ARR, Majid Majidi collaborate again

Music maestro AR Rahman will be collaborating with the internationally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, for the second time after their earlier blockbuster flick Muhammad, Messenger of God, which had its share of controversy.

This time around, Majid will be wielding the megaphone for an Indian film (for the first time) titled Beyond the Clouds, which went on floors on Monday.

Majidi, known for his critically well received movies like Children of Heaven (which was nominated for best foreign language Oscar in 1998) and The Color of Paradise, has chosen a subject, which dwells on nuanced human relationships, an area that Majidi focuses on.

Shahid Kapoor’s younger brother Ishaan Khatter has been roped in to play the lead protagonist. Though speculations ran high that Deepika Padukone was to play the female lead in the film, Majid had said that they are only going for a new face for the movie which is yet to be finalised.

“Filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, whose work I adore, have showcased India’s culture, rich heritage and the lives of common people to a global audience. These visions and images have stayed in my mind for years and cajoled me to make a film in India. Finally, I’m in Mumbai to narrate a story woven around the lives of common people”, Majidi had reportedly said.

With reference to their previous alliance, in an earlier interview to this newspaper, Academy Award winner ARR had said, “It was a long-cherished dream fulfilled to work in a beautiful Iranian movie and with a director like Majidi. I learned a lot in the process, working with a master director like him and I think it was one of my most daring attempts at composing.” We hope the duo creates the same magic once again.