Devi Sri Prasad awaits the release of 'Sarileru Neekevvaru' on January 11. In this interview, he talks about the experience of working on the movie, the joy of composing mass songs for Mahesh Babu, working with director Anil Ravipudi, his upcoming movies with a special focus on the Bunny-Sukumar movie, his hobby and more.  

It was like facing an examination

Every Monday in December was like an examination since a song was released on each of them.  The reviews for the songs have been extraordinary.  I thank Mahesh Babu garu's fans for owning the songs; they wanted out-and-out mass songs for Mahesh garu and we came up with 'Mind Block' and 'Daang Daang'.  Thanks to the director, the situations were comprehensive, unlike in my previous outings with Mahesh garu in which he played serious roles.

A superstar with a super heart

Mahesh garu is not just a superstar but also has the heart of a superstar. You will want to work with him again and again.  No matter how many hardships you face, he will stand with technicians, whom he always respects.  That pushes us to do better.  He doesn't choose subjects carelessly.  He chooses scripts responsibly.  

A new Mahesh

You are going to see a new Mahesh Babu in the movie.  I was mesmerized watching his swag during the RR work.  If he is excited, he becomes a kid off-screen.  I have noticed that in Chiranjeevi garu, too.  Their excitement pushes a music director to rediscover himself.  

Protagonist's character imposes limitations

Every story has got a different backdrop.  In 'Bharat Ane Nenu', since Mahesh garu was a Chief Minister, the music had to be in a particular mould.  A music director is constrained by the hero's character.  

On the SNE Anthem 

I have immense respect for soldiers, whose sacrifices I can't even stand to imagine.  It's that emotion in me that made me compose the kind of Anthem that I did for this movie. It's like a tribute and that's why I have gone in for a symphony orchestra by going all the way to Europe.  Western songs are nothing like our songs and the European orchestra members were amazed by the varied notes of the song.  

Developing 'Mind Block'

The song was driven by Anil Ravipudi's imagination of Mahesh garu's get-up in it.  I imagined him in a lungi as the director wanted.  That's how I came up with the tune, the title and the broad outline of the lyrics.  I was not sure if the actor would be willing to go in for such a funky get-up.  Mahesh garu can speak in a mocking voice.  I am personally a fan of that.  Thus, I wanted the song to have a smattering of his voice.  His timing is unique.  'Nuvvu unda raa', etc were suggested by me and Mahesh garu laughed to himself when he heard the recording.  

An epic combination

The scenes between Mahesh garu and Prakash Raj will stand out.  Those scenes are going to have repeat audience.  Their combination is epic.  They both are versatile in the movie.  

Story is paramount to me 

What Mahesh garu likes the most about me is that I give utmost importance to the story.  He has complimented me that the 'SNE Anthem' as a microcosm of the entire movie.  

My team is always frank

I am fortunate to have a team that is frank in expressing their opinions.  Since they have been working with me for many years, they expect the best from me.  Sometimes they appreciate the tune but say that it's not like my song.  Some other times, they tell me it sounds somewhat like a Kannada or a Tamil song and I change the track.  

Fear is good

I always approach every movie with a sense of caution and fear.  That fear is good.  At times, I am overwhelmed by some song situations.  Long back, Kamal Haasan sir advised me to keep my fear alive within.  That advice has helped me take every film as a challenge.  

There is no hard and fast rule for a director to change his music directors.  It's commonplace in the industry.

A positive producer

Anil Sunkara garu is one of the most encouraging producers.  I thank him for letting me do whatever I wanted, especially in the case of 'SNE Anthem'.  He is a pure cinema lover.  Anil Ravipudi garu is an excellent actor himself.  He enacts everyone in the movie and the musician is crystal clear about what he is expecting.  

Upcoming projects

Expectations from my film with Allu Arjun and Sukumar are definitely high.  I am not bogged down by pressure.  Let me do what I can (Laughs).  I need to push myself.  Chandrabose garu is penning lyrics.  Sukumar's films have unique backdrops.  After 'Rangasthalam', we are trying to bring in refreshing voices.  We are discussing a lot and zeroing in on things.  We are both excited about sharing our views with each other.  

'Uppena' is another interesting film that I am doing.  It's going to be a musical and melodious romantic drama. Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh's 'Rang De' is a full-on love story.  I am happy to be doing it because it's totally about love.  It's going to be a musical film.  'Good Luck Sakhi', starring Keerthy Suresh and directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, is another of my films. That album is going to be totally different; it has country-style music as well.  I am not doing Tamil.  I will be doing a Hindi movie soon.  

Miscellany

There are instances when some songs became a huge hit when I didn't expect much.  As for awards, they are important but not as important as the listeners' love.  Awards boost me and I feel like a child who promises to himself to become better after receiving appreciation from elders.  

My interest has always been music in the form of visuals, I being a Michael Jackson song.  I am not too keen on other forms.    

Photography is one of my hobbies.  I keep a lot of interest in it and have got a grip on photographers.  My dad came to the film industry to become a cinematographer.