The pairing of legendary film icons actor-director Prabhu Deva and Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has always been something of a cinematic event, and now, after a hiatus of 25 years, this dynamic duo is poised to collaborate once more. As the entertainment industry buzzes with anticipation, it is confirmed that their upcoming venture will be a film directed by Manoj NS, founder and CEO of the renowned media house Behindwoods.
Marking Behindwood’s inaugural journey into feature film production, this unnamed project – tentatively hashtagged #arrpd6 on social media platforms – promises to be an enthralling dance musical. Envisioned to spread joy and entertainment, the director Manoj NS has a clear mission statement: to recreate theatres as the happiest places on earth for at least two hours. The unique concoction of music, dance, humor, and bright visuals intends to depart from the typical trope of bloodshed and violence. “We are confident it will be a landmark movie in Indian cinema history,” assert the film’s team with palpable confidence.
The buzz around this film is not just centered on its premise, but also the celebrated reunification of Rahman and Deva. With social media posts featuring celebratory emojis and dynamic visuals, the excitement and nostalgia for the duo’s earlier collaborations is palpable.
A R Rahman, known for his evocative and boundary-pushing compositions, commented on the project. “A particular idea had been on my mind for quite some time, but I had set it aside. However, this project rediscovered it and captured my attention once again,” he revealed. His music has not only won him an Academy Award but has also galvanized the choreography of Prabhu Deva, who himself is thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with Rahman whom he refers to as “the music dynamite that inspired choreographers.”
The project is not merely about reuniting two legends; it’s about celebrating the quintessence of Indian artistic expression that has impacted audiences worldwide. To add to the ensemble, the film will feature prominently the comedic talent of Yogi Babu and will see the inclusion of accomplished Malayalam actors Aju Varghese and Arjun Ashokan, enhancing the star-studded allure of the movie.
#arrpd6 represents the sixth joint venture between A R Rahman and Prabhudeva and is expected to hit the floors in May this year, with a target for a Pan-India release come 2025 – an indication of the filmmakers’ vision for a production with immense reach and cultural impact.
Tamil cinema and indeed the broader spectrum of Indian cinema stands at the brink of a potentially transformative production that combines high artistic standards with mass audience appeal. As India’s film industry continues to expand its global footprint, the reconnection of A R Rahman and Prabhu Deva under the auspices of Manoj NS and Behindwoods is not just a reunion of artistic talents; it’s symptomatic of the cinematic growth and cultural fusion that promises to herald yet another golden era for Indian entertainment.
Cinephiles and casual movie-goers alike are eagerly awaiting further announcements about this dance musical, while the artists involved gear up to create what can only be hoped to be another hallmark in the evolution of Indian cinema.
