Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman, a name synonymous with musical brilliance across continents, is set to unveil a completely new dimension of his artistic journey. For the first time in his illustrious career, Rahman will appear as an actor in the upcoming Tamil-language film Moonwalk, marking a significant and unexpected milestone. Adding to the excitement, the film stars legendary dancer, choreographer, and actor Prabhu Deva, making the project one of the most talked-about ventures in recent South Indian cinema.
Renowned globally as a singer, composer, and music producer, A. R. Rahman’s influence stretches from the Indian subcontinent to Hollywood. His contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled, with timeless soundtracks such as Roja, Bombay, Dil Se, Lagaan, and Slumdog Millionaire earning him universal acclaim. At present, Rahman is involved in the music direction of more than 15 films, yet amidst this demanding schedule, he has chosen to step before the camera in a full-fledged acting role for the very first time.
Although Rahman has previously appeared briefly in music videos and live performances, he has never portrayed a complete character in a feature film. Naturally, news of his acting debut has generated immense curiosity among fans and cinephiles alike, many eager to witness how the maestro adapts to the cinematic spotlight.
Film Details at a Glance :
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Moonwalk |
| Language | Tamil |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Director | Manoj Nirmala Sridharan |
| Production House | Behindwoods Production |
| Lead Cast | A. R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva |
| Music | A. R. Rahman |
| Songs Sung by Rahman | Five |
| Expected Release | May 2026 |
Directed by Manoj Nirmala Sridharan and produced by Behindwoods Production, Moonwalk is a comedy-driven film with a strong emphasis on music and dance. The inclusion of Prabhu Deva—often referred to as India’s answer to Michael Jackson—ensures visually spectacular dance sequences throughout the film. Rahman and Prabhu Deva share a long-standing friendship and have collaborated on numerous musical projects in the past. According to the director, it was this bond that played a crucial role in persuading Rahman to accept the acting challenge.
In Moonwalk, Rahman portrays a film director, intriguingly bearing his own name, “A. R. Rahman”. However, unlike his real-life persona, the character is not a composer but a filmmaker—allowing audiences to see him in a completely unfamiliar professional role. The director revealed that Rahman agreed to the part immediately after hearing the character outline during a recording session, hinting that the script contains several surprising and memorable moments.
Beyond acting, Rahman has also composed the film’s soundtrack and achieved another personal first by singing all five songs himself—something he has never done in a single film before. This dual contribution makes Moonwalk a landmark project in his career.
Much of the film’s shooting has already been completed, with post-production set to follow soon. If all proceeds as planned, Moonwalk will arrive in cinemas in May 2026, introducing audiences to A. R. Rahman not only as a musical genius, but as a performer on screen.
As fans eagerly await the release, one question dominates the conversation: how will the maestro fare as an actor? The answer, it seems, will be revealed when Moonwalk finally graces the silver screen.