The double Oscar winner praised Khajita's work as a strong response to her critics and lauded Halitha Shameem's unique storytelling.
Published Aug 09, 2024 | 4:40 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 09, 2024 | 4:43 PM
AR Rahman with his musician-daughter Khatija, 'Minmini' director Halita and team at the film's special screening. (X)
Double Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has attended the special premiere of director Halitha Shameem’s Minmini, which marks his daughter Khajita Rahman’s debut as a composer.
He praised Khajita’s work as a strong response to her critics and lauded Halitha Shameem’s unique storytelling.
After the screening, Rahman spoke to the media, stating, “Minmini showcases my daughter’s debut music, with Halitha Shameem providing her with this opportunity. They bring fresh perspectives. Halitha’s direction and storytelling are distinctive in Tamil cinema, and Khajita’s work is impressive—this is not just a father’s pride; she has set a high standard.”
Rahman added, “Khatija faces criticism regardless of the news, but she has answered through her work. I am very proud of her and pray for her continued success.”
He also praised producer-cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa for his exceptional work on the film and his impressive cinematography.
Further, Rahman emphasised the importance of supporting new voices, especially women filmmakers and composers. He noted that Manoj Paramahamsa’s courage and generosity would attract audiences to Tamil cinema and that Minmini could draw people back who might have been put off by violent content in other Tamil films.
#Minmini ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/dhQNQQsZpS
— Halitha (@halithashameem) August 7, 2024
Minmini, which began filming in 2016 after Halitha Shameem’s debut feature Poovarasam Peepee (2014), was paused in 2018. The filmmaker decided to suspend shooting to allow the child actors to grow and play older versions of their characters rather than casting adults.
Halitha Shameem trained under Pushkar-Gayathri, Mysskin, and Samuthirakani before starting her career.
In an interview, the director praised Khatija Rahman, saying, “She is a fresh voice poised to revolutionise the music industry. Her global music exposure brings a unique sound with broad appeal to this musically ambitious film.”
Khatija Rahman, while addressing the media, revealed that Halitha Shameem provided Hollywood references to shape Minmini’s soundscape.
She elaborated, “I was learning a lot while enjoying the music I loved. String instruments like harps and violins were central to the soundscape. Once the main mood was established, Halitha gave me specific instructions, and she patiently dealt with my overthinking to get the work done.”
Minmini, which hit the big screens on Friday, 9 August, stars Gaurav Kaalai, Pravin Kishore, and Esther Anil (known for the 2015 films Drishyam and Papanasam).
Manoj Paramahamsa produced the film alongside R Murali Krishnan.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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