Academy award winner AR Rahman launches doc-feature “Headhunting to Beatboxing” at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

MUMBAI: Cannes, 19th May, 2024: The Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival witnessed a momentous occasion as Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman unveiled the first look and teaser of his latest venture, a groundbreaking feature documentary titled "Headhunting to Beatboxing" directed by Rohit Gupta.

The unveiling took place at the Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, marking a proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

Present at the launch at the Bharat Pavilion in Cannes were Academy award winner and Padma Bhushan recipient AR Rahman, director Rohit Gupta, Executive Producer Abu Metha  (Advisor to the Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland) and Executive Producer Theja Meru (Chairman TaFMA, Government of Nagaland) in addition to the other guests and dignitaries present.

"Headhunting to Beatboxing" directed by Rohit Gupta and Produced by AR Rahman explores the fascinating journey of rhythm and sound, tracing the evolution of music across cultures, tribes and generations. From the ancient traditions of headhunting tribes to the musical renaissance in the state, the documentary promises to take audiences on an immersive and enlightening musical anthropological odyssey.

"Music has this transformative power to change a society and to connect and bring relevance to existence. 'Headhunting to Beatboxing' is a celebration of this universal rhythm that unites humanity in its diverse expressions. We look forward to the start of its film festival journey and what better than Cannes which celebrates cinema to make the first announcement on the film” said AR Rahman, expressing his enthusiasm.

“The germ of the idea came up when AR Rahman visited Nagaland to be part of the legendary Hornbill Festival. We knew we had to be part of it. The film is a collaboration of many creative minds, especially the TaFMA and masterfully captured by director Rohit Gupta. The real heroes are the musicians of Nagaland, who tell stories that go back to times immemorial and their music exemplifies the ambition of our youth.” Said  Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland.

“5 years in the making, the journey of  this film has been a sort of metamorphosis for me. The rich and vibrant music today, transcending the scars of the past is something that truly blew me away during the making. I am excited to see audiences witness our hard work and the magic that exists in the music of Nagaland” added director Rohit Gupta.

The film marks multiple award winner, Rahman’s second major foray into the realm of filmmaking as producer, with his earlier production ’99 Songs’ which premiered at the Busan International film festival. His vision behind the project stems from a desire to celebrate the universal language of music and its transformative power to transcend boundaries.

“Headhunting to beatboxing” has been directed by Rohit Gupta and produced by AR Rahman, with Abu Metha, Adam J. Greig, Theja Meru, Rohit Gupta, Sheila Houlahan, Rohhit Daas serving as Executive producers.