Chiranthan Bhatt: Krish and I have a similar taste in music

Music director Chirantan Bhatt’s stature has increased over the past few months because he got to compose for Balakrishna’s 100th movie. In this interview, the creator of ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ album talks about the challenges (if any) faced, in what respects Tollywood is better than Bollywood, so on and so forth.

How was your experience working with Krish and Balakrishna?

I was always conscious of the fact that Krish is a class director, whereas Balakrishna sir is a mass star. In fact, that’s a unique combination. I never got to interact with Balakrishna sir. The one time when we met, we happened to talk about films and music in general. He had watched ‘Ram Rajya’, my grandfather Vijay Bhatt’s epic movie, and told me how he enjoyed the movie. 

Like ‘Kanche’, ‘GPSK’ too is set in another era. How was composing for the latter a different challenge?

Although I had composed for a period film in the past for the same director, ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ was still very different because it is historical. ‘Kanche’ had more of a contemporary-style music, but that is not the case with this ‘GPSK’. I had listened to the tune ‘He is the legend’ from one of Balakrishna sir’s previous movies. I wanted to do something of that sort, which will give the audience an uplifting experience. 

Krish is a complete workaholic. He doesn’t think about anything else other than work. I didn’t feel much pressure. Krish and I have a similar taste in music. I enjoy working with him and so does he. During song composition, Sai Madhav was there to assist me with the pronunciation, etc. 

Not just the lyrics, but also the selection of singers is praiseworthy. 

I am glad I got to work with a huge talent like SPB sir, whose songs I had listened for many years. ‘Mriganayana’ has come out very well. Composing for ‘Saaho Saarvabowma Saaho’ was the most challenging because it has to be very uplifting and appealing to the audience. But ‘Ekimeeda’ is my most favourite song from the album. 

To me, Seetarama Sastry is not just a lyricist but someone who writes literature. Although I don’t know the language, I know the themes of the lyrics. 

What observations do you make about the music culture in Tollywood compared with Bollywood?

What I like about Tollywood is that, unlike in Bollywood, one music director composes all the songs as well as the BGM. This way, he can travel with the film and involve himself more thoroughly. In Bollywood, music directors are not asked about the RR, but people here attach a lot of importance to it. 

How is the music of this era differnt from that of the previous era?

I think the earlier era was better for music. Back then, only those who knew music could compose songs. Now, anyone who can get the beats right can do that. Music is no longer a complete art form as far as movies are concerned.