AR Rahman Unveils Folk-Inspired Finale Track ‘Thoothukudi Chinnaponnu’ For NEXA Music Season 3

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has released “Thoothukudi Chinnaponnu”, a vibrant folk-inspired track blending traditional Tamil roots with his signature contemporary touch. The song, unveiled on Tuesday, serves as the grand finale of NEXA Music Season 3.

“We’ve always seen folk music carry a teasing, raw charm,” Rahman said. “With this track, we wanted to keep that authenticity but reimagine it with a young voice and fresh production. It’s a song that celebrates Tamil Nadu’s soul with a sound that belongs to today.”

Penned by lyricist Vivek, the track mirrors the playful energy of folk storytelling while aligning with NEXA’s modern, design-led ethos. Partho San, Executive Director, Marketing, MSIL, called the finale a milestone for the property: “Season 3 has outperformed every benchmark we set from reach to relevance. This finale with Rahman sir is more than a song,it’s a celebration of how far we’ve come and what’s next.”

Beyond the release, Rahman also reflected on his inspirations. He named classics from his debut Roja (1992) as close to his heart and paid tribute to legendary composers including Naushad, S.D. Burman, Salil Chowdhury, R.D. Burman, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Amit Trivedi, and independent artist Pratik. “There are so many beautiful young artists who are getting better every day, and I want to wish them all the best,” he said.

Rahman revealed that in lighter moments, he and his team enjoy watching Marvel films “like regular fans,” often appreciating the power of the music that drives the franchise.