Ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam on Monday said every collaboration with double Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman is a special journey.

The filmmaker and composer, along with legendary lyricist Vairamuthu, have been working together for 25 years.

Commenting on his long-standing relationship with AR Rahman, the Roja filmmaker saidm "It's been 25 years, but it just feels like I met him (ARR) yesterday. Every film with Rahman is a special journey. He brings newness to each project, sound and music." The director was speaking at the audio launch of Kaatru Veliyidai.

He said he is thankful for this collaboration with Rahman and Vairamuthu. The triumvirate's journey started with 1992 Tamil romantic drama Roja. AR Rahman said he's blessed to have found a mentor in the Bombay movie director.

"I'm thankful to the platform I have received because of Mani sir. If Balachander sir had not introduced me to him, I wouldn't have had this platform," AR Rahman said.

Slated to release on April 7, Kaatru Veliyidai stars Karthi as a fighter pilot and Aditi Rao Hydari as a doctor.