Aabhi jaa(Raunaq) - AR Rahman

AR Rahman and Kapil Sibal’s Aa Bhi Jaa from album Raunaq is India’s first 4K music video:

Aa Bhi Jaa, a song from the album Raunaq, is India’s first 4K music video on YouTube. The album is a collaboration between AR Rahman and Kapil Sibal.

“It’s first time in India and we are extremely excited to be launching this video,” Sony Music India’s Sanujeet Bhujabal said in a statement. ”This version has not been used even in Bollywood films and watching a video in this ultra high definition format is an immersive experience in itself.”

As seen in the above photo, if you have a 4K display, you can select 2160p in the playback settings. As you can expect, you will need a very fast connection to play a 4K video without buffering. Aa Bhi Jaa has been sung by Jonita Gandhi with lyrics from Kapil Sibal, and the music video features actors like Yami Gautam and Muzammil Ibrahim.

YouTube had announced support for 4K videos at VidCon conference in 2010. These ultra high definition videos are roughly four time the size of plain old 1080p ones.

The Aa Bhi Jaa music video is embedded below.

TEN unknown things about AR Rahman

Ten Things We Didn’t Know About A. R. Rahman:

The music world’s gain is the computer engineering world’s loss. “I wanted to be a computer engineer when I was a kid. Electronic gadgets and technology fascinated me.”

His childhood TV debut. “In 1980, when I was thirteen a kind producer who was called Rajan introduced me in a children’s programme called ‘Wonder Balloon’ on national television [Doordarshan]. It seemed a big achievement in those days to see a kid playing four keyboards. Soon after the programme was aired, people started to recognise me on the street: ‘Oh, it’s that kid. We saw him on TV last Sunday.’”

Why he changed his name from Dilip Kumar to A. R. Rahman. “The truth is I never liked my name. I don’t know why, but I just didn’t like the sound of it. No disrespect to the great actor Dilip Kumar! But somehow my name didn’t match the image I had of myself. Sometime before we started our journey on the path of Sufism, we went to an astrologer to show him my younger sister’s horoscope because my mother wanted her to get married. This was around the same time when I was keen to change my name and have a new identity. The astrologer looked at me and said: “‘This guy is very interesting.’ He suggested the names: ‘Abdul Rahman’ and ‘Abdul Rahim’ and said that either name would be good for me. I instantly loved the name ‘Rahman’. It was a Hindu astrologer who gave me a Muslim name. Then my mother had this intuition that I should add ‘Allarakha’ [Protected by God], and I became A. R. Rahman.”

His pre-Roja discography. “Very few people know that in 1987, I composed an album calledDisco Disco with the (Tamil) singer/actor Malayasia Vasudevan. It had lots of other musical styles besides disco…I also recorded Deen Isai Maalai, an album of Sufi music. When I managed to build my music studio in 1989, it was the first piece of music that was recorded there. At a jingle recording, I met the (South Indian film) playback singer Malgudi Shubha and we decided to do an album together called Set Me Free. It was an English-language album. It was released in 1990, and later re-released in 1996, when it did better.”

His early influences. “When I worked as a session musician, I was obviously surrounded by Indian film music. But I’d be listening on my headphones to Vangelis, John Williams or a Zulu chant. My interest in jazz began years later with Chick Corea, Dave Grusin and Herbie Hancock.”

But he was never into The Beatles. “Strangely enough, I never listened to the Beatles, except for a very few songs. I was once supposed to do a commercial twenty-five years ago based on a tune by the Beatles. I think it was ‘Girl’ from Rubber Soul. Then of course there’s that famous track with Ravi Shankar [“Norwegian Wood”]. Those were the only two Beatles tracks I knew. Many years later I read the lyrics of ‘Imagine’.”

And is more into operatic rock. “I liked the band Queen because I loved Freddie Mercury’s voice.” Later, when talking about his favourite movies, Rahman says: “I liked The Who’s Tommyand Pink Floyd’s The Wall.”

How Freida Pinto and Sonam Kapoor helped him land some prized international projects. “It was sweet of Freida Pinto to recommend me to Julian Schnabel for Miral. I was keen to write new music for him but he insisted on using ‘The Bombay Theme’ and a track from He Ping’s Warriors of Heaven and Earth.” Rahman later says: “Danny (Boyle) told me later that it was Anil Kapoor and his kids who had recommended me to him. They would play him my songs and then the sound recordist Resul Pukkutty, also played my music to him.”

