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Indian 2: Why was Anirudh picked over AR Rahman?

PUBLISHED DATE : 11/Jul/2024

Indian 2: Why was Anirudh picked over AR Rahman?

Indian 2 music composer Anirudh Ravichander took to his X page a few minutes ago, to call AR Rahman his biggest inspiration, alongside director Shankar, the man behind both Indian (1996) and its sequel Indian 2. Anirudh's X post comes in lieu of Indian 2's release on July 12, 2024 i.e. tomorrow, or in a few hours to be precise.  

 

 

The post also marks the announcement of AR Rahman's 'return' in Indian 2, with some of the Indian (1996) original soundtracks featuring in the sequel. This update was welcomed with open arms by fans who grew up watching the cult classic Indian (1996), and listening to the timeless AR Rahman songs that came along with it. This prompts the question, why did the makers of Indian 2 opt for Anirudh's music, instead of simply repeating AR Rahman for the sequel.  

To those unaware, director Shankar clarified a few days ago that Indian 2 with Kamal Haasan as Senapathy, was decided when 2.0 (2018) had still not released. AR Rahman was the music composer of the Shankar directed 2.0 starring Rajinikanth, and the composer was working on the background score of the movie, when the Indian 2 project was taking form. 

 

 

Shankar did not want to pressurize AR Rahman by making the Grammy, Oscar winner work on big scale projects simultaneously. Shankar suggested Anirudh's name instead to Lyca Productions, the banner behind both 2.0 and Indian 2. Anirudh Ravichander came on board Indian 2 six years ago, but the movie underwent production impediments, finally releasing in 2024. 

 

 

AR Rahman on his part has previously stated that while Kamal Haasan was adamant about repeating the composer for Indian 2, director Shankar felt like he needed a change of musical direction. Shankar and AR Rahman at that time, had collaborated on five consecutive movies - Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Enthiran (2010), Nanban (2012), I (2015), and 2.0 (2018). AR Rahman corroborated that 2.0 was an exhausting project.  

 

During the Indian 2 audio launch that took place in June, 2024 and was made public close to the film's release, composer Anirudh addressed the inevitable comparisons with AR Rahman. Quoting a dialogue from the Shankar directed Sivaji: The Boss which stars Anirudh's uncle-in-law Rajinikanth, the younger music composer concluded, "If I have to say it in Shankar sir style, what comes after six is seven da, after Rahman sir is who da"

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