The Mozart and The Maestro: ‘Moonwalk’ Drops a Musical Bomb
The entertainment world stood still this afternoon as the makers of the highly anticipated feature film Moonwalk released their “Mini-Cassette,” a vibrant and nostalgic preview of the movie’s entire musical album. Slated for a theatrical release in Summer 2026, the film promises to be a global spectacle, but the audio launch has already set the tone for what is arguably the biggest musical collaboration of the decade.
The film, produced by Behindwoods Productions, marks a historic reunion. It brings together the Isai Puyal (Musical Storm) A.R. Rahman and the dancing legend Prabhudeva. Directed by Manoj Nirmala Sreedharan, the film is not just a movie; it is being billed as a “Celebration”—of life, dance, and music.
The “Mini-Cassette” concept itself is a masterstroke of marketing, evoking the golden era of the 90s—a time when Prabhudeva and Rahman ruled the charts with hits like Mukkala Mukkabala. However, this preview is distinctly modern, showcasing high-concept visuals, cutting-edge VFX, and a soundscape that is unmistakably Rahman 2.0.
A Unique Feat: A.R. Rahman Takes the Mic for Every Track
In a rare and exciting twist that has sent fans into a frenzy, the Moonwalk album features A.R. Rahman as the primary singer for all five songs. Typically, Rahman curates a diverse mix of voices for his albums, but for Moonwalk, he has lent his own soulful and energetic vocals to the entire soundtrack.
The promotional material, specifically a poster designed like a vintage stamp and currency, declares: “For the first time ever, only for his fans, A.R. Rahman sings all five songs of an album.” This artistic choice suggests a deeply personal connection between the composer and the film’s narrative, turning the soundtrack into a singular musical journey guided by the maestro’s voice.
The Tracklist: A Symphony of Celebrations
The Mini-Cassette offers a glimpse into five distinct tracks, each categorized as a specific “celebration.” Here is the breakdown of the musical feast awaiting fans:
1. Yethu – A Celebration of Happiness
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Singer: A.R. Rahman
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Lyrics: Vivek
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Choreography: Sekhar VJ
The opening track, Yethu, appears to be a high-energy anthem. The visuals associated with this track feature Prabhudeva and a group of dancers with acoustic guitars, radiating pure joy. With lyrics by the acclaimed Vivek, this song is poised to be the “happy anthem” of the year, likely featuring Prabhudeva’s signature fast-paced footwork.
2. Macarena – A Celebration of Friendship
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Singer: A.R. Rahman
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Lyrics: Arivu
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Choreography: Piyush & Shazia
Not to be confused with the 90s global hit, this Macarena is a fresh, local flavor of camaraderie. The poster showcases Prabhudeva surrounded by a troop of children and teenagers, all donning cool shades in front of a temple backdrop. With lyrics by the revolutionary rapper/lyricist Arivu, expectations are high for a track that blends folk roots with modern rap elements, celebrating the innocence and fun of friendship.
3. Mayile – A Celebration of Hard Work
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Singers: A.R. Rahman & Double J
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Lyrics: Vishnu Edavan
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Choreography: Sekhar VJ
Perhaps the most visually intriguing entry, Mayile is described as a celebration of hard work. The imagery is dark, industrial, and golden, featuring a futuristic cityscape. This track likely serves as the “mass” number of the album, with heavy beats and intense choreography. Vishnu Edavan’s lyrics are expected to provide the grit, while the visual of a golden city suggests a narrative of rising from the ashes to riches.
4. Tinga – A Celebration of Love
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Singer: A.R. Rahman
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Lyrics: Vignesh Ramakrishna
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Choreography: Sekhar VJ
Rahman and romance are a match made in heaven. Tinga promises to be the breezy, romantic ballad of the album. The promotional art features dancers floating in a blue sky among clouds, suggesting a dreamlike sequence. Vignesh Ramakrishna pens the lyrics for this track, which will likely feature Prabhudeva in his most graceful element, defying gravity both literally and metaphorically.
5. Jiger – A Celebration of Life
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Singer: A.R. Rahman
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Lyrics: Sathyan Ilanko
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Choreography: Piyush & Shazia
The final track, Jiger, offers the most quirky visual: Prabhudeva walking a donkey down a scenic road. Billed as a “Celebration of Life,” this song seems to be the philosophical soul of the movie. Sathyan Ilanko’s lyrics combined with Rahman’s vocals are expected to deliver a message of simplicity and resilience. The rustic setting contrasts with the high-tech vibe of Mayile, showcasing the film’s visual diversity.
Star Power and Production Grandeur
While the music is the heartbeat of Moonwalk, the film boasts a formidable cast and crew. Joining Prabhudeva is the comedy superstar Yogi Babu, along with Malayalam cinema favorites Aju Varghese and Arjun Ashokan. The ensemble also includes Satz, Nishma Chengappa, Sushmitha Nayak, Mottai Rajendran, and the hilarious Redin Kingsley.
The film is produced by Manoj Nirmala Sreedharan, Divya Manoj, and Praveen Elak under the banner of Behindwoods Productions, a media giant making a massive splash in film production.
The technical crew is equally impressive, ensuring that the film looks as good as it sounds:
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DOP: Anoop V Shylaja
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Editor: Raymond Derrick Crasta
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Art Director: Shanoo Muralidharan
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Costume Designer: Shwetha Raju
The “Mini-Cassette” video itself had a dedicated team, with Vaishak as DOP and Richard Bush as editor, highlighting the level of detail the production house is pouring into marketing. The VFX, handled by Universal Lab, Renderhood, PixStone, and Digibricks, teases a visual treat that blends reality with fantasy elements.
A Nostalgic Ride to the Future
The title Moonwalk inevitably draws parallels to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson—the ultimate inspiration for Prabhudeva. For decades, Prabhudeva has been known as the “Indian Michael Jackson.” By naming the film Moonwalk, the director Manoj Nirmala Sreedharan seems to be paying homage to that legacy while creating a new one.
The “Cassette” theme in the promotional material acts as a bridge between generations. It connects the 90s kids, who grew up rewinding Rahman’s tapes on their Walkmans, with the Gen Z audience, who will experience this magic in 4K Dolby Atmos. The inclusion of the “CSK Veriyans” (Chennai Super Kings fans) text on a car in one of the posters also grounds the movie in Chennai’s vibrant pop culture.
The Industry Reacts
Social media is already ablaze with reactions. The hashtag #MOONWALK is trending, with fans dissecting every frame of the Mini-Cassette. The decision to release the music preview so far ahead of the Summer 2026 release indicates a long-tail marketing strategy designed to keep the music alive in the public consciousness for over a year—a strategy that only a composer of A.R. Rahman’s caliber can sustain.
Lahari Music, the audio partner, and Romeo Pictures, the distribution partner, have ensured a worldwide reach for this project.
Final Verdict: A Blockbuster in the Making
Moonwalk is shaping up to be more than just a film; it is an event. With A.R. Rahman in the driver’s seat of the musical journey and Prabhudeva steering the visual spectacle, the film is poised to redefine the dance-musical genre in Indian cinema.
The Moonwalk Mini-Cassette is now streaming on YouTube. Whether you are a fan of soul-stirring melodies, gravity-defying dance moves, or just high-quality cinema, this is a preview you cannot afford to miss.
Mark your calendars: Moonwalk hits theatres worldwide in Summer 2026.
