In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, ace music director Thaman talks at length about a range of issues. Elaborating on why he thinks item songs shouldn't be looked down upon, Thaman talks about what clicked for Blockbuster song (Sarrainodu), why his music is not repetitious, whether writing lyrics as per the tune is inferior, and more.

You have worked with Allu Arjun once again after Race Gurram? How was the experience?

It was very happy working with Bunny. Bunny has full clarity about how the music has to be, who choreography has to be, et al. He has good understanding of the technicalties of music. He involves himself in sounding discussions.

You have described Bunny as an 'voora mass' hero in this film.. What care did you take to bring this into effect?

I have tried to maintain both mass and class. Since Allu Arjun is a stylish star, I have maintained a flavour of style in the music. I have used drums from Ludhiana for a song. To make the Blockbuster song look authentic, I have used native instruments from deep Andhra region.

How was it working with Boyapati Sreenu for the first time?

I had first feared working with him. I had worked for Bhadra as a keyboard player. I knew his working style. I was thinking about how to impress him. But within a week, we developed a good connect.

Why do you say that composing music for a mass film is harder?

One can do a romantic number in a new way. But when it comes to a mass song, it's difficult to do things differently. It's very difficult to get audience's appreciation with item songs. Item songs are going to be there as long as creation is there. (Laughs). It's item songs which are played in sangeets, parties and festivals. It reflects our mood and emotions. That's why item songs shouldn't be looked down upon. Instead of calling them item songs, we should call them mass songs.

Why have you not done full-fledged rom-coms in good number?

That's what I too ask. I want to do films like Bommarillu and Nuvvosthanante Nenoddantana. But nobody is giving me such offers. I have told Bunny to give me such an opportunity when he is doing one in future. I have so much love in me. But I am not getting the opportunity to compose music for love stories.

It's said that you repeat your own tunes. What is your comment?

That's not because I do more number of movies. When three audios get released in a short span, such perceptions are bound to exist. For example, the audios of Rabhasa, Power and Aagadu got released within a week's span.

Many music directors are singing their own songs more and more. Why is that you don't sing many?

I have sung in a few films. If the situation is apt and if the actor and the director are OK, then I sing.

Who do you think are your competitors in the industry?

Everyone is a competitor. Only if there is competition, we try to better our output. After DSP's Ringa Ringa song, I took it as a challenge to give best output for Bunny in Race Gurram. Thus, I tried to do a song like Cinema Choopista Maava.

Do you have plans to work in Bollywood?

I definitely want to make an entry in Bollywood. But I don't have much familiarity with Hindi directors. Nowadays, Telugu films and Telugu directors are commanding respect in Bollywood. So, if our directors make movies in Bollywood, I want to lend music for their movies.

SP Balasubramaniam has said that writing lyrics as per the tune affects quality. What is your take?

Did he say that? I am not aware. But what I feel is one has to go by the trend. One cannot be following the old style today. Who is making films like Shankarabharanam and Swathi Muthyam? Even if done, such films won't have item songs. Sri Rama Rajyam had the kind of music apt for its genre. I immensely liked it and watched some 10 times. Even Balu garu has sung many mass songs. He is what he is today because he has sung all genres of songs. We have T20 format in cricket which was not there earlier.

What is your opinion on doing remixes?

In Naayak, I remixed 'Shubhaleka rasukunna' song. When I listen to that song now, I feel I should have done it better. The moment you make a remix, comparisons follow. I grew up listening to those hits songs of the '80s and they are in my nerves. It's hard to reach those standards and expectations. I have to work hard like I work for 10 movies to do one remix. So, I feel it's better not to do it.

Is it true that you will act in Boys 2? Are you going to act in more and more movies in future?

It's not like that. I am acting in Boys 2 because I was there in Boys. Moreover, I am the music director. Atlee's assistant will direct this movie.

You have done 9 films with Ravi Teja. What is the reason?

I should ask Ravi Teja. I think he likes my music a lot.

Any hero with whom you want to work?

I have got the opportunity to work with big stars. I have been on a dream run. I would like to work with Rajinikanth and Pawan Kalyan garu.

Who influences your choice of a movie: hero or director?

It can be any which way. Sometimes it's the script, sometimes it's the hero, sometimes it's the director. When a script is narrated, I ask the director as to which hero he has in mind.

What are your aims as a music director?

I want to do Bollywood and even Hollywood. The likes of AR Rahman and Illayaraja sir have carved a great image for Indian music already.

You