15 magical albums that we love Rahman for !
- IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,January 09 2018]
15 magical albums that we love Rahman for !
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that what Mozart is to the Europeans, Rahman is to us. Like the Austrian composer, Rahman was nothing short of a prodigy during his formative years (he is even fondly called the Mozart of Madras). His maturity and complexity as a composer grew manifold over the years resulting in an impressive portfolio of mellifluous, mesmerising and magical music. While its hard to make a list of the composer’s most loved songs, it’s much more harder to crunch it to a palatable size. Anyways here goes our list!
Roja
'Roja' was A.R.Rahman’s breakout debut album that not only marked his entry in the film space, but also earned him a national award as well. Mani Ratnam made A.R.Rahman the music composer for the film who was previously composing for jingles. The album was much talked about becoming a national sensation with 'Puthu Vellai Mazhai', 'Chinna Chinna Aasai', Tamizha Tamizha’ becoming major hits. It is worth mentioning that from then onwards, Rahman has been scoring for director Mani Ratnam.
Gentleman
The film was Shankar's first directorial venture and A.R.Rahman was able to bring a cheerful note to an otherwise serious movie. ‘Chikku Bukku Railae', 'Usilampatti Penkutti' and 'Ottagatha Kattiko' are some of the numbers which even today's kids are familiar with.
Kizhakku Cheemayile
When Rahmanwas beginning to get typecast as a composer who heavily leans towards a lot of western elements in his music, this album was his answers to all the naysayers. Directed by Bharathiraja and with Rahman’s traditional album, the film was a visual as well an auditory treat. 'Aathangare Marame' is a song from the album that became a hit among the listeners.
Minsara Kanavu
'Minsara Kanavu' not only earned Rahman a national award for the second time but also bagged him a award from the state government. It is notable that 'Vennilave Vennilave' and 'Thangathamarai' are two songs that have stood the test of time.
Muthu
This album was Rahman’s first composition for a mass hero commercial film and everybody was skeptical. But the film's music became such a hit that it was not only loved within the country, but also stated to be the reason for the film to become a hit among Japanese audiences as well.
Alai Payuthey
Rahman though he was gaining traction from the audiences and listeners on a huge level, there was a little disappoint from fans as the composer hadn't turned to carnatic compositions yet. Rahman’s answer was a mellifluous album strung with numbers which unanimously became a major rave such as 'Pachai Nirame', 'Snehithane' etc.
Kannathil Muthamittal
For the first time director Mani Ratnam took the issue of Tamil Elam in this film and Rahman's music score came off as a great support to complement the film’s theme and the mood. Especially the songs, ‘Vidai Kodu Engal Naade’ was one of the much talked about tracks in the film and needless to say, Rahman got another National Award for this movie as well.
Sangamam
This is a album surfacing the need for a folkish flavour surrounding the characters of the film. 'Mazhai Thuli Mazhai Thuli' became a major hit from the film's albumwhile 'Marghazhi Thingallalva' became a raving hit and still used for dance performances widely.
Sivaji
This is an important film in Rahman's career as this was the first that the magical trio Rajini-Shankar and Rahman came together for a film. It is also worth mentioning here that the film broke records in music CD sale and the songs continued to be trending for more than over a year.
Slumdog Millionaire
Sans a major film cast, A.R.Rahman's music was one of the main reasons that the film gained traction among the audience. Not only that, this is the film that served as a springboard for Rahman to leap into the international arena bagging two Academy Awards. And Tamil people will always remember the 'Ellam Pugazhum Iraivanukey' which the composer mouthed after receiving the award.
Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya
This film marked the first time collaboration between 'Gautham Vasudev Menon' and the album was a major hit as the songs screamed versatility throughout. Special mention to ‘Aaromaley’ as the song became a raging hit among music listeners catapulting the film’s reach to new horizons.
Endhiran
This film was the second time that Shankar, Rajinikanth and Rahman got together for. Not only did the album became a super duper hit as typical of a Rahman album but also the film’s background score was much appreciated stating that it was equal to Hollywood standard.
OK Kanmani
After a long hiatus, Mani ratnam came back with a bang in 'Ok Kanmani'. The fiilm was new age and youth centric and needless to say, rahman’s album added verve and energy to the film with ‘Mental Manadhil’ ruling the playlists of youngsters for a very long time.
Kaatru Veliyidai
Even though the film did not fare well at the box office, Rahman's music was much appreciated by music fans and audiences as well. Special mention to Azhagiye song which trended for a long time among youngsters and the general populace.
Mersal
After films like 'Udhaya' and 'Azhagiya Tamizh Magan', Rahman - Thalapathy Vijay combo worked brilliantly. Rahman’s background score was not only crucial to help move the film’s scenes in important junctures but also songs like 'Aazhaporaan Tamizhan', 'Mersal Arasan' and 'Neethane' became major hits.