Justin Prabhakaran has established himself as a promising young composer pretty fast, after his work in films like Pannaiyaarum Padminiyum and Orange Mittai. In today’s release, Oru Naal Koothu (ONK), his songs have been the biggest selling point. Justin comes across as clear and composed in this chat with Kaushik LM for Only Kollywood.
“I am happy about the response to ONK’s songs and am eager to see the visuals with the audience. Everyone can relate to the film and they can recall their own life’s experiences or their near and dear ones’. It will be realistic, feel-good and not like a typical cinematic outing.
The re-recording process was also a satisfying experience. Director Nelson has good music sense and he extracted something different from me. He was very focused and his script had all the required details. I had good space to provide music. The score will be in three different types and moods, as dictated by the story. The camera and edits will also be different for these segments and it has all blended well, I feel.”
Are you happy with the pace at which your career graph is progressing?
“I am doing the work that I like and I take care to choose my films. I was happy with what Orange Mittai and Kunjiramayanam (Malayalam) did to my career. Once I have regular releases, I feel it will pick up. 2016 will have a good stream of releases, with Rajamandhiri up next.”
What are the factors that you pay attention to, while choosing films?
“I don’t want to repeat genres, and am really particular about that while choosing films. After Pannaiyaarum Padminiyum, I was offered lots of village based films. Thankfully ONK gave me good scope to experiment. Next up, Ul Kuthu will be action based.
I would always give importance to the story. I wish to work in all types of scripts which the audiences can enjoy. Beyond-the-normal scripts would be given preference. And the director is the key as he brings it all together. The story and the director are my key focus points. Also, I always wish to have that mindset of working in my first film.”
Your favorite among your contemporaries and your inspiration when it comes to music?
“Sean Roldan is my current favorite, I really like Joker. We’ll collaborate again for sure after the memorable ‘Adiye Azhage’ in ONK.
And Ilayaraja sir is my inspiration. His songs shaped my interest in music and piqued my curiosity to learn. Rahman sir, Harris sir and all the current contemporaries have their own style in music. It’s great.”
The biggest learning and fond memories while working with Harris Jayaraj ?
“I admired Harris sir’s dedication, hard work and attention to detail. From Ko to Irandam Ulagam, I was part of his crew as an assistant sound engineer. Each day was special and I learnt a lot with the other musicians. There was some great team work and I got lot of contacts and forged good friendships. All of them played in my first film, took ownership and worked day and night for the best output.”
Finally, the role that Vijay Sethupathi plays in your career? He seems to be a mentor …
“He calls me regularly with his words of appreciation and encouragement. For ‘Adiye Azhage’, he expressed confidence that it’ll reach big, immediately after the launch of the teaser. After Pannaiyaarum Padminiyum‘s music release, he gave me his home production Orange Mittai, placing strong belief in me. He has always been a true well wisher.”
Good luck Justin !!!
Interviewed by Kaushik LM