Ahead of the theatrical release of 'Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi' on March 17, composer Kalyani Malik sounds pretty satisfied. He is particularly proud of its soulful song 'Kanula Chatu Meghama', rendered by new singer Aabhas Joshi and written by Lakshmi Bhupala.
In this interview, the composer takes stock of his journey since his debut film 'Aithe', which was released twenty years ago. Catch him talk about his hits and misses, what keeps him going, and more.
'PAPA' is his third film with director Srinivas Avasarala. Starring Naga Shaurya and Malvika Nair, it is an out-and-out love story.
The success of the recent song 'Kanula Chaatu Meghama' from 'PAPA' has boosted my morale. Love comes in multiple flavours. The love depicted in this film is lustless. I drowned in the sensibilities of the romance and set the song to tune. Lakshmi Bhupala's lyrics drew from the film's high-end sensibilities. I could visualize how the song would be shaping up. I fell in love with the song before it was ready. This song has gone into the audience even before the film's release. It happened with 'Aithe', my first film, as well in 2003.
It is natural to wish for box-office hits. In my case, though, offers haven't kept pace with BO results. 'Aithe', 'Andhrudu' and 'Ala Modalaindi'... none of them got me as many offers as I would have expected. But I never got dejected by the lack of offers. I am proud of my musical journey. Success is a different thing. I am at peace with myself.
This April, I will complete 20 years of my journey as a composer. 'PAPA' is my 19th film. I have done just one film a year. More than highs, my career has seen lows. At the same time, compliments and critical acclaim have offset the lack of prolific success. Reviews and music critics have always been kind to me. They always talk about my work by giving it full attention.
I don't know about the power of lobbying in the film industry. Offers that come my way because of lobbying wouldn't satisfy me. In the initial days of my career, I used to be forthcoming (in terms of promoting myself within the film circles). Even people who like my music don't give me offers for whatever reason. Maybe, they believe my kind of music doesn't suit their scripts.
I don't believe in blaming others for what I am today. If offers have not come my way adequately, so be it. I don't bother about it much. Had 'Boss' in 2006 and 'Adhinayakudu' in 2012 become a hit, maybe, I would have consolidated my position as a commercial music director. More than filmmakers, my music has been loved by listeners and voices in the entertainment media.
'Em Sandehamledu' from 'Oohalu Gusagusalade' fetched an award for singer Sunitha but not me. I haven't given much thought to it, frankly. There is no set pattern there. If an award comes your way, it is like a bonus. For 'PAPA', I am predicting a National Award for lyricist Lakshmi Bhupala and the singer.
More than an award, I would like producers to approach me saying they want songs of some sort. As a composer, I have to satisfy the script without digressing from the soul of the subject. It's up to the director whether he wants to try something new/experimental. The experiment has to emerge from the story and the director's sensibilities.
Vivek Sagar was supposed to compose music for 'PAPA'. That was before the pandemic. The director felt that he needed a change after the lockdown. I composed four songs and BGM for 'PAPA', while one song has been done by Vivek.
I am happy that 'Naatu Naatu' has reached the Oscars. Rajamouli's judgement and creativity have been validated. We in the family are quite elated. My brother, Keeravani garu, is doing extraordinary work for Rajamouli's movies. I also like the Sukumar-DSP combo. I always wish the best for their combination. I wish to work for Sukumar Writings. While I want only DSP to compose for Sukumar's movies, I would like to work on a film produced by him. I can never desire to work for the movies of Sukumar and Rajamouli!
I stay away from posts that put off social media users. I post about foods and all; I avoid controversial topics.
I expected Nithiin's 'Check' (2021) to become a hit. There has been a gap after that in my career. After 'PAPA', 'Intinti Ramayanam' is up for a theatrical release soon. 'Vidya Vasula Aham' is another theatrical release that is coming up. Besides, I am doing two web series. I am hopeful that I have begun a new innings.
