Mani Ratnam, A.R. Rahman, and Wedding Songs

From Rukkumani to Jinguchaa and more

Few collaborations in Indian cinema evoke the same reverence as that of Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman. Among their many masterpieces lies a curious and distinct musical trend that has become a hallmark of their partnership. Wedding songs rich in cultural vibrancy and innovation.

When we think of weddings in Indian cinema, we conjure images of grandeur, vibrant colors, and euphoric celebrations backed by music that refuses to be anything less than infectious. But in the world of Mani Ratnam, the narrative lens that frames weddings tells not only a tale of joy, but also subtly enriches the progression of his stories. And when these moments of festivity meet the genius of A.R. Rahman, what emerges is pure cinematic and musical alchemy.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman accomplish something remarkable with wedding song sequences. While each piece aligns with the universality of celebration, Rahman’s compositions never repeat themselves sonically. Every iteration is fresh; the heartbeat of the song syncs perfectly with the thematic and cultural frame of the film.

From Roja’s “Rukkumani Rukkumani” to the latest, Thug Life’s “Jinguchaa,” Mani Ratnam’s cinematic landscapes frequently feature lavish wedding settings, and Rahman’s music amplifies these scenes, making them unforgettable. This post simply seeks to unravel the creative synergy behind this phenomenon and explores how this duo consistently redefines the concept of “wedding songs” in Indian cinema.

Wedding Songs as a Mani Ratnam Staging Trademark

Mani Ratnam’s films are known for their intricate storytelling and emotional depth. Wedding scenes in his films serve a broader narrative purpose beyond festive visuals; they act as cultural microcosms, brimming with emotions, drama, and community spirit. These sequences are canvases where Mani blends the traditional grandeur of Indian weddings with his signature aesthetic style, often involving meticulous choreography, vivid colors, and dynamic character interactions.

The narrative arcs of Iruvar, Aayutha Ezhuthu, Kadal, and Ponniyin Selvan, perhaps, did not lend themselves to having wedding sequences with songs. So, we are not discussing those movies here.

But it’s fair to say that Mani Ratnam seems to have adopted this recurring wedding motif predominantly after his partnership with A.R. Rahman began in Roja (1992). Interestingly, his earlier films with Ilayaraja, while musically rich, rarely revolved around dramatic or celebratory wedding song sequences. This trend shifted once Rahman’s inventive style entered Mani’s cinematic universe, redefining how festive occasions were portrayed on screen.

Each Mani Ratnam wedding song is a carefully constructed spectacle, a stage where Rahman is allowed to dance with innovation. While the director conceptualizes vibrant settings brimming with life, Rahman infuses the moments with music that feels fresh, inclusive, and above all, celebratory. Together, they transcend conventions to create wedding songs that stand apart in every film.

The Evolution of Wedding Songs Across the Mani-Rahman Landscape

1. “Rukkumani Rukkumani” (Roja)

This track is where it all began. A playful, mischievous number that juxtaposes flirtatious lyrics about love and marriage with traditional rhythms, this song captures the innocence and joy of rural South India. The teasing banter between the bride and groom side adds layers of humor and cultural authenticity. Rahman’s use of folk-inspired beats interlaced with his signature electronic flourishes felt groundbreaking in 1992. The song serves as a lively interlude in a film otherwise steeped in drama and intensity.

2. “Kannalane/Kehna Hi Kya” (Bombay)

While subtler in tone, this song captures a more restrained, almost meditative joy through its qawwali structure . This wasn’t your typical wedding dance; instead, it was a celebration of a Muslim wedding’s intimacy and elegance, captured amidst thematic overtones of unity and cultural diversity. Rahman’s haunting melody, combined with Chitra’s ethereal vocals, made this a masterpiece in subtlety. While visually opulent, the scene leans on Rahman’s haunting composition to evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning even today, when you listen to it, after all these years.

