A.R. Rahman’s Musical Journey in Hollywood Films

From Kollywood to Bollywood to Hollywood: The Maestro’s Expanding Horizons

A.R. Rahman, fondly known as the “Mozart of Madras,” has significantly influenced both Indian and international music scenes. His unique blend of classical Indian music with electronic sounds has garnered global acclaim, leading to collaborations with Hollywood filmmakers and the inclusion of his compositions in various international projects.

Original Scores for Hollywood Films

Rahman’s foray into Hollywood began with composing original scores that resonated with global audiences:

“Slumdog Millionaire” (2008): Rahman’s evocative score for this film earned him two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”). The film’s success catapulted Rahman into international fame, showcasing his ability to blend Indian musical elements with universal appeal.

“Couples Retreat” (2009): Marking his first Hollywood film score, Rahman’s work on this comedy earned him the BMI Award for Best Score, highlighting his versatility across genres.

“127 Hours” (2010): Collaborating again with director Danny Boyle, Rahman’s composition for this intense survival drama received critical acclaim, further establishing his foothold in Hollywood.

“People Like Us” (2012): Rahman provided a heartfelt score for this drama, underscoring his adaptability to different storytelling styles.

“Million Dollar Arm” (2014): This sports drama featured Rahman’s music, blending Western and Indian musical traditions to complement the film’s cross-cultural narrative.

“The Hundred-Foot Journey” (2014): Rahman’s score enriched this culinary drama, enhancing its exploration of cultural fusion.

“Pele: Birth of a Legend” (2016): Rahman’s compositions captured the spirit of the legendary footballer’s journey, adding depth to the biographical film.

“Viceroy’s House” (2017): His music for this historical drama reflected the film’s emotional and political complexities.

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Indian Compositions Featured in Hollywood

Beyond original scores, several of Rahman’s Indian compositions have found their way into Hollywood soundtracks:

“Bombay Theme” in “Lord of War” (2005): This haunting melody from the Tamil film “Bombay” was used to underscore poignant moments in the Nicolas Cage starrer, illustrating the universal appeal of Rahman’s music.

“Chaiyya Chaiyya” in “Inside Man” (2006): The energetic track from the Bollywood film “Dil Se” played during the opening credits of Spike Lee’s heist thriller, introducing international audiences to Rahman’s dynamic rhythms.

“Rang De,” “Yaaro Yaarodi,” and “Swaasamae” in “The Accidental Husband” (2008): These tracks showcased Rahman’s versatility, enhancing various scenes in the romantic comedy.

“Urvasi Urvasi” in “Lion” (2016): The inclusion of this upbeat song from the Tamil film “Kadhalan” added a vibrant touch to the film’s soundtrack.

A.R. Rahman’s contributions to Hollywood underscore his role as a global musical bridge, bringing Indian sounds to international cinema and enriching storytelling through his innovative compositions.