Every time Resul Pookutty and AR Rahman collaborate, we know we are in for a treat. The duo, who have worked on their share of projects, are coming together again for Blessy’s much-anticipated film, Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life. Rahman has been working on the film’s project for over eight years. Ahead of the film’s release, Pookutty spoke to News18 about working with Rahman again and was nothing but all praise about Rahman.
“We have done a lot of films together. After a long time, I heard the Rahman who I used to hear when I was in film school (while working on this project),” Pookutty confessed. Reminiscing the first time he heard of a young Rahman, Pookutty said, “Back in 1991 or 92, I was on a train going back home during vacation. I heard some lilting music coming from the seats behind me, and I asked who is the composer. Until then, I hadn’t heard of him. Later, I heard another composition [of Rahman] when we were taught operatic music. I realised [his composition] had British Opera [influence],” Pookutty shared.
“Rahman is an outstanding soundman. Composition is just one thing that he does. For me, he shaped the new sound of Indian music. He is more of a sound man for me than anybody else. I feel that Rahman is back after many years,” he said. Justifying why he says there has been a gap, Pookutty said, “Rahman was always there, but he was ahead of our times. I see two Rahman’s in Aadujeevitham. That is exactly how Blessy has written it. Knowingly or unknowingly, there is a journey.”
In terms of technology in today’s music, there’s a different set of audiences enjoying the remix culture, while some still prefer original compositions. However, with the direction we are moving in, artificial intelligence (AI) is yet another important tool that can be used in music composition. When asked if AI can be considered a challenge for musicians and sound engineers, Pookutty said, “I don’t think so, as long as we use technology as a tool. You had languages for expression. Certain languages have gone extinct as people are not using them. Similarly, technology, for me, is a tool. You learn it, and you use it to express. If I look at technology, it allows me to do far more precise work than I had done 10 years ago.”
But, Pookutty confessed that technology confuses him as well. “Technology also gives me a lot of confusion. I have a lot of choices in front of me. These choices are based on your sense of art, history, and what you want your future generation to see and hear. So, as long as you are [the one choosing], technology [can] only allow you to make [your] choices far more diligent. And that’s what AI is going to do,” he said, wrapping up.
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