Music director Achu of 'Nenu Meeku Telusa' and 'Potugadu' fame has come in for praise for his background music for the yet-to-be-released 'Venkatapuram'. In this interview, days ahead of the thriller's release on May 12, the musician fields various questions.

How has your journey with the film been?

The journey has been great. I worked on the film for two weeks. It's good that I had the right lyricist (Ananth Sriram), firstly. Some times, a big lyricist may take two months to deliver the product.

We got to work with talented people who appreciated our hard work. I also got to work with amazing singers. The producers and the director (Venu Madikanti) were able to provide what I wanted. For the first time, I have worked with established Hyderabadi singers and saw how talented and hard working they are.

What makes 'Venkatapuram' special?

It's based on a true story. The director, although a newcomer, has delivered cinematically the reality. Nowadays, Telugu film industry is accepting good dramas. It has been happening in Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam. This kind of story ('Venkatapuram') hasn't reached our industry in the past. The hero (played by Rahul of 'Happy Days' fame) hardly talks. When he talks, he is not dramatic. The director is like that in real life. I have seen a transformed Rahul. Every character is very important. The audience will remember even the smallest character after the movie ends.

This is a kind of product which pushed me to compete with myself in composing the BGM. I have delivered my best. Fittingly, Sai Prakash's cinematography is beautiful. The songs have come out great visually as well. Editor Madhu cut the film so well, considering that it's very difficult to edit a film of this genre.

You are famous for working very fast. How do you do that?

I work alone. I am a secret boy when it comes to working. I am very choosy when it comes to cinema. I don't work for money. I don't make a distinction between big and small films. I work out of passion. Working fast is not the thing. Working on time is what matters. I work in the mornings.

I also don't care about what critics are saying about my music, what is the ranking of my songs on portals/FM stations, etc. I just learn whether it's a hit or flop and that's all.

What changes have you observed with respect to filmi music?

I don't know as I don't think about it. But I can say that people don't have the patience to sit during the songs. They forget that there is a thing called interval. We compose two charanams and only one is there in the final edit. During ANR garu's time, it used to be three charanams. Some times, there is not even one charanam.

You have mostly been associated with Manchu family's movies.

It's not true. Manchu Manoj has been my friend. We have known each other even since before he became an actor.

What are your up-and-coming movies?

I have two movies in Tamil. I have one in Malayalam. I am going to give my first-ever performance in Chennai for 40 handicapped people.

Although you have done many films, people don't know how you look. Why are you not seen around much?

It's good! I can walk into Green Bawarchi and have a biryani without being noticed by any. Can DSP do that? I don't like being in public. I don't know if it's a plus or minus. Let my music do the talking.