3. “Nenjinilae/Jiya Jale” (Dil Se)

At first glance, “Jiya Jale” may not immediately register as a wedding song, but its placement amidst traditional South Indian wedding rituals ties it to the motif. This track brims with passion and vibrancy, capturing the cultural hybridity between Kerala’s vibrant landscape and the broader narrative of Dil Se. With some catchy Malayalam hook lyrics, Rahman incorporates classical South Indian instruments with percussive, contemporary beats, crafting a song that is energetic and addictive yet steeped in tradition.

4. “Yaaro Yaarodi” (Alaipayuthey)

A complete tonal shift from its predecessors, “Yaaro Yaarodi” brims with the energy of rural Tamil weddings. This track thrives on earthy rhythm and folk instrumentation. A quintessential festive number, “Yaaro Yaarodi” radiates uncontainable joy. It celebrates unrestrained rustic camaraderie, with Mani Ratnam showcasing village life in vivid choreography and colorful costumes that mirror the musical arrangement’s rhythmic spontaneity.

Special Mention: “Mangalyam tantunanena” (which is a phrase from a Sanskrit verse) traditionally chanted during wedding rituals — from the same movie. Rahman modernized this chant, added a couple of Tamil lines, embellished it with a very catchy vocal hook in Clinton Crejo’s and Srinivas’s voices, and wrapped it all with stylish electronic arrangements that only he could do, and made it uber cool for a short and not-so-elaborate wedding sequence.

5. “Sattena Nanaindhadhu Nenjam” (Kannathil Muthamittal)

Not all marriages are marked by exuberance, and this track serves as a poignant example. This understated and simplistically orchestrated wedding song was meant more like an ambient score than a standalone number. This subtle track showcases how Rahman and Mani diverge into introspection even in a wedding setting.

Although this song is really an outlier on this list, I still decided to add it because it is one of the most emotional wedding scenes I have ever seen on screen. The subdued melancholy in the vocals and the minimal instrumentation reflects the underlying tensions in the narrative, a peaceful yet poignant commentary on personal connections. A short song that shows how Rahman’s sound easily adapts to nuanced emotional landscapes.

6. “Keda Kari/Kata Kata” (Raavanan)

Rooted in rustic primal energy, this is a celebratory number that aligns with the earthy, untamed world of Raavanan. Folk rhythms pulsate through the track, with peppy instrumentation that provides an exhilarating auditory delight. The visuals feature a rustic wedding layered with cultural specificity, while Rahman delivers a beat-driven track that almost hypnotizes with its raw intensity.

“Keda Kari” essentially swings us back to a tribal state as Mani Ratnam ventures into interesting outdoor settings. Here, the traditional wedding song takes on a raw and untamed flavor, aligning with the untamed wilderness of Raavanan’s storytelling.

7. “Saarattu Vandiyila” (Kaatru Veliyidai)

Elegance meets festivity in “Saarattu Vandiyila,” where shades of Carnatic influences ride atop rhythmic folk instrumentation. This number revisits the celebratory spirit of Alaipayuthey but with a mature tonal refinement. Rahman masterfully orchestrates layers of melody, creating an immersive auditory experience that mirrors Mani’s meticulous visual framing. Visually rich with the flavor of hybrid Indian weddings, “Saarattu Vandiyila” feels like the melody of familial joy. Rahman marries folkish melodical undertones with playful, contemporary orchestration. Mani Ratnam’s aesthetic sensibilities shine in this song sequence as he bathes the frame in the mesmerizing colors of tradition while celebrating modern relationships.

8. “Mazhai Kuruvi” (Chekka Chivantha Vaanam)

Infused with modern cinematic elements, “Mazhai Kuruvi” is really a love ballad that leans into contemporary experimental beats. The story goes that Mani Ratnam and Rahman decided to pick up a poem from Vairamuthu’s collection as he was not available when they wanted to record this song. This is one of my favorite songs in Rahman’s voice and his arrangement feels unrestrained yet balanced, introducing industrial beats into traditional motifs. No dancers in eye-catching costumes in this song, but pursuing Mani’s penchant for pushing boundaries, this song showcases the evolution of their collaboration.

