AR Rahman returns to Malayalam cinema after 25 years with Aadujeevitham

We earlier reported that AR Rahman had been roped in for Aadujeevitham, to be directed by Blessy. Now, the director has confirmed that the Prithviraj-starrer will have music by the Oscar-winning composer. "Yes, Rahman has started composing. He will be back in Malayalam, after 25 years, through Aadujeevitham," says Blessy.

"Set in the deserts of West Asia, Aadujeevitham deserves music of international standards, and hence Rahman," says the filmmaker, adding, "The protagonist is someone who is stranded in the desert. He is lonely and his conversations are only with himself. And in such a situation, it is the music that communicates, not the dialogues."

Blessy thinks that Aadujeevitham offers immense scope for music rather than visuals. "When I approached Rahman with the script, the first question he asked was about the sounds. He realised how important that is in the narrative. In the film, nature is the antagonist and the music is a tool to reflect that. After reading the script, Rahman said that the film demands music that will blend seamlessly with silence."

The director says even though Rahman is currently in the US, they are communicating on a regular basis. "He has asked for the song script and details of the lyrics," he adds.

Aadujeevitham, based on Benyamin's novel of the same name, will have Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty as sound designer, and KU Mohanan as the cinematographer. "Everyone in the team is preparing for the film, including Prithviraj," says Blessy, adding that shooting will begin by the end of February.