Two back-to-back Pan-India hits with Hanuman and Mirai. How does it feel?
It’s overwhelming. When success comes, all the hard work feels worth it. Director Karthik Ghattamaneni created an extraordinary film, which inspired me to give my best music. The entire team is thrilled with the audience response.
What’s the best compliment you received for Mirai?
I’ve been flooded with calls. Everyone loved the music. Hearing audiences cheer and enjoy the background score in theatres has been my greatest reward.
Which part of the film was most challenging for you musically?
Every character had weight, but composing for Mirai’s weapon was special. Though it belongs to Lord Rama, it is called Pinaka, linked to Lord Shiva. I incorporated Shiva’s BGM inspiration for that part. The Rama sequence alone took nearly 10 days to score, as it needed multiple layers and power. Also, the interval block was unique, where I blended four genres of sound in one sequence.
The song Vibe Undhi got a huge response but didn’t make it to the film. Did that disappoint you?
Not at all. It was a team decision. The song was good, but including it might have affected the film’s flow. For a story this big, editing choices are critical, and Karthik garu handled it perfectly.
People are comparing you to MM Keeravani. How do you feel?
Being compared to a legend like Keeravani garu brings both joy and fear. It motivates me, but it also makes me cautious because even a small mistake could feel magnified. Still, it’s an honor.
Can you tell us about your journey so far?
It took time to build trust. I had a hit in Kannada with Charminar, then worked on Telugu films like Tungabhadra, Dear Megha, and Galivana. Working with Prasanth Varma on Hanuman was a turning point. The Poolamme Pilla song was well-received, and my background score impressed him. That film’s success gave me great confidence. Later, Teja Sajja gave me another opportunity with Mirai. Step by step, I’ve built credibility in the industry.
What are your upcoming projects?
I’m currently working on four projects under People Media Factory.
