A.R. Rahman has been known for his contribution to social causes. This is the reason why when he comes up with just a single, even that makes a lot of news since it deals with global issue of poverty that comes due to war and terror.

As a joint initiative of A.R. Rahman Foundation and Nokia Nseries, 'Pray For Me Brother' is a song that is dedicated to inspire people to eradicate poverty from our world. Conceived and composed in aid of the United Nations Millennium development goal to eradicate poverty by 2015, Pray For Me Brother' has been imaginatively shot by acclaimed film maker Bharatbala in USA.

The first thing that strikes about this video is the format in which it has been shot. Unlike the 16:9 anamorphic format in which most films are shot, the one for 'Pray For Me Brother' takes an opposite route as it has its frames set in vertical rather than horizontal mode.

That's the reason why the music videos strikes in the very first go since the entire shot taking gives a different dimension to the visuals that appear on screen. Add to it the Black & White texture of the video and it's time to celebrate a 5 minutes journey that is truly international appeal.

The music video takes the audience though a journey of a couple comprising of a black man and white woman who are on the verge of a breakup. Traveling on road in a car through the streets of LA, they come across number of junctures that educate them about the essence of life and the gift of being privileged.

On this trip through the busy and not so busy roads, they come across various hoardings that tell the tales of poverty, suffering, war, helplessness and lost dreams through the faces of underprivileged and those who had lost their homes and families. Especially striking are the shots that feature a woman holding her hands in a prayer with her empty eyes conveying all that she needed, another woman holding the picture of someone close to her, a child with a tear in his eyes and nowhere to go and a man who stares in emptiness as he remembers about the world that is lost.

The essence of the song is to bring the feeling of compassion and support for the underprivileged and help the poor by not just the materialistic means but a prayer in unison. Lyrics by Rahman and Blaaze say it all as they come up with a universal anthem that could hold true in any part of the world, whether it was first or the third world.

Music of the track is simply phenomenal as it has just the right orchestra in place which has a universal appeal while being truly western in the manner it is set. The lyrics simply touch your heart while the rendition by Rahman and Blaaze [in rap] is top class. Also commendable is the fact that in spite of a message driving the entire number, 'Pray For Me Brother' doesn't turn preachy at all and would be picked up by people across all age groups who would love to play it on in a repeat mode due to it's soothing nature.

Apart from the couple around whom the concept revolves, the video also features Rahman for a good enough duration as he gets all passionate while singing in the middle of a desert. With a rock star setting and a mike to hold, Rahman follows Bharatbala's instructions to the T and delivers a performance that justifies his standing as a top international star that we have in India. In addition, there is a dance going on the streets of LA which is typical to the city of LA and conveys what's going on in the world today.

Overall a top class effort that makes you get into an introspective mode and offers you reasons to think about your own today and what future may have in store for you, 'Pray For Me Brother' is a spirited effort that needs to be lauded.

It is great to see an initiative like this being backed by all those who matter and a superb all around contribution by means of music and the video only makes it further noticeable. Great job by everyone involved and hats off to Rahman for pulling it off so well!