “Infinite Love,” Rahman provides a powerful prayer and vigil for humanity’s past, present and future. After all, though we are many, as human beings, we are one.
A single shot film means the film does not have an editor. It means the film crew has shot all the scenes of the film at one go in a single show… Reviewed by MANIGANDAN K.R.
Duration: 96 minutes (Releasing in Theatres), Director: Parthiban. Cast: Parthiban, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Robo Shankar, Brigida Saga, Chandru, Anandha Krishanan, Sneha Kumar and Sai Priyanka. Music: A. R. Rahman (Rating: ****)
Director and actor Parthiban has always looked to push boundaries. The man, who won a National Award for his very first film, the hard hitting ‘Pudhiya Paadhai’ in 1989, has never stopped thinking about how to take Tamil cinema to greater heights.
Just when people began to write him off, Parthiban shot back to limelight with his ‘Oththa Seruppu – Size 7’, a film that had only him as an actor in it. What was impressive about the film was that not only did it do well commercially, it fetched him a National Award yet again.
Ilaiyaraaja, who scored the music for ‘Oththa Seruppu – Size 7’, is believed to have asked Parthiban, “What more can you do now? You have surpassed all limits. What next?” ‘Iravin Nizhal’ is Parthiban’s reply to Ilaiyaraaja’s question.
A single-shot, non-linear film, ‘Iravin Nizhal’ is a technical masterpiece, the making of which leaves one awe-inspired.
A single shot film means the film does not have an editor. It means the film crew has shot all the scenes of the film at one go — in a single shot!
This means the sets for each of the scenes of the 96 minute-long film must have been ready simultaneously. It also means actors featuring in one scene will have less than 20 seconds to change their costumes and rush to the set of the next scene where they will have to deliver all their lines by heart.
One small mistake from any one member of either the cast or the crew in any department would mean the entire film having to be reshot from the beginning! The challenge is compounded by the fact that the film has a non-linear pattern of storytelling. What this means is that story’s time period keeps shuffling back and forth.
Parthiban’s move to screen a making video of the film before screening the actual film is thoughtful. For, it shows the enormity of the challenge that lay before the cast and the crew and the brilliant and professional manner in which the entire unit of over 340 people overcame it.
In other words, it makes one appreciate the phenomenal effort that has gone into the making of this film, which is definitely one of a kind.
The making video shows that the unit worked tirelessly for several months to first find a place that could accommodate so many sets. Then, finally, they zeroed in on a 64-acre piece of land on which a whopping 58 sets were brilliantly erected.
After this, the entire cast had to undergo several rounds of rehearsals before the actual shooting began. The making video shows that the unit failed 23 times and that the film had to be shot from scratch each time!
Moving on to the plot of ‘Iravin Nizhal’, Parthiban narrates a grim story about an individual’s life in this challenging film. The story is about a person called Nandhu(played by Parthiban) who is on the run from the cops.
As he longs for his daughter to come back to him, he takes a walk down memory lane. ‘Iravin Nizhal’ showcases the different points in the life of Nandhu, a man trying to survive this cruel world, from the time he was a boy till the time he is on the run. Why is Nandhu on the run? Why has his daughter separated from him? ‘Iravin Nizhal’ gives you the answers.
The film has fantastic performances coming in from all its actors, especially Parthiban. Varalakshmi as Premakumari, the mistress of a fake godman, in particular is impressive in the brief period that she appears.
The performances of Brigida Saga as Chilakkama and Sai Priyanka Ruth as Parvathi also stand out. Chandru, who plays the role of Parthiban in his 18th year, and Anandha Krishnan, who plays Parthiban while he was 30 years old in the film, are fantastic.
On the technical front, A.R. Rahman’s music is just outstanding. Be it his background score, or his songs, the music lifts the film’s standard by a big margin. It is easily the film’s biggest strength.
Arthur Wilson’s camera work too is simply phenomenal. To think the man has shot all the scenes in one go leaves you astonished.
But beyond all their contributions, it is Parthiban’s contribution as a director that really makes the difference. The manner in which one scene transitions to another without the crew actually having to effect a cut is all due to the director’s brilliance.
First coming up with a story that can be shot in this way and then envisioning the entire process and then actually implementing it talks volumes of the understanding the man has of his craft.
Iravin Nizhal’s story might not be the most appealing or entertaining but it certainly is one of a kind and for that, it needs to be appreciated.
The song has been rendered by a host of singers including A R Rahman and his daughter Khatija Rahman…reports Asian Lite News
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who is on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, took time off his hectic schedule to pay a visit to Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman’s studio in Dubai.
Giving details of his visit to Rahman’s studio on Instagram, Stalin wrote, “My friend A R Rahman invited me to his studio and showed me his ‘Moopilla Thamizh Thaye’ album when I had gone to pay a visit to the Dubai Expo 2020. There is no limit to Tamil and music in this world!”
A R Rahman, for his part, said, “M K Stalin avargale, thanks for accepting our invitation to Firdaus studio and honouring us.”
Music for ‘Moopilla Thamizhe Thaaye’ – a Tamil anthem for Tamils and Tamil lovers worldwide has been scored by A R Rahman, while its lyrics have been penned by Thamarai.
The song has been rendered by a host of singers including A R Rahman and his daughter Khatija Rahman.
The video has been directed by Amith Krishnan and has been shot by cinematographers Vijay Karthik Kannan and Bala Subramanyam.
