Kolaveri’ song composer Anirudh says language is never a barrier
‘Kolaveri’ song composer Anirudh says language is never a barrier
For Composer Anirudh his most popular song ‘Kolaveri’, differing
belief, he finds it very difficult to make dance numbers and that he consumes the longest time to make them.
Notedly, post hoc he burst on to the scene with Kolaveri (3), in 2011, Anirudh has emerged as one of the preferred composers in Indian cinema. In 2023, he made his Bollywood debut with Jawan, and this year, his kitty is filled with films featuring big stars, with Kamal Haasan in ‘Indian 2’ being the first of those. In an exclusive interview, the composer opens up on the challenge of composing for a Shankar film, his mode of choosing to deal with the pressure of comparisons to
AR Rahman’s work in the original film, his learning from Jawan and more…
Anirudh quotes that any sequel comes with much anticipations more so if it is that of a cult film like Indian. Hence, the main challenge was to psychologically let go of such thoughts and enjoy the process.
For Anirudh, to compose music for Shankar was a dream. Being a ’90s kid, he always looked up to Shankar. So, when Shankar told him he will be his music composer, it was indeed a special moment. The characteristic that differentiates him is that he already has a clear vision of what every song should speak about, and more so, how every frame of it will look.
All the songs had specific themes even before composing them. Most of the songs of both Indian 2 and 3 were composed in 2017/18. In fact, all their sessions together were just like two friends crowding in his studio.
He goes on add that Magic can never be recreated; one must create his or her own. From Day 1, it was a conscious decision to not take that pressure to heart and enjoy the process.
Every film comes with the pressure of delivering bigger chartbusters than our previous outing. And we enjoy that pressure. It’s that pressure that makes us push the boundary every time. With respect to Indian 2, it was a series of enjoyable jam sessions with Shankar.
Again, the emphasis was on different genres for different audiences. Fans of the original Indian’s patriotic soundtrack would appreciate Paaraa and Neelorpam. Kadharalz and Comeback Indian, on the other hand, were aimed at dance reel makers.
Anirudh without mincing words voices that with ‘Jawan’, he learned that larger than life films never goes outdated.
Whether the film is made in Mumbai or in Chennai, the music comes out of his studio nestled in Chennai’s Alwarpet. So, the experience with Jawan was similar to that of working on every other film. The takeaway was the happiness of setting foot to a new market with such a big success. He is ever indebted to Shah Rukh Khan and director Atlee for reposing trust in him. Working on the film, he learned that larger-than-life films will never go out of fashion. In fact, they will always be the most celebrated. He also goes on to reveal that language barrier is being broken more and more everyday.
Many composers and Hindi artistes work on a Bollywood film. Then, the score is done by someone else. So, that’s a pattern that works there. In Chennai, they still have one composer who lives with the whole film.
Anirudh also goes on to mention that success comes with talent, but, the real game lies in sustaining.
If one is talented, there will be a time that success beckons. And that is possible only if you update yourself with the times. Maybe he was today’s generation when 3 was released. But now, he knows there’s a generation after him and he makes sure to keep himself updated. In fact, he is the eldest in his talented dedicated team. So, getting with the times is pretty organic and enjoyable.
The composer also feels they are are blessed to be in an age with many new composers. Not just now, but from the time they started, there has been an influx of wonderful musicians all around the country and he listens to everyone with most of them being his buddies; they even share their softwares and instruments. Comparing eras is a wasteful exercise. As he has said at the audio launch of Indian 2, nobody can be the next someone. We should aim to carve our own niche.
Film Vettaiyan is a strong, rooted story with Superstar Rajinikanth. Fans can expect an earthy soundscape.
Devara featuring Jr NTR is a period seabased tribal film, a new space for them.
Vidaamuyarchi featuring Ajith Kumar is a travel-based whodunit set abroad, so the sound of that would be more international.
On both Jawan and Indian 2 straddling the vigilante space, he quotes thatJawan was the next big step in his career, which he and his team were patiently waiting for. And he is ever indebted for the astounding success of the film and its music. Yes, both Jawan and Indian 2 straddle the vigilante space, but the vision of both directors was different, both storytelling-wise and music-wise.
News Edit K.V.Raman