9. “Jinguchaa” (Thug Life)

The latest addition to this illustrious list, “Jingucha,” is a perfect marriage of modernity and tradition. With groovy beats and catchy hooks, Rahman’s composition ensures the spirit of a wedding is celebrated with unbridled joy. Mani Ratnam revisits his penchant for vibrant visual storytelling, delivering shots bursting with artistry. The dual banter and taunts between the bride and groom’s families in “Jinguchaa” showcase an unapologetic return to playful rituals, and Kamal Haasan sure sounds like he had some fun writing the lyrics.

“Jinguchaa” exemplifies the duo’s knack for reinvention and it features Vaishali Samant (who incidentally was also part of the “Yaaro Yaarodi” vocal ensemble) and Shakthisree Gopalan’s spirited vocals, accompanied by pulsating instrumental hooks. Adithya RK registers his presence quite impressively. The incorporation of trumpets and rhythmic drum patterns (especially the first interlude and what follows) calls back to “Injerungo” from Thenali, mixed with Rahman’s signature modern elements. It’s bright, ebullient, and addictive.

Note: For the purpose of this post, I chose not to include the wedding sequence from Kannathil Muthamittal which had parts of “Vellai Pookkal”, the wedding sequence from Guru which had “Ay Hairathe”, and the short wedding sequence that is a prelude to “Mental Manadhil” from OK Kanmani.

The Legacy of Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman’s Wedding Songs

Even if this may not have been a well planned execution, the fact remains that Mani Ratnam’s wedding sequences are cinematic celebrations that explore culture and character dynamics. We..I have seen enough to categorically say that.

A.R. Rahman’s compositions in these settings act as an auditory heartbeat, reflecting their visual vibrancy while bringing a layered emotional impact. Whether through playful banter or melancholic undertones, Rahman provides a unique sonic identity with groovy beats, ensuring that no two wedding songs feel the same.

Each of their songs tells its own story, creating a collective tapestry of joy, tradition, and innovation. While most Indian wedding songs fall into predictable templates, Mani Ratnam and Rahman challenge conventions unapologetically. The recurring use of this motif in Mani Ratnam’s films with Rahman not only becomes a staple (almost) for his storytelling but also evolves into an eagerly anticipated feature for audiences.

With every new addition to this tradition, like the recently released “Jinguchaa,” it becomes clear that this director-musician duo doesn’t just create wedding songs; they create unforgettable moments of cinematic jubilation. Their collaboration continues to grow, remaining a shining testament to the creative potential of Indian cinema.

Why These Songs Resonate

• Context Matters: Mani Ratnam doesn’t use wedding songs as filler. They propel the narrative or highlight cultural and traditional facets, ensuring they remain contextually relevant.
• Rahman’s Versatility: From rustic folk tunes to Carnatic influences and even modern grooves, Rahman ensures no two wedding songs feel repetitive.
• Visual Grandeur: Mani Ratnam orchestrates these sequences with intricate choreography, expressive faces, and sumptuous use of color.
• Cultural Authenticity: Each track reflects the regional and emotional tone of the story, making wedding songs culturally resonant across India.

Weddings in Mani Ratnam’s films are far more than mere celebrations. They are moments where culture, tradition, character, and narrative converge in joyous bursts of music and color. Rahman crafts the soundtrack for this convergence with unmatched brilliance. The profound collaboration between the two is rooted in their ability to strike a balance. And together, the duo has created an enduring musical mosaic, celebrating India’s diverse traditions.

“Jinguchaa” is sure to join the lineage of iconic Mani Ratnam-Rahman wedding anthems.

Here is a YouTube playlist for you to enjoy: