CHENNAI: It was, for most fans of AR Rahman, an opportunity to see their composer in close quarters, for the first time in Chennai in a public event after the Oscars. And that excitement was cause for the swelling crowd at Kamarajar Arangam on Wednesday evening.
The popducers and crew of Eesa had a reception they would have never imagined for themselves. If the music for the film being launched by Rahman was an impetus in itself, the encouragement that the crowd gave served only as a bonus.
Eesa features Vigneshwara as the lead and is being directed by Bala Ganesha. Produced by J Jayakrishnan of JK Creations, the film has music by Haran, a debutant.
“Are you surprised by my presence at this event?” asked Rahman, as the fans edged towards the stage, their camera busy in action. “I remeber my days as a child. When I was 13 years or so, I had a music troupe and so did Sridhar, music director Haran’s dad. His had a very popular light music troupe. People who run such troupes have a good sense of what sells with the people. From many songs, they always knew which ones would be popular with the local people and so practised and performed them. And Sridhar was one such gifted person,” he said. He also said he hoped God, after whom the film was titled would bless the crew.
During the audio launch, two songs of hte film were screened, including a remix of the yesteryear track, Yaaradi Nee Mohini.
Actor Jeeva, who was also present at the event, said he would pray for the film’s success.
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