Feb 24 2009
It is Rahman’s sound effects mastery that is doing the wonders
So it is all over. The waiting, the excitement, the breathless acceptance speeches from the winners made this year’s Oscars more memorable than ever. The world has gone gaga over that musical genius from South India - A.R. Rahman. When you really go to see the reason for his phenomenal success in 2008 - 2009, it is not difficult to unravel the mystery. Note that Slumdog Millionaire also won the best Oscar for Sound Mixing - for sound recordist Resul Pookutty. This man was on television yesterday and so graciously acknowledged that the sound techniques were actually Rahman’s work as well. Take a close hearing of any important scene in a film which has Rahman’s music. The sounds, music you will hear will be special for this prticular scene only. Rahman has mastered the art of using sound to enhance the value of any scene in a movie. He uses the latest computer technology to get that faint naunces in every song piece that he composes. The overall effect is devastating to even an expert in this technique. Take a look at Ghajini, Dostana and now Slumdog. The common denominator is the sound in the background. Lets not forget Rahman was judged by American standards. Those sitting in the Kodak theater in Los Angeles for this year’s Oscars felt something different about this film. They then gave the award for this talent. Thats all. Rahman is getting tax exemption for all the cash prizes he has won. This is going to be a hell of a windfall for him running into millions of dollars. I am sure the world of music in South India is going to benefit greatly as a result.
