As Sai Kartheek completes 60 films, he awiats the release of 'Raja The Great' and 'Next Nuvve' on Oct 18 and Nov 3 respectively. Both these films are expected to have RR as their big highpoint. In this interview, he talks about his style, why he watched 'Lagaan' so many times in just 2 days, and more.

How has your journey been like?

This is my 60th film as a music director. It was 'Paisaa' that gave me the first break. Then, 'Pataas' was a big commercial break for me. I have since done many successful films.

You are two releases in quick succession. What is on your mind?

'Raja The Great' is an album that has proven that I can handle a pucca commercial film with elan. I am glad that my immediate next film after 'RTG' is 'Next Nuvve'. I am proud to have been associated with a film jointly produced by three big banners.

The story of 'NN' was narrated to me by Bunny Vasu garu and Prabhakar garu. If it is a Bunny Vasu garu's movie, they work really hard on the sound. I know it because I have worked for 'Srirasthu Subhamasthu' in the same compound. I was offered 'NN' because they saw my work for 'SS'. I never saw Prabhakar garu (director of 'NN') as a new director. It's because he has got hands-on experience in all the departments.

You seem to love melodies, although you haven't got adequate opportunities to do them.

I have always said that one should be fortunate to get to do melodies. Every music director loves to do all genres of songs. I am glad that I have got to do a song like 'Ala Meda Meeda' for this movie. I have done this movie with a lot of interest. This is the reason why I could give the best RR.

That leads us to our next question. How did you develop interest in RR?

As a child, I used to notice RR more than songs. I love good RR so much that I watched 'Lagaan' some 8 times in just 2 days.

How did you approach Ravi Teja's movie?

'Raja The Great' is my second film in Dil Raju's production, the first one being 'Supreme'. Most of the songs in this film are situational. At the same time, they are commercial. This has been quite a challenging venture for me. Since the hero is blind in the movie, the sound has to be quite balanced. I kept this in mind throughout.

How do you see music in relation to the film you are doing?

Music is always based on the content. It doesn't exist in a vacuum. Every content has got its uniqueness. The music director can't be fixated about music. It has to be content-driven. Ilaiyaraja garu and AR Rahman garu are my favourite music directors. Above all, I am the Ekalavya disciple of Mani Sharma.