Filmmaker Mani Ratnam and composer A. R. Rahman's Ponniyin Selvan: 2 is gearing up for a stunning opening in cinemas worldwide on April 28 as reports indicate that the tickets from the advance bookings for the upcoming epic historical action adventure film are selling fast everywhere. With non-stop promotions underway, the blockbuster duo recently sat down for an exclusive interview with National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the Editor-in-Chief of Galatta Plus, to talk about the sequel to the 2021 hit, Ponniyin Selvan: 1, while also explaining the process of the creation of music for the ventures they have collaborated on to date.
When asked about the decision to cut out a song from a film or use it in half like 'Mazhai Kuruvi' in Chekka Chivantha Vaanam or 'Ey Hairathe' in Guru, Mani Ratnam quipped saying, "Why are you getting me in trouble? (laughing)". Addressing the question, A. R. Rahman then said, "No, actually, I've done a movie called 99 Songs and I've cut off sometimes half the songs. Because biologically we won't be able to take such an emotion. Three hours when we need to sit, I think you need to move on with the story unless it's a full celebration. So, I really understand that and when he cuts it off... 'Kodi Kodi' ('Chola Chola' in Ponniyin Selvan: 1) was cut. You know that 'Kodi Kodi' was cut? I was like, first time I got, oh my god, that song has got something. And, then I said, can you just put like eight bars of it? He (Mani Ratnam) said I don't want to put eight bars. Then, we came to the conclusion where he put half the song. But, I understood that if a song comes in the wrong place, people are going to get up." He added, "It is heartbreaking. But, for me, if the music becomes a hit and the movie doesn't do well, it's useless. It doesn't serve a purpose. So, we need to find a balance between what to give up and what to sacrifice."
Watch Mani Ratnam and A. R. Rahman in conversation with Baradwaj Rangan in the video below: