Welcome back to Brothers in Music: The A R Rahman Edition. We’re still in 1997, and in this episode, we continue to be joined by Sowmiya Ashok (@sowmiyashok on Twitter/@sowmiyashok.writes on Insta). 

We’re taking on two albums that couldn’t be more different—Iruvar and Ratchagan.

Iruvar is, in many ways, a masterpiece. Arguably Mani Ratnam’s greatest film, and one of Rahman’s most elegant, classically rooted soundtracks. It’s an album of restraint and richness, where each song feels like a tribute to an era, a genre, a mood. It’s not just music: it’s memory, it’s cinema.

Then there’s Ratchagan. A completely different beast. This one split the room, but not the Brothers. Swaroop and Sharan are Team Ratchagan. Our guest Sowmiya Ashok, however, wasn’t quite convinced. Still, we make the case: behind the flashy production and dramatic arrangements lies some truly underrated Rahman magic. If you haven’t revisited this album in a while, trust us, it’s worth it.

So join us as we argue, remember, and occasionally burst into laughter (if not song). Because this is 1997, and Rahman is just getting started.

This episode was edited by the inimitable Nihar Mamidipudi.

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

Welcome back to Brothers in Music: The A R Rahman Edition. It’s 1997, and as always, we’re starting you off right in the thick of it—no prelude, no buildup. Just the music, the conversation, and the joy of revisiting Rahman’s incredible journey.

This episode, we’re joined by journalist and writer Sowmiya Ashok (@sowmiyashok
 on Twitter/@sowmiyashok.writes on Insta). 

In Part 1, we tackle two albums that sit at completely different ends of the Rahman spectrum—Minsara Kanavu (or Sapnay for Hindi listeners) and Daud.

Minsara Kanavu is lush, layered, and bursting with invention. It’s Rahman in a whimsical, almost theatrical mode—full of choral highs, playful detours, and an emotional core that sneaks up on you. It’s also one of those albums where everything—from arrangement to vocal casting—feels just right.

Daud, on the other hand, left us scratching our heads. It’s offbeat, chaotic, and hard to pin down. And maybe that’s the point. Remo Fernandes’ eccentric title track sets the tone for an album that refuses to play by the rules. Whether it fully lands is up for debate—but it’s Rahman trying something wild, and that’s always worth a listen.

1997 was a year of flux—a time when Rahman was beginning to stretch the limits of what mainstream film music could sound like. And as we’ll see in the rest of the year, that journey was just getting started.

So settle in, hit play, and join us for a year that’s strange, soulful, and never boring. This is Brothers in Music, and this is 1997.

This episode was edited by the amazing Nihar Mamidipudi.

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

Welcome back to "Brothers in Music: The A R Rahman Edition"—Season 2 is here, and we're diving straight into 1996! No formalities, no prelude—just you, right in the middle of our conversation, as if you’re sitting with us.

1996 was another groundbreaking year for Rahman, one that saw him experiment, redefine genres, and push boundaries in ways only he could. This year gave us an eclectic mix of soundtracks—some instantly iconic, others quietly influential.

We start with Love Birds, an album unlike anything Rahman had done before—sui generis in every way, filled with sonic textures that were ahead of their time. Then, we take a deep dive into Indian, Rahman’s first collaboration with Kamal Haasan, where grandeur meets rebellion in a score that still packs a punch.

From there, we shift gears to Kadhal Desam, an album that was youthful, peppy, and radically fresh, capturing the pulse of the 90s like few others. And while Mr. Romeo may not have set the world on fire, it has its share of gems worth revisiting.

Along the way, we briefly touch on Rahman’s instrumental albums from the year, Fire and Andhimandharai, which, while not central to our discussion, still showcase his range and versatility.

So, settle in as we unpack another year of Rahman’s genius—this is "Brothers in Music," and our journey through A R Rahman’s ever-evolving soundscape continues with 1996.

This podcast was edited by the amazing Nihar Mamidipudi.

Show Notes: 

1. Hariharan and Chitra singing Malargale live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJNDzVeSCmM
2. While Tabu doesn't walk with cherry blossoms (?) around her as Swaroop mentions in the podcast in the Kalloori Salai, she does it in the movie. In the song, there are generic shots of other women walking around flowers. 

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

Welcome back to "Brothers in Music: The A R Rahman Edition" as we dive headfirst into the second half of our exploration of 1995.

In Part 2 of our journey through this iconic year, we drop you directly into the middle of our conversation—no prelude, no formalities. It’s as if you’re right there with us, experiencing the discussion in real-time.

We kick things off by diving deeper into the Rangeela soundtrack, where we explore the playful and spirited track "Kya Karein Kya Na Karein." This song, with its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics, perfectly captures the youthful exuberance that Rahman brought to Bollywood.

Next, we move on to Muthu, the first collaboration between A R Rahman and the legendary Rajinikanth. We discuss how this partnership resulted in an explosive soundtrack that resonated with audiences. We also discuss how the Rahman-Rajini partnership evolved over the years, with largely mixed results. 

