Mani Ratnam Thanks AR Rahman Ahead Of Thug Life, Says 'You Make My Film Alive'
'Thank you, Rahman. You make my film alive. Thank you very much," Mani Ratnam said emotionally. Addressing a packed auditorium of fans, media, and industry figures, the esteemed director shared an anecdote highlighting Rahman's sensitivity and creative generosity.
'I was telling him how nowadays it's difficult to keep full songs in cinema due to short attention spans and changing narratives," Ratnam revealed, referring to the evolving dynamics of storytelling and audience engagement in contemporary cinema. But Rahman, ever the artist attuned to deeper meanings, responded characteristically.
'After listening, he changed the number of songs from originally five to nine," Ratnam disclosed, drawing applause from the crowd. 'Thank you, Rahman. Thank you very much. You make my film come alive," he reiterated with immense pride.
Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman's collaboration, which began with Roja in 1992, has spanned over three decades, producing some of Indian cinema's most iconic soundtracks – from Bombay and Dil Se to Guru and Ponniyin Selvan. This moment on stage was more than a tribute; it was a reflection of a creative synergy nurtured over time, rooted in mutual respect and trust.
At a time when many filmmakers are shortening musical sequences for tighter runtimes, Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman's decision to expand the musical scope of Thug Life is both audacious and beautiful. It serves as a reminder that music, when composed with passion and thoughtfully integrated into the narrative, doesn't merely accompany a film – it elevates it.
Produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies, R Mahendran, and Siva Ananth, Thug Life features a stellar cast. Kamal Haasan stars as Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, alongside Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf, among others. With Mani Ratnam directing and AR Rahman's music, Thug Life will be released in cinemas on June 2025.
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