When Ilaiyaraaja works on a film, word about the film spreads, no matter how unknown the people behind the project are. Over the years, he has taken up numerous projects with debutant filmmakers. One such is the upcoming Enga Amma Rani by director S Bani. The composer here in a quick chat about the film:
What made you choose Enga Amma Rani?
The film industry is going places. Whether it’s going in the right path isn’t clear to either the onlookers or the makers. For instance, in many films nowadays, CG technology is generously used. But the result isn’t always good. So why spend so much money on it?
I feel that simple stories with strong emotions are disappeaing. The film industry must make stories with our cultural ethos to remind people of our past; else, it will become obsolete. Even though we work in the entertainment industry, cinema must be about original stories that are made with good intentions. Enga Amma Rani is one such.
What would you say is very different about this film?
I never spill intricate details about a film I’m working on. It is in the hands of the people who see the film to say whether it is good. Only they should decide.
Was there any aspect about the story you were moved by?
A mother will do anything to provide for her child. Her instinct is to care for her child, no matter what. In this film, the mother does something for her child that no one would dare to do.
How is the music for the film shaping up?
I have composed a song dedicated to mothers for this film. I am sure you will like it. What would life be without a mother? The song, Va Va Mahalae, has already got good reviews.
How has the experience been with new director Baani?
I don’t think of him as a debutant director. He has introduced plenty of talented directors in the industry. Even when he was an assistant to Samuthirakani, he continued to encourage talented directors in Malaysia.
Direction is like administration. Bani has previously shown he’s adept in such work.
Your background music has always been quite something. Have you started work on it for this film?
In this film, the background music varies from reel to reel. Usually, once I arrive at a theme, I tend to develop it throughout the film.
But in this film, each sequence varies drastically; so I had to compose accordingly. It was quite an interesting exercise.
You can definitely expect something new when you watch this film.