Thaman Breaks Silence on Sound Mixing, Explains the Technical Reality Behind Theatre Audio

Renowned music composer S Thaman has addressed the recent discussions surrounding sound mixing in his films, offering a clear and balanced perspective that highlights the technical realities behind theatrical audio presentation. While some feedback pointed to loud sound levels in his recent work, including Akhanda 2, Thaman has now set the record straight.

In a recent interview, Thaman explained that sound quality in theatres is a collective responsibility and not solely dependent on the composer. He revealed that he has been consistently advising theatres to maintain proper audio infrastructure, especially after many upgraded their projection systems to Qube but continued using outdated speakers. According to him, this mismatch directly affects sound balance and clarity.

Thaman also clarified that he specifies precise volume levels for different scenes, but the final output is approved collectively by the film’s technical team, including Dolby engineers. Using a striking analogy, he remarked that even the best cars will face issues if fitted with old tyres—underscoring that technical limitations inevitably impact performance.

Industry observers note that Thaman’s response reflects not defensiveness, but frustration rooted in his passion for delivering the best cinematic experience possible. His consistent success and demand across industries further underline his credibility and work ethic.

On the professional front, Thaman remains firmly focused on upcoming projects. He is currently composing music for Prabhas’s much-anticipated film The Raja Saab, which is slated for a grand Sankranthi 2026 release. With his packed lineup and continued evolution, Thaman is clearly determined to let his work—and not the noise around it—do the talking.