Chaitan Bharadwaj, the music director 'SR Kalyanamandapam', is happy that the film's songs have hit the right chord with the audience. In this interview, the young composer talks about working on the movie, his musical journey so far, what he brings to the table and more.
It has been a very positive journey since 'RX 100'. It's a good sign that the audience are accepting new sound these days. Although I am relatively a newcomer, they have warmed up to my music without reservations.
The situations in the movie helped me attempt new sounds. The songs are distinct because they are driven by unique situations. When a song becomes a hit with the listeners, I try to analyze its tonality and texture. 'Chukkala Chunni' in the song has bass work. Devi Sri Prasad garu had tried it in 'Attarintiki Daredi'. Every composition has a certain colour.
For any background score, a melody is important. The heroine introduction scene in 'SRK', among others, is laced with melodious instrumentation. If the BGM is above the scene, it doesn't help. It has to be in step with the scene.
A movie is about telling the story of an individual's life in 2.5 hours. That's why music becomes important because the elevation is done by the BGM. When the composer has the freedom, his strength will come to the fore. The composer would try to bring his distinct touch that way. Let the musician think on his own terms. In the initial stretch of 'Chukkala Chunni' song, a whistle is heard. I used the whistling beat in keeping with the hero's characterization.
The visual spectrum of the movie was ideated by Kiran Abbavaram himself for the stylish songs. When I listened to the story of 'SR Kalyanamandapam', I was impressed with its range. The wedding hall element is a unique plot point.
Of late, montage songs have become commonplace. It's not easy to compose such numbers. If the story is set in a village and the hero's characterization is in a particular way, the tonality of the montage song has to be appropriate likewise.
The directors I have got to work with so far have preferred a wide spectrum of compositions from me. That has helped me a great deal. In 'SRK', 'Choosara Kallara' belongs to a particular type. I composed a song titled 'Champodde' for 'Seven'. 'Pilla Raa' from 'RX 100' had a certain texture given the pathos in the story. I chose singer Anurag Kashyap for that particular song because his vocal texture has a certain colour.
Sound mixing is a crucial element of a composition. Live instrumental can enliven a song.
'Maha Samudram' is going to be completely different from 'RX 100', which was my first movie with director Ajay Bhupathi. 'Hey Rambha Rambha' song from 'MS' is set in a rustic set-up. So, I composed a foot-tapping tune. The reception to the song has been great.
I am currently doing 'Maha Samudram' and am in talks for a few other movies.
