Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman will score the music for the upcoming war film ‘Pippa’, directed by Raja Krishna Menon and starring Ishaan Khatter, Mrunal Thakur, and Priyanshu Painyuli, producers RSVP and Roy Kapur Films revealed this week.
‘Pippa’ is dubbed as a first-of-its-kind action-packed tank war film, based on the book ‘The Burning Chaffees’ by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta. In this battle film, Khatter is set to take on the role of war veteran Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta of the 45th Cavalry tank squadron who, along with his siblings, fought on India’s eastern front during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Rahman said: "The story of ‘Pippa’ has a very human connect. It's about every family, and I instantly related with it.”
The film's unique title highlights the magnificent Russian amphibious war tank called the PT-76, popularly and lovingly known as pippa – like an empty ghee da dabba in Punjabi that smoothly floats on water – which is the celebrated army tank at the crux of the film.
Film Director Raja Krishna Menon notes: “It is an honour to work with A.R. Rahman on the album of Pippa. I'm very eager to collaborate with the maestro and we hope to create something truly memorable together.”
Rahman has collaborated with Ronnie Screwvala and Roy Kapur in the past on iconic albums for many of their productions, including ‘Swades’, ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and ‘Delhi-6’, among others.
Screwvala said: “Patriotic and inspiring music has been A.R. Rahman's forte since the beginning of his iconic career. We are happy to welcome the maestro onto team ‘Pippa’.
“Collaborating with him has always resulted in spectacular albums and I'm inclined to believe that his music will be the beating heart of our film.”
Roy Kapur added: “What distinguishes the music of A.R. Rahman is that it brings so much depth and feeling to the narrative, that it always elevates the characters and the storytelling.
“We are truly thrilled to have on board the best musical talent one could ask for, and to be able to collaborate with him again on what we hope will be another iconic album.”
‘Pippa’ hopes to get a theatrical release later this year.