Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman has revealed the first look and teaser of his latest project, a feature documentary titled ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
The unveiling took place at the Bharat Pavilion, drawing significant attention to this unique venture, ANI reported.

Directed by Rohit Gupta and produced by AR Rahman, ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ explores the fascinating journey of rhythm and sound, charting the evolution of music across countries, tribes, and generations. The documentary promises to take audiences on an immersive and enlightening musical anthropological odyssey, highlighting the transformative power of music to connect and bring relevance to existence.

At the launch, AR Rahman expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Music has this transformative power to change 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.”

The event saw the presence of notable figures including 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), along with other guests and dignitaries.

Abu Metha shared the origins of the film, explaining, “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.”

Director Rohit Gupta reflected on the journey of making the documentary, saying, “5 years in the making, the journey of this film has been a sort of metamorphosis for me. The 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.”

‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ marks AR Rahman’s second major foray into filmmaking as a producer, following his earlier production ’99 Songs’. The film’s executive producers include Abu Metha, Adam J. Greig, Theja Meru, Rohit Gupta, Sheila Houlahan, and Rohhit Daas.

The documentary’s premiere at Cannes sets the stage for its journey through various film festivals, celebrating the universal language of music and its profound impact on society.