'BRO' is slated to hit the cinemas on July 28. In this interview, its composer SS Thaman talks about working on the Pawan Kalyan-Sai Dharam Tej starrer.
Thaman reveals that the film's climax song will most likely be rendered by Sid Sriram. "We are leaving no stone unturned to make it special," Thaman adds (the song is yet to be composed). Thaman says that composing BGM for a movie like 'BRO' is not a joke. "It has been six months since my previous movies were released in theatres. 'BRO' ends the gap," he says with a sense of satisfaction.
The star music director also throws light on some of his other upcoming movies. The most sought-after composer talks about his hobby, the industry culture, and more.
Incidentally, all three films I have done with Pawan Kalyan are remakes. 'Vakeel Saab', 'Bheemla Nayak' and 'BRO' happened to me and I enjoyed doing them. 'BRO' has got a fantastic screenplay. It is a youngish film compared to the Kollywood original ('Vinodhaya Sitham'). And there are a number of mass moments in it. Automatically, Pawan's fans are going to like the fresh approach. Keeping his image in mind, the span and range of the music have been delivered. We are very happy with the BGM, especially in the first half. The script decided everything, including the number of songs.
'BRO' gave me the scope to do bit songs to accentuate the narration. And I made the most of the opportunity. The first song, 'My Dear Markandeya', has got a nice message. Given the nature of the story, there were some constraints. We couldn't have done a routine item song. There are three or four songs in total, excluding a promotional song that will play out during the end credits. We are planning a montage song for the climax.
Sai Tej has performed extraordinarily. He and Pawan look like family members in the film. Their chemistry is awesome. You will also be surprised by the Power Star's stunning performance. He was a lawyer in 'Vakeel Saab'. He was a rugged forest man in 'Bheemla Nayak'. There is no scope for mass songs in 'BRO'. I had the responsibility to work within the constraints. The BGM has left our producers in tears. I made the most of the script and the rare situations.
I face pressure from the fans of big stars to give my best. Pressure is only to be expected. I could deliver massy music for 'Bheemla Nayak' because the script offered me the opportunity to do so. In the case of 'BRO', Trivikram's script gave us goosebumps. The family audience are going to be moved by some of the scenes in the movie.
Samuthirakani is not an ordinary director. If he has made a film with Pawan Kalyan, it means he is super-talented. I don't understand the premature criticism of 'My Dear Markandeya'. You have to wait for the film for its lyrics to make sense.
For Sai Tej, working with his uncle is an emotional experience. Pawan is also happy with the output.
'OG' belongs to a different league altogether. I am enjoying doing the film. Pawan is so much interested in music. I recorded a song in 'Gudumba Shankar' on my system (as an apprentice under Mani Sharma). I enjoyed watching him groove in the music studio. The way he enjoys music is a huge encouragement to the composer. He has a strong command of music. 'BRO' has got a hip-hop moment. You will enjoy watching it.
I have been involved with Mahesh Babu's 'Guntur Karam' for the past six months. I am very much doing the film. Had I really been fired, the producers would have given an official update. There are a lot of films that have been delayed. Why is it that only this film has been written about negatively on a regular basis? I don't get it.
As a composer, I have to give what the script demands from me. I can't go beyond the brief. I have to follow the director's vision. If there is scope, I can give ten tunes to choose from.
Everyone believes they know everything about music and lyrics. I notice that the same set of trolls resort to trolling every time. I go out of my way to promote the movies I work on. I feel it's my responsibility.
Cricket is my only hobby. It's an emotion to me. I don't booze, I don't have a girlfriend. I enjoy playing cricket with my friends. It is a great stress-buster. No director, no producer has ever complained about me. I have never caused any delays. I use my remuneration to invest in instruments, studio technology, etc.
I have been busy right from the start. In 2013, there were 14 releases. Anybody else in my position would have exploded due to sheer pressure. I enjoy my work and I am passionate about music. I am not doing typical movies. Films like 'BRO', 'Guntur Karam' and 'OG' belong to three different genres.
I attend musical performances in Hyderabad to spot budding talents. It's because of such an interest that I could ring out a song like 'Samajavaragamana' ('Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo').
I will do lighter films in 2024 once I complete the big projects on my platter. I am doing a concept-driven film based on sound in Tamil. It's going to be a national hit. The hero in the film behaves on the basis of the sounds he listens to.
It is good that there is competition among music directors in the film industry, especially in the era of pan-India cinema. There is no rivalry in the industry even between heroes. I am a fan of Dhoni. If he flops in a tournament, cricket fans ask him to step down. I too face similar trolling. If a song of mine is not good, trolls ask me to stop doing music (laughs).