Finally, we turn our attention to Indira, one of Rahman’s most underrated albums. If you’ve never heard the songs from Indira before, you’re in for a real treat. We delve into the album’s hauntingly beautiful tracks and discuss why this soundtrack is a hidden gem in Rahman’s discography.

Joining us once again is the insightful Samvartha Sahil, whose deep knowledge and passion for Rahman’s music continue to enrich our discussion.

So, get ready for an immersive and engaging episode as we unravel the sonic treasures of 1995. This is "Brothers in Music," and the journey through A R Rahman’s musical legacy continues with Part 2 of 1995.

Samvartha's insta handle is @crazymindseye.

This podcast was edited by Nihar Mamidipudi.

Show Notes:

1. Muthu Jukebox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGRJMrLktFs
2. Indira Jukebox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KENJ7zczKQY
3. Deewana Deewana (From Jung): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLJ6kq3VcV0
4. London Muruga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMDLZPHefsA
5. Valayapatti (Azhagiya Tamil Magan): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrncizbLmE0

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

 Welcome back to "Brothers in Music: The A R Rahman Edition" as we set our sights on 1995, yet another remarkable year in our musical time machine.

In Part 1, we dive into Rahman's groundbreaking debut in Bollywood - Rangeela. Rangeela, with its vibrant and innovative tracks, showcased his unique ability to blend traditional Indian music with contemporary sounds. The film's music, which includes hits like "Hai Rama" and "Rangeela Re," remains a favorite among fans and critics alike.

We also explore Bombay, a soundtrack that is both poignant and powerful, reflecting the film's intense narrative. With timeless classics such as "Hamma Hamma" and "Kannalane," Rahman once again proves his mastery in evoking deep emotions through his music.

Joining us for this discussion is the multifaceted Samvartha Sahil, a poet, writer, screenwriter, and teacher of cinema. He talks of many things, including how Rahman's music writes stories that both complement the screenplay and then go beyond and its impact on culture and taste.

Buckle-up and hang tight as we take you back to A R Rahman's -- and our -- 1995. This is "Brothers in Music," and the journey through Rahman's legacy continues, filled, as ever, with analysis, nostalgia and jokes.

Samvartha's insta handle is @crazymindseye.
This podcast has been edited by Nihar Mamidipudi.

Notes: 

1. Enga Pona Raasa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0d3hzEnljY
2. Ram Gopal Varma on ARR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLUVTrmjPXA
3. Ram Gopal Varma on Rangeela: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE3O7t1IKMs
4. What are the Melakarta Raagas? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUGzg7hcbGQ
5. Alex Babu on A R Rahman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDGMpREzVo
6. Rahman composing with his nephew GV Prakash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-v5EZQk6xQ
   
   

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

Step into the time machine once again with us on "Brothers in Music: The A R Rahman Edition" as we continue our journey back to the vibrant musical landscape of A R Rahman's 1994. 
 
In Part 1, we discussed Kaadhalan and May Maadham. In Part 2, we explore three more Tamil gems:  Duet, Karuthamma and Pavithra. Duet, suffused with the imprint of the saxophone legend Kadri Gopalnath, marked a change in Rahman's musical output: it saw the birth of experimental, unstructured Rahman.  Pavithra and Karuthamma continue to remain sonic treasures for Tamil music fans. Joining us once again for this exhilarating ride is the incomparable Anand Krishnamoorthi, whose insights into the world of sound engineering and his firsthand experiences with Rahman's music add invaluable depth to our discussion.

Rahman produced two more albums that year, but in Telugu: Gangmaster and Super Police. Joining us in the discussion on Rahman's first -- and still-infrequent -- foray into Telugu cinema is another Anand, Anand Mamidipudi. We pick apart songs and rip apart choruses! 
 
As ever, there is a lot of jokes, banter and cross-talking! So buckle up as we embark on another exhilarating journey through the musical wonderland of A R Rahman. This is "Brothers in Music," and this is 1994 (Part 2).

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

Join us on "Brothers in Music: The A R Rahman Edition" as we dial back the clock to 1994—another year that saw A R Rahman compose and produce music like nothing heard before. It was the year when cinema halls echoed with the mesmerizing soundtracks of Kadhalan, May Madham, Duet, Pavithra, and Karuththamma in Tamil, along with Super Police and Gangmaster in Telugu. In Part 1, we explore May Madham and Kadhalan. 

In this nostalgic journey,  we are joined by the multifaceted Anand Krishnamoorthi, renowned sound engineer, sound editor, production sound mixer (including on Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2 and Vishwaroopam), and a former child star of the early '90s. Anand brings his unique perspective from working on iconic Tamil films, such as Mani Ratnam's Anjali and Thalapathi, Kamal Hasan's Sathi Leelavathi, and notably for our listeners, May Madham.

With Anand, we explore the nuances that made Rahman's sound a revolutionary force in the industry, delve into the intricacies of sound production and design, relive his memories of shooting the captivating songs of May Madham, discuss the fusing together of Rahman's music and 90s' Madras, pick apart soaring strings and banging basslines, raagas and chords, and generally saunter through the reminiscences of a less complicated time! 

