The icon’s latest release spans the full breadth of his sound

It’s little wonder that the soundtrack to maestro A. R. Rahman’s first venture into movie production bristles with the electric energy that’s become his calling card over the decades. As the celebrated composer behind an abundance of modern masterpieces, he demonstrates again how comfortable he is drawing from myriad influences. Whether dabbling in jazz (the sultry “Poyisonna Posikiduven”) or hip-hop (the old-school rap-inspired “Vaa Vengaiye”), or embellishing romantic ballads with his customary Carnatic twist (“Nee Illa Naanum”), Rahman’s auteur-like stamp on his music remains unmistakable.