Songs, BGM in ‘PAPA’ are driven by the nature of love story: Composer Kalyani Malik

It has been twenty years since Kalyani Malik made his debut as a music director. ‘Aithe’, his first film, was a breakout success. Naga Shaurya’s ‘Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi’, set to hit the screens on March 17, is his 19th film as a composer. At an average of one film a year, Kalyani Malik has been a composer of less fecundity. 

In this interview, he talks about how he views the music of his latest film, the expectations he has got from its most popular song ‘Kanula Chaatu Meghama’, working on different films, and more. 

‘Kanula Chaatu Meghama’, sung by Aabhas Joshi, has got some terrific lines by Lakshmi Bhupala. You recently said that it is your best song ever. Tell us about the song.

The tune of the song comes straight from the sensibilities of the love story that director Srinivas Avasarala designed for the movie. The singer and the lyricist have done an extraordinary job. Although I predicted that they will win National Awards, knowing how the awards function, I am not going to stick my neck out. But the song has become a hit. Throughout my career, I have always had music critics appreciate my work without fail. The songs and BGM in ‘PAPA’ are in step with the nature of love shown in the film. 

Why have you done just about 19 films in 20 years?

Despite the success of films like ‘Aithe’, ‘Andhrudu’ and ‘Ala Modalaindi’, I have got a less than optimal number of offers. I don’t know the reasons for it. Even those filmmakers who have nice words to say about my songs don’t recruit me for different reasons. In recent years, the failure of ‘Check’ in 2021 also affected my career a bit. 

Have you lobbied for yourself in the industry?

I don’t believe in it. (Kalyani Malik suggested that he believes that his songs have to speak for themselves and that self-promotions are not his cup of tea). 

Music directors are expected to deliver big-ticket hits. Do you think the lack of that has affected your career?

In a way, things might have been different had ‘Boss: I Love You’ (2006) and ‘Adhinayakudu’ (2012) become big hits. 

Since you predict ‘Kanula Chaatu Meghama’ from ‘PAPA’ to become a much-feted song, what is your take on awards?

Singer Sunitha won an award for ‘Em Sandeham Ledu’ from ‘Oohalu Gusagusalade’. However, I didn’t. (The composer suggested that it is all random). As far as I am concerned, awards are like a bonus. 

You have worked with a range of filmmakers like Chandrasekhar Yeleti, Avasarala Srinivas, and Mohanakrishna Indraganti. What is your approach like?

I always believe in attuning the tunes and music to the soul of the script. Any experimentation or novelty must be fuelled by the director’s vision. 

Rajamouli is your relative. Do you want to work with him?

Keeravani annayya is doing his best and their combination is highly respected. There is another combo that I admire a great deal – that of Sukumar garu and Devi Sri Prasad. However, I want to work under Sukumar Writings for a film not directed by him. 

What are your upcoming movies?

‘Intinti Ramayanam’, which is an Aha Video original, will be released in theatres soon. ‘Vidya Vasula Aham’ (starring Rahul Vijay and Shivani Rajasekhar) is also coming up. I am doing two web series these days.