AR Rahman and Resul Pookutty play new roles for 'Nanak Shah Fakir'

The subject of Nanak Shah Fakir inspired Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty and composer AR Rahman to associate with it. A biopic on Guru Nanak Dev, it talks about his teachings through the voice of his disciple, friend and companion, Bhai Mardana.
While Pookutty also doubles up as the co-producer of the film, Rahman plays the mentor’s role by getting Tuomas Kantelinen on board.Recalling how producer Harinder S Sikka made the film after he had a dream in which he spent seven days with Guru Nanak Dev, Pookutty says, “I went to see this movie thinking that someone has made it because they had a dream and they have no experience of filmmaking. But 40 minutes into it and I was blown by the quality. Harinder also said that he heard some sounds, so for me, this movie was like walking with someone else’s dream.”
READ: AR Rahman: Unforgettable songs by the maestro
Moreover, it was Pookutty’s idea to get Rahman on board for the background score. The ace composer, though keen on the association, couldn’t take it up due to prior commitments and suggested Tuomas Kantelinen’s name. Rahman says, “I was doing 12 movies then, so I had a jam-packed schedule, travelling between the US, Iran, Chennai, Mumbai and other places. When they asked me to do the background score, I said I’ll get them the right person and got Tuomas ready for it. The final product has come out well. Nanak Shah Fakir has the scale and impact of Lawrence of Arabia.”
Nanak Shah Fakir, produced by Gurbani Media, releases April 17.
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