A.R. Rahman continues to experiment with music despite being on top of his game for more than three decades. As the composer celebrates his 57th birthday on January 6, we pick six songs composed by the maestro in 2023 for your new year playlist.

Aga Naga (Ponniyin Selvan: Part II)

In a stroke of genius, Rahman turned the background score in Mani Ratnam’s first instalment of Ponniyin Selvan into a full-blown orchestrated number Aga Naga in Ponniyin Selvan: Part II. The waltzy track takes listeners on a mesmerising journey, driven primarily by the exquisite use of strings by the Chennai Strings & Sunshine Orchestra and Shaktisree Gopalan's vocals.

Nenjame Nenjame (Maamannan)

Composed as a soft lullaby, Nenjame Nenjame stands out amid the intense soundtrack of Maamannan. The romantic melody is a testament to Rahman's ability to craft tender compositions fusing together elements of reggae and Carnatic music. The vocals of Vijay Yesudas and Shaktisree Gopalan are complemented by a judicious blend of percussion and pan-flute sounds, while a ladies’ chorus in the closing segment adds a delightful touch to the composition.

Chinnanjiru Nilave (Ponniyin Selvan: Part II)

Featuring two versions sung by Haricharan and Khatija Rahman, Chinnanjiru Nilave stands out for its orchestration and arrangement. The turbulent violins, mirroring the storm analogy in the lyrics, create a captivating atmosphere. While Haricharan's rendition brilliantly rises and falls with the changing mood, the reprise version with Khatija Rahman's dreamy voice and piano refrain adds an extra layer of mesmerising charm, making it a memorable piece.

Raasa Kannu (Maamannan)

Another gem from the soundtrack of Maamannan, Raasa Kannu is a raw and folk-inspired number that takes us back to the roots, albeit with a modern twist employed by the four-note string refrains. Rahman keeps the orchestration minimal, allowing Vadivelu’s powerful, earthy vocals and the booming thavil phrases to shine.

Nee Singam Dhan (Pathu Thala)

Behind this anthemic composition from Pathu Thala is a hive of musical influences and techniques that include a hymnal chorus, harmonies, and punctuating rhythms with Celtic sounds in the interludes. Nee Singam Dhan, however, takes a dynamic turn towards the end, showcasing Sid Sriram's vocal prowess as he handles the high-pitched portions with finesse. The overall arrangement, coupled with brilliant orchestration, makes it a standout addition to the playlist.

Veera Raja Veera (Ponniyin Selvan: Part II)

Closing our curated list is the classical-flavoured Veera Raja Veera. Drawing inspiration from a traditional dhrupad piece, Rahman weaves a tapestry of classical elements, predominantly based on the darbari kannada raga. Shankar Mahadevan, K.S. Chithra, and Harini lead a stellar cast of vocalists, supported by an impressive chorus. The heavy use of Hindustani classical instruments adds depth to the number, with the sitar-sarangi duel standing out as the highlight.