'Vakeel Saab' will hit the screens on April 9 and promotions have begun in earnest. In this interview, catch S Thaman talk about working on a remake that has been commercialized to suit Pawan Kalyan's image. The composer also talks about 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' and the Telugu remake of 'Lucifer' with Chiranjeevi. 

Excerpts 

Pawan Kalyan garu felt very good when he listened to 'Maguva Maguva'. He gave me a tight hug after listening to it. He liked Sid Sriram's voice in it. Pawan garu loves music. 'Satyameva Jayathe', too, has impressed him. I have huge respect for him. I am aware of his stature. 'Vakeel Saab' will be a superb film. Everyone will just love it. 

Women-centric songs don't become a hit easily. It's not an easy thing to balance it out. 'Satyameva Jayathe' will give goosebumps to the audience. The chemistry between the lead pair in 'Kanti Papa' will be another highlight. 

'Vakeel Saab' is much beyond 'Pink'. Forget that film. This is a commercially-satisfying remake. Director Venu Sriram worked on the situations with diligence. I and him used to discuss a lot. 'Maguva Maguva', for example, was borne out of our conversations. 

It was on Trivikram garu's recommendation that I landed 'Vakeel Saab'. He told Dil Raju garu that my BGM will help the courtroom drama a great deal. 

Expectations from me have increased definitely. I am riding safely. I am not over-speeding. When you are on a ring-road, you drive carefully. People are believing in my music. I am experimenting so much. I am enjoying being in this space. A lot of things I hadn't dreamt of are happening in my life. 

I like all the heroes I work with. Every actor has their own attitude and stature. NTR garu, Mahesh Babu garu, Pawan garu - each has their own unique style. I have been in the film industry for more than 20 years. I have discovered how to give a particular kind of song to each of the heroes. 

Energy comes from the director, whose vision determines the music. A music director is the film's second story-teller. 

I am doing the Telugu remake of 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' with Pawan Kalyan garu. I will be teaming up with Trivikram garu again. 'Tuck Jagadish' will release in April. My film with Balakrishna garu and Boyapati garu will release on May 28. Its title will be announced this month. The songs have come out very well. 

'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' will surely release for Sankranthi next year. My albums for Mahesh Babu garu have always been hits. 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' has got so much musical potential. Director Bujji (Parasuram) is taking the time to give the best songs for Mahesh garu. Updates about the songs will arrive starting in August. 

I am doing the Telugu remake of 'Lucifer' with Chiranjeevi garu. I am doing only one film in Tamil. 'Enemy' is its title. It stars Vishal and Arya. I was supposed to do Pooja Hegde's 'Cirkus' in Hindi. But it didn't work out. 

I don't consider the ranking of music directors. A film is the collective output of 24 crafts. I don't believe in the number game. 

I, Akhil and Tej play cricket at night. It is a physical exercise. I stop recording work at 9 pm. We are not pub creatures. Cricket is our relaxation.