Rahman seeking "Beyond the Clouds" and Conventions

Suhansid Srikanth

For someone who is born in 90s.. it is always an issue to settle with the music post 2000 and particularly post 2010. Because we are from a generation who grew up listening to vocals.. lyricism was our take aways from most songs unlike now, where the music takes over with lyrics either making less sense or no sense at all. And it is a jarring leap for us to shift from the listening to hearing!

And.. With Rahman.. the case is even more complicated. Given he was our icon! The reason why music in Indian Film Scenario hit like a thunderbolt with every soundtrack he came up with between 92 to 2000.

The 2000 - 2007 phase is probably where he took a giant leap. The all vocal, lyrical, mainstream soundtracks that deployed commercial reasons slowly turned into more of music driven albums. And ARR was effortlessly bringing in the blend of West in Indianness. Some of the most stunning soundtracks ever where from this phase of him.. Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, Boys, Aayudha Ezhuthu, Guru, Dilli 6, Water, Sivaji.

And then.. there was Slumdog Millionaire and the post Oscar phase where he started breaking all his conventions. This to me is the most exciting part of his career (at least, so far). And albums like Rockstar, Highway, 127 Hours, Tamasha, OKKanmani, Kadal, Kaaviyathalaivan, Muhammed - The messenger of God are testimonies to the fact that his approach towards interpreting stories and emotions through music has drastically changed.

His beliefs inclined mostly as..

"My music is mostly for the music. And it gives the liberty to do anything which I want. And nobody limits me to one genre of music. But I learn from life and I try to give back to life, in a way, whether it's the thought of the song or whether it's the approach to the arrangement or anything. "

In that sense.. the recent Majid Majidi directed BEYOND THE CLOUDS is quite an explosive.

The film is releasing on April 20th. And from what's been glimpsed so far through trailers, it traces the journey of a brother and sister in suburbs of Mumbai.

And what will if not the soundtrack of ARR to mood up the ambience of Indian roots for the Iranian auteur to tell his tale?

The soundtrack begins with "Ala Re Ala" that takes you right into Mumbai's crowded streets, to scenes of boys running amidst festivals and processions.. Vocals are sheer celebration!

There is another one similar track that explodes into a humongous dolak vibe.. "Holi" begins with a great nostalgic throwback to Dhaandiyaa aatamum aada from Kaadhalar Dhinam.

"Ey Chhote Motor Chala".. is more like a character defining track. It reminds a lot of Dilli 6 from Delhi 6! The 'Basti hai mastaano ki dilli dilli, Gali hai deewano ki dilli 6' vibe is there! The rap is a killer. I kept thinking of Paintra from Mukkabaaz, another stunner in recent times where you can literally see one track embracing the energy of the whole film.

"Beyond the Clouds".. the theme that embraces the whole film is a serene piece feathered with Nikhita Gandhi's voice. It is a lullaby in hum. Have always felt Rahman is so good with these lullaby tracks.. those that have a maternal instinct on their own. Am thinking of Sooha Saaha from Highway.. the 'Thaalelo' part in Kaalaiyil dhinamum from New.. Kollayila thennai from Kaadhalan.. It sets the mood for a whole film. There is a seeking quality to it. There is a search.. a lostness.. a great running into mood.. and a reunion!

"Son of Mumbai".. It musicales the growth of a lone survivor. The rising orchestration tells a tale on its own!

The most intriguing track of the album to me is "The Game of Life". A vibrant assemble of classical instruments, hues and indianness peaking to a bang!

"Twist of Destiny" traces the mood of two parallel lives getting diverted.. And wait for the powerful interlude that takes over in the middle.

"Reunited" binds the soundtrack, probably the film as well.. as a chord of hope!

There are few other themes as well.. "The Gift", "Akshi", "Second Thoughts", "Hospital".. which are nothing but ARR's minuscule wonders.

I remember telling once that Rahman has this glowing illuminate quality of clean perspectives on humanity, a serene touch of spirituality and an undying optimism in his artistry which makes him more and more greater than what he is. And it is no doubt that it reflects in every track he produces. Every bit of music he creates.

All said and done.. now do dive into the sounds of Mumbai raining with this album on your own for ARR to take you to a travel trip over India from right where you are!