Notes:

1. Anand Krishnamoorthi (Wikipedia Page): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anand_Krishnamoorthi
2. Interview of Anand Krishnamoorthi on his experience working on Anjali:
https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/tamil-movies-mani-ratnam-30-years-of-anjali-child-actor-turned-sound-engineer-anand-krishnamoorthi-looks-back-at-his-time-on-the-sets-of-the-film
3.  The Intermission Podcast's deep-dive into Pettai Rap:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-intermission3/episodes/Ep-9-PettaiRRRap-e1u4n7c

Songs:

1. Rakamma Kaiya Thattu (Thalapathi 1991): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ecVVVx0dX4
1. Jamu Rathiri (Kshana Kshanam 1991):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG6fhfHk9zg
2.  Anand Krishnamoorthi dancing in Palakkatu Machanakku (May Madham 1994): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pupRjbTFL2Q
3. Madras Suthi Paaka Poren (iconic Madras song; May Madham 1994): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzrvVGKnGZw
4. Vadivelu singing Rasasa Kannu (Maamannan 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AqeVDETiQA

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

Join us in this episode as we travel back in time to 1993, a pivotal year in A.R. Rahman's career, solidifying his genius in the world of Indian film music. This year marked a continuation of the magic he created with 'Roja', showcasing his versatility and innovation. We delve into some of his most iconic soundtracks of that era, including 'Thiruda Thiruda', 'Gentleman', 'Pudhiya Mugam', 'Uzhavan', 'Vandicholai Chinraasu', 'Kizhakku Cheemayile', and 'Pudhiya Mannargal'.

Our exploration takes us through the nuances of raga elements, the complexity of sound production, and the unique usage of instruments in these compositions. We also reflect on India's cultural landscape of the time, providing context to the music. As always, we celebrate the sheer joy and brilliance of experiencing A.R. Rahman's musical genius. Tune in for an immersive journey through a landmark year in Indian film music.

 Show Notes:

1. Guitar Prasanna plays July Maatham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRRjAO8FKEA
2. Electric Ganesha Land Description: https://www.musicmandir.com/prasanna/
3. Electric Ganesh Land Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRTFZxbM2aY
4. N Ramani plays Raga Hemavati: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMN4TKgLgxo
5. ML Vasanthakumari plays Raga Dharmavati: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3onPai5sCM
6. Karan Thapar interviews A R Rahman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBRg_qpTaGg
7. Mano talks about dubbing for Rajinikanth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axL1a0Nc1dU
8. Amit Trivedi talks about Thiruda Thiruda: https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/news/amit-trivedi-talks-about-the-ar-rahman-album-that-changed-his-life/
9. Rasathi from Thiruda Thiruda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNZKsjH46Gs
10. Conversations with Mani Ratnam by Baradwaj Rangan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversations_with_Mani_Ratnam
11. Rahman and GV Prakash recording music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-v5EZQk6xQ
12. Pennalla Pennalla “Oodha Poo” (the song with changing chords whose lyrics we butchered): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xOwiX1tGSc
13. Singapenney - an exemplary anthem song from Bigil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnbWE8ZKeBg

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.

In our debut episode, we journey back to 1992, the breakthrough year of A R Rahman. We'll explore his early years leading to this pivotal moment, and delve into the unforgettable experience of hearing 'Roja' for the first time as children, explore musical elements of the various tracks and briefly go over his other release of the year, the Malayalam movie 'Yodha'. Join us as we relive the year that changed how Indian film music sounded forever.

Show Notes: 

1. Deen Isal Maalai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB-gw34u18Q 
2. Set me Free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It4bdrmmAKI
3. Endhan Nenjil (Illaiyaraaja composition largely in Raga Nalinakanthi): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpZ3TQ5gKrg
4. Dr N Ramani: Alaipayuthey. Raga Kanada:
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZD9Q1gR5yw
5. U Srinivas U Rajesh: Raga Kapi
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFI81LEe7w0
6. Sid Sriram singing Pudhu Vellai Mazhai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpZ3TQ5gKrg
7. Karan Thapar interviews A R Rahman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBRg_qpTaGg
8. Alamelu Mani, mother of Hariharan, singing (Raga) Sahana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omj7J2iN7aQ
9. Roja Jaaneman (Hariharan version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F11RyMnMxMo
10. Notes to Myself Episode 2 Season 1 Pradeep Kumar: 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Uv2PDPY2M 
11. Rehna Tu (Continuum section only): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y1Uqgm93wc
12. Vidai Kodu Engal Naade (Kannathil Mutthamittaal; Singer MSV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjNsz1yQ6Mo 
13. Fast-Paced Lyrics Song Exhibit 1: Theekuruvi (Kangalil Kaidhu Sei): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUqGBrN4ulA
14. Fast-Paced Lyrics Song Exhibit 2: Amma Thalle (Komaram Puli): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC2Sxcy3Sdk
15. Yodha Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw8GQxKDDZY  
16. Chola Penne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y87l6YIuJOQ

Podcast Insta: @brothers.in.music

Swaroop: @tnagartornado on X and Instagram.
Sharan: @sharanidli on X; M R Sharan on LinkedIn.