Oscar award winning music composer A R Rahman has turned writer-producer
with the film 99 Songs. Presented by Jio Studios, the film is produced by
Rahman’s production company YM Movies and co-produced by Ideal
Entertainment. The movie is all set to be released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi on
16th April. Ahead of this, Rahman shares his experience about 99 Songs and
much more.
How did you come up with the idea of 99 Songs?
The starting point of 99 Songs was a one liner, like a fairy tale. What if a guy
has to write 100 songs to win a girl. It is not that simple and writing even one
song is not that easy. I conceived this idea in 2010 following which I developed
it. I was studying many things, taking workshops, finding the director and the
right cast. Now the movie is complete. It is like going to a university, learning
something and coming out with a movie.
Was it easier to write and make the movie as it was based on music?
I think since it had music in it, it was much more difficult. It is difficult to make
people sit through a movie. There were days when people used to sit and
watch movies with music. There was also a time when music was made to
make people sit. In 99 Songs, it is a cross between both. There are so many
distractions, some people text and tweet between movies. Today's movie
watching experience is even more complex. In this film the screenplay kind of
moves fast and that will keep the audience engaged.
Were there any specific challenges while developing the story?
The question of "is it good enough" makes you work harder and harder. These
questions sometimes have to stop when you break yourself. When you work as
a team, you have to be clear on what is needed and also have the ability to
adapt. As a first timer we would want to put everything in the story. But later I
had to filter it to ensure that the story only had what was needed.
Why did you choose Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy as the director?
He was recommended by a friend from MTV Chandru. He has done good
advertisements, music albums and is very experienced. We had a good vibe
between us. He himself is an musician and actor. He has a different
combination of skill sets which I really liked. He has really got the job done.
You have worked with many leading directors, did you consider working with
them?
As a composer, I have worked with some of the most amazing talented
directors. As a writer I am a new person, a newcomer. So I did not have the
courage the tell them what the story is. But with newcomers I do not have to
be intimidated to tell my ideas. We can judge together and we can learn
through experience. In the end we are proud of the product what we have
done together. This freedom is also what turned me into producer. I wanted to
work freely without thinking about what others would say.
Why Ehan Bhat was chosen?
The script demanded new faces, we felt like that the persons needed to learn
piano, music. This is time consuming and is not possible with an established
actor. Having somebody new would make our vision will come alive. This is
why he had to choose a new actor and Ehan fit the bill perfectly. We
auditioned like almost 700 to 800 people for the role. I liked his energy.
It is said that 99 Songs is based on your life...
This story actually is not from my life. My life is exactly the opposite. My mom
chose music for me. I had to live by her dreams. However the story of 99 Songs
is different, but there are experiences from my life that are put in the story.
What did your director friends said after watching the movie?
A lot of people watched the trailer and said it looks fantastic. A few people said
that it was on par with Hollywood movie trailers. Most of them are
experienced and gauge what the film would be. I have not played the movie to
many people yet. But those who have seen are excited about it.
What you made make the movie in three languages?
I have done three languages before and I still do. Most of Mani Ratnam's
movies are multilingual. They resonate well with audience. Since this is a movie
with newcomers, it needs that exposure. Moreover, music is a common
language and anyone from the world can relate to it. Even business wise it
would be better if we had the movie in three languages.
Do you intend to write lot more stories after 99 Songs?
After writing 99 Songs, I have developed and learnt a bit of skill sets. I have
kept a few scripts in a semi developed stage. But first I want to see how 99
Songs is received.
Can we see Rahman - the actor or director soon?
I have acted as myself in a few movies. I do not see myself as an actor, as it
requires a different skill set. You have to let go of our inhibitions. It's a huge
effort and I am too old for that. Becoming a director is not a easy job and is
time consuming. It is easier to write a story and carry out production with a
team. I have already directed a movie called Le Musk. It just took minimum
time. Le Musk is a sensory project. It has scent in the screen, it has audio, 3D
visuals, We need to install chairs from Positrons. It is one of the most
fascinating things that I have done.
In what ways do you think Indian cinema should progress?
In my opinion Indian cinema has a lot in store and there is a void in the world
for this culture. If it is presented right, people will embrace it. It is okay, if a
few people feel that we do not need that market. But personally, I feel we
need to empower our films so that the world understands us. Most of the
movies that appeal to the Western people are those associated with poverty.
But that should not be the pattern.
