AR Rahman: Mani Ratnam sir said making a movie is like composing a song

“Mani sir once said to me that making a movie is like composing a song. You have the introduction, the song’s theme, the tune and then you do the background mixing. Then comes the antara, and with it, you have a journey that comes to an end beautifully. That’s when it struck me how [fulfilling] it is to create another art form in your own language,” says Rahman, crediting the auteur for pushing him towards filmmaking. 

His debut production features debutant Ehan Bhat and Edilsy Vargas with musician-director Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy at the helm. The composer-producer knows that the Jio Studios endeavour — a passionate love story with music at its core — is far removed from mainstream offerings. “People’s experience of a movie truly depends on whether the story resonates with them or not. After the pandemic, our sensibilities have changed. 99 Songs is more of an experiential movie. The sound and visuals are an experience unto themselves.”