With more projects lined up than ever, composer Ghibran is at his productive best. And yet, you wouldn’t know from his relaxed demeanour, as he chats about everything from his inspirations to his upcoming projects to enjoying being a part of masala films.
Excerpts from a conversation with the composer:
This year looks to be yet another productive year for you.
Yes! Getting chances to try new genres is most exciting. My first release this year, Adhey Kangal, had an electronic sound. My next, Maayavan, will be a mix of orchestral and electronic compositions. In Magalir Mattum, I’ve used ethnic instruments, and in Aramm, I’ve gone fully orchestral. And of course, there’s Vishwaroopam 2 (Smiles). I believe that a film’s sound should be as big as its magnitude.
Many of your films have not been commercially successful. Does this affect you?
It’s confusing. I put my heart and soul into my films. When it fails commercially, I wonder if I did something wrong. In some films, the music would’ve been appreciated, and yet, the film would have failed. It makes me rethink the kind of films I choose.
It’s generally believed that background scores are your forte.
(Laughs) I love composing songs too, but yes, I have to admit that I enjoy background scores as they are more challenging. You have to convey what the director wants the audience to feel. There are times when actors alone can’t carry a scene. Also, I trained in background music.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
From my directors! There are times when I don’t end up liking my compositions. When I wonder why, I realise it’s because of my shaky relationship with the director. Amara Kaaviyam didn’t do well, but I think it’s one of my best works because the director (Jeeva Shankar) and I had a great wavelength. I feel the same way about Chennai 2 Singapore too.
The lines between plagiarism and inspiration seem to have blurred. Where do you draw the line?
Complicated question (Laughs). We all grew up hearing amazing songs. It is a fact that we all get inspired by classics. When I think about sci-fi scores, I think of John Williams, Star Wars and so on. Williams himself has stated that he draws inspiration from Holts, a series of old western classics. I guess it’s about making sure that our compositions have our personal stamp too.
You seem to have made a conscious decision to stay away from masala films?
I just don’t get many offers for such films. I don’t know if it’s on account of my association with Kamal sir. It probably gives others the image that I don’t like doing masala films. Let me categorically state that I actually like them. But it should be a full-fledged masala film. There should be musicality to it. I did get some offers and I’m slowly trying to get used to the idea.
How has it been to work with Kamal Haasan?
One phone call from Raaj Kamal and I’ll be there immediately. When Kamal sir announced about Vishwaroopam 2, I felt as jubilant as his fans on social media. It’s that joy of knowing that I can travel with him again. Like Ekalavya, I learn things from him without his knowledge.
We’ve tried something interesting for the film’s theme music. It will remind you of the first film, but at the same time, it won’t be just a replica.
When can we expect the audio release?
The film’s made in three languages; so, we have to get the writers, the singers. If there are corrections, I will have to travel from state to state (Laughs). But that said, it’s all almost done. The background score is also ready.
Both your upcoming two films, Magalir Mattum and Aramm, are women-centric.
It’s purely coincidental. They’re both emotionally strong films. While listening to the script itself, I felt I should be a part of them. In such women-centric films, a lot can be conveyed with music.
I also have a film called Aan Devathai in the pipeline. It’s directed by Thamira, whom I have known since his Vaagai Sooda Vaa days. If Magalir Mattum glorifies women, Aan Devathai sings paeans about men.
Up close and personal
Your best composition
Iraniyan Naadagam (Uttama Villain)
A film you could’ve composed better music for Kutti Puli
Favourite work of another composer
Dhibu’s Maragadha Naanayam
Favourite director
It’s always Kamal Haasan