In the recent two years, we saw a rather different Rahman-Ratnam combination. O Kadhal Kanmani, released in 2015 was yet another romance film of Ratnam’s with a modern edge. The movie was made to capture the youths. O Kadhal Kanmani sported a modern relationship and beautiful songs like “Mental Manadhil,” “Parandhu Sellava” and “Aye Sinamika.” Nobody could get over the cuteness of Dulquer Salman and Nithya Menon amidst the Rahman-Ratnam magic. Once again this year, the duo made the daring Kaatru Veliyidai and blew everyone’s minds. Another fresh couple and breezy songs like “Azhagiye Marry Me” and “Saarattu Vandiyila” made us all go weak in the knees.

The world can never again find a great pair like Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman. When the two join together, art is created. Neither one of them overpowers their role in their movies and is the perfect complimentary for each other. Rahman once said, “I wasn’t sure myself why I accepted Roja. I was offered ₹25,000 (US$390) for it, a sum that I could make in three days composing ad jingles. I think it was the prospect of working with Mani that enticed me.” Well, aren’t we all very thankful that he did take up the offer?