His biggest gig. “100,000. In Kolkata,” says Rahman in response to a question about his largest-ever audience.

His new spiritual guru, who he met after a low phase in the early noughties. “I was disturbed by September 11th and the Iraq war, and the way the world was getting divided. It was then that I met my new spiritual teacher who gave me a new perspective on life. By the way, he wrote the words of ‘Khwaja Mere Khwaja’ (from Jodhaa Akbar) under his pen name ‘Kashif’.”

Rajnikanth talks about AR Rahman

Soundarya, daughter of superstar Rajnikanth, Sunday said that her directorial debut 'Kochadaiiyaan' is a tribute to her father.

In a touching speech at the audio launch of the film, Soundarya thanked her father for giving her the opportunity to direct him.

"Dad, thank you a million times for being so patient, supportive and encouraging. You were the rock I needed by my side. The film has come to life because of you. We are all here only for you. This film is my tribute to your illustrious career," Soundarya told reporters.

"This is a humble attempt for me to present you on stage how everybody wants to see you. I'm your biggest fan and I have this opportunity to say it in front of your fans. Thank you very much," she added.

The trailer of 'Kochadaiiyaan' along with the making-of-the-film video was screened at the event, which was attended by fans and big names from filmdom. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was the chief guest.

'Kochadaiiyaan', a Tamil period-drama, which has been in the making for nearly two years, is touted to be India's first performance capture photo-realistic technology 3D animated film.

It is slated to release on April 11.

Soundarya said that the film took so long because they wanted to make technologically the best film.

"This is a first attempt. All first efforts will be challenging. Since the process in this technology is very long, we had to pay attention to every minute detail to master the technology. From a leaf to bird to even dust, we spent a lot of time to bring everything to perfection," she said.

"It's because fans want to see our superstar in a different avatar, I have taken so much of time and effort to make the film. So we need your support and blessing for our effort to bring motion capture technology to India," said Soundarya.

Deepika Padukone, who plays the female lead in 'Kochadaiiyaan', was also present along with the rest of the film's cast.

Rajnikanth's entire family - wife Latha, daughters Soundarya and Aishwarya, sons-in-law Dhanush and Ashwin were present at the event.

Doyens of Tamil cinema like Shankar, K. Balachander, K.S. Ravikumar, S.P. Muthuraman, and AVM Saravanan were also present at the audio launch.

Double Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, who has composed music for the film, was also present on the occasion along with lyricist Vairamuthu and sound designer Resul Pookutty.

kaaviya thalaivan-AR Rahman

Rahman says about 'Kaaviya Thalaivan'

vasantha Balan, the filmmaker who gave us some most memorable films like Veyyil, Angadi Theru and Aravaan is back with Kaviyathalaivan. Like his previous film Arvaan, this is also a period film set in 1930s. As stated by the director in recent interviews the film revolves around various Tamil Theatre groups that were ruling the roost during the pre independence era. There were some reports suggesting that the film is based on the real life love between S.G.Kittappa and K.B.Sundarambal, two prominent theatre cum film personalities of that era.   The director has refused this. H has stated that he is not interested in making Bio-pics and the story of Kaviyathalaivan is an attempt to throw light on the lives of various theatre artistes of the pre independence era. The Veyil director added that he read the autobiography of Avvai Shanmugam, who is considered as one of the pioneers of Tamil Theatre and that inspired him to make a film on Theatre groups. The film's music is being composed by Isaipuyal A.R.Rahman. Rahman 's level of involvement towards the film was evident in his taking part in the first press meet of the film that happened in Chennai yesterday. While the addressing the press, the double Oscar winner said that Vasanthabalan has worked very hard for this film and he has also given the same amount of hard work for composing the songs. The ace composer also stated that he had to quit a Hollywood project which he had started before accepting Kaviyathalavian. The film's soundtrack includes 20 songs out which 8 will be full songs and the remaining will be short songs used at drama sequences and other appropriate moments in the film. The composer admitted that he accepted the offer mainly because the script demanded more of Carnatic and folk music. Kaviyathalaivan stars Sidharth and Vedhika in lead roles and Prithviraj plays a very important role. The supprting cast includes Nasser, Anaika and Thambi Ramiyah among others. Neerav Shah handles the camera and Jeyamohan has penned the dialogues. The film is being produced by Y Not studios in a grand scale.

