Rahman mixes a world of influences into this wartime romance

Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman teams up once again with director Mani Ratnam for the romantic drama Kaatru Veliyidai. Rahman delivers a mash-up of rhythms and styles here, often with a fun '90s throwback feel. Sathya Prakash and Chinmayi's deliver heartfelt lyricism on the acoustic ballad “Nallai Allai”, and there is an almost unrecognisable Haricharan singing "Tango Kelaayo's" female lines in a digitally enhanced voice over a accordion dance beat. Throw in the "shoop shoop" harmonies of the acoustic pop-rocker "Azhagiye" and you've got a Rahman soundtrack that hits cinema's sweet spot.