Kochadaiiyaan Music Review

Engae Pogudho Vaanam

Voice: SP Balasubramaniam
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

All of the five minutes of the first track could be summed up in a phrase - majesty at its best. Opening with grand reverberating orchestra, launching SPB's voice in grandeur, the first song of the album is a soulfully worded praise for the king of kings. There is majesty in every note, with the constant rise and boom of orchestra, with extensive use of strings at every level. The chorus hum in the background add to the magnum opus of the song, elevating the fab of the mood to a great height. While the lyrics are an inspirational order in the first stanza, with the confidence of success, in the second stanza they transcend to the assurance of indespensability, come what may, going on to praise the princely king further. While the background score is an inviting lovely experience, it gets even better in a piece of distinct musical rapture bordering on foot tapping melody, after the second stanza. Speaking of the promises of His Majesty, the third and fourth stanzas are worded of the goals of the kingdom, concluding to a round of appreciating claps and climaxing in the trumpets singing praise for ever after. In simple terms, AR Rahman, SP Balasubramaniam, Vairamuthu and Rajinikanth - need we say more?

Medhuvaagathaan

Voices: SP Balasubramaniam, Sadhana Sartgam
Lyrics: Vaalee

Following the majestic number is a subtle and soft romantic duet, opening in Sadhana's mesmerizing voice. This song is special for multiple reasons and one of them is the lyrics of the legendary poet, Vaalee. The first two lines are sung against breeze of music, which then gathers beats in mrudangam, supporting a lilting melodious number. From the lyrics, it is can be gathered that it is the romance between the prince Rana and his love interest, which is celebrated in this melody, in the charming and soothing voices of SPB and Sadhana. Vairamuthu's lyrics are pristine pure Tamil, predominantly describing the handsome prince. The poesy has a bounce to its own, especially in the third stanza, while the purity of language makes it a sweet challenge, yet compelling to sing along. Tone of the song changes slightly towards a deeper shade in this stanza, and the song continues at the same pace to end in a soft, sweet melody.

Maattram Ondrudhaan Maaraadhadhu

Voices: Rajinikanth, Haricharan, Umashankar
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

Here's a surprise package! Everyone loves Rajinikanth - his flair, his acting and his style of language. 'Maattram Ondrudhaan Maaraadhadhu' brims with inspiring lyrics, in Rajinikanth's own voice! More than a song, this one is a recital of a compilation of motivating lines. It opens with encouraging lines in Superstar's voice, followed by trumpets to complete the regal feeling of the song. Beautiful orchestra runs in the background, which elevates the overall regal demeanour of the track. The song is all about people singing in praise of their leader who they adore, while the king himself is a humble man, unfazed by victory or defeat, and lives up to the duties of a king and of a normal human being. Poetic and motivational lines are narrated in Superstar's voice; between two recitals, there's song in Haricharan's voice. The song picks up in an all new vigour after the second recital, in majestic trumpets, followed by immaculate lyrics on poetic violins again. The song wraps up in a very unique fashion - mesmerizing jathi in Umashankar's voice, trailing off on breeze of BGM in the end.

Manapennin Sathyam

Voice: Latha Rajinikanth
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

Love is an undying promise in itself and the fourth track of the album is a romantic promise of eternal love, by the bride. In her own unique voice, Latha Rajinikanth has sung this number, which makes the package all the more special. Protective, careful, innovative, selfless, loving, undoubting, caring - a woman can take various forms and play it all with perfection, and this song is about the promise of the beautiful bride, who assures to display all her virtues as a sincere wife. The song is set in the background of shehnai music and gentle beats, with Latha's sweet voice playing perfectly with the beautiful lyrics, making it a soothing romantic melody, and also gives the feeling of a wedding in progress. Background score and the lead voice compliment each other in a beautiful lilting sweet melody, making it a lovely package that every woman would willingly offer as her own promise to her loving husband. The melody ends in softly playing shehnai and gentle taps.

Idhayam

Voices: Srinivas, Chinmayee
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

After four up-beat songs, this offers a change in mood as a serious number, on a melancholic note. Musical score in the song swings and sways between soft melody and rolling beats, signifying the emotion in sheer perfection. The song opens in Chinmayee's voice with a couple of lines in pure Tamil and drags on, establishing the feeling of loss in the clear and then rolling to a sudden question. The complete package sounds typical of an aggrieved woman torn between feeling lost and her anger thereof, questioning the injustice. Poesy is an adorable yet complicated pure Tamil with a good share of ancient words thrown - this one is sure to get you to scout in the dictionary for the meaning of many words. Every time she questions why she has to suffer and why her hero abandoned his duties, there is response from the man, who sounds cornered for a mistake he did not intend. Srinivas's voice completes the package of this unique song, in his rendition that carries the right emotion on each note. The woman questions again, against rolling beats and the man responds that he will keep up his promise - all in pure Tamil words. The song ends with the woman's verdict of undying and unconditional love for her man, irrespective of her loss.

Engal Kochadaiiyaan

Voices: Kochadaiiyaan ensemble
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

The battalion is ready for the war, and they hail the king with this song of praise and motivation. 'Engal Kochadaiiyaan' is typical gathering of an army of loving and faithful citizens, for the king they adore and worship. The entire nation gathers to praise their lord and motivate him for a probable war, in this song. But this song stands out from the regular ones of this genre, in its uniqueness of a contemporary touch. The song, in fact, begins on an electronic note, and opens on the rustic yet lively calling out to the king. There is chenda and mattalam in their traditional fashion, and there are also electronic guitar notes, making the song a perfect blend of ancient and contemporary. Praise to the king flows in awe inspiringly pure Tamil, in highly complicated adjectives of appreciation. With all the praise, the nation surrenders in worship to the king they love - the almighty Kochadaiiyaan. After two stanzas, the second half of the song is only music. With trumpets adding the royal touch, the score is rich in adrenaline; in the minor details, the sound of swords clanging against shields is also simulated, and you can almost see a historic war gearing up, in your imagination.

Manamaganin Sathyam

Voice: Haricharan
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

We've heard the bride's promise and here comes the groom's counterpart for his loving wife. Tune of the song is unchanged from 'Manapennin Sathyam' but the lyrics have been altered beautifully to celebrate womanhood from a man's perspective. He is the royal prince, responsible and protective; but at heart, Rana is also a man who loves his heroine endlessly. As a romantic lover, he adores every little detail of his lady love and promises poetically to be the faithful loving husband, who would selflessly sacrifice himself for her happiness and longevity. Lyrics are penned beautifully, describing every little detail in its own fashion of high regard, and are highly descriptive. Though the fundamental tune is same as the female version, there are slight variations in the background score, especially the usage of shehnai, in 'Manamaganin Sathyam'. In all, this is a song that every man will lovingly promise to his soul mate.

Karma Veeran

Voices: AR Rahman, AR Reihanah
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

The last track begins with an English touch on a pleasant opening in Reihanah's opening notes, followed by AR Rahman's voice praising the almighty king. The ups and downs in trumpet are beautiful, pleasant and rejuvenating. This song is self motivation to the king, who is required to be unfazed by fluctuations between victory and failure. As a human, he is to be humble and sincere. Lyrics speak of the duties of a king who has the pride, but not the ego, of being the worshipped leader. It reminds the king to keep calm and ensure his feet on ground, irrespective of his unmatched success, and also prepares him for the forthcoming challenges. Beats are reverberating yet not thumping, but a soothing touch while maintaining majesty, which gets even more regal with the chorus. After a roll of beats, the song changes tempo and pace, yet maintains its consistency of motivation. Following the chorus, the lyrics are backed by violins, which taper off in subtle yet fast paced notes that shoot up in pitch to join in the chorus again - this transition is a magical, musical travel. Following the heavy orchestra, Rahman's rendition takes an interesting twist. The song travels through upbeat notes to end softly in gentle strums.

The mighty king is on his way in a first-of-its-kind film and the welcome to him has been perfected in the music with royal touch in nine tracks - eight beautiful songs and an instrumental 'Rana's Dream' by London Session Orchestra. It uses pure Tamil and complicated adjectives, making it sound historic and rustic. Yet, it is also kept simple and straightforward in tunes and contemporary in music with modern touches to the royal story. Given that 'Kochadaiiyaan' is a graphic entertainer, this music will well suit the screenplay, and is also a soothing album independently. Now, we can't wait to watch the king in action!