HridayamThe much-awaited Vineet Srinivasan-directorial is making headlines for all the right reasons. Apart from the artists – Pranav Mohanlal, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Darshan Rajendran – music has also been a topic of discussion. The film has 15 songs and the music album was released in physical formats as audio cassettes and music CDs, which has not happened in the industry for over a decade. The man of the moment is singer-composer Hesham Abdul Wahab.
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“This is a film that has to be celebrated in theatres,” says Hesham, when we visit him on the eve of the film’s release in theatres. Hesham, who started out as a musician salt mango tree (2015), last acted melodious, Excerpts from an interview:
tuning in Hridayam
This film has come at a time when I was struggling as a musician. I was not getting the kind of projects where I could give music that I love. Maybe I was destined to do this film. I always wanted to work with Vineet atton, Be it their albums or movies, there has always been a place for music. However, I never expected to join him as he has only worked with him. [composer] Shaan Rahman. I requested Vineet atton A couple of times to consider me for his film or a friend’s project. I politely asked the ace Even for one occasion.
So how did Vineet choose you for this?
it was because of Kaddam Badha (2015), My Sufi Album [produced by British musician Sami Yusuf], Although the album didn’t get the reach I expected, they loved it. He said that the album inspired him when he wrote it. jacobinte swargarajyam (2016). He went on record saying that he played the song ‘Aa Mil Yaar’ from the album while narrating the script to his actors. he gave me Hridayam to inspire him.
Kalyani Priyadarshan and Pranav Mohanlal in ‘Hriday’ directed by Vineet Srinivasan. photo Credit: special arrangement
Fifteen Songs!
This happened due to the pandemic and the lockdown. We had planned nine songs when the shooting started in 2019. When the first lockdown was announced, the shooting was only half done. By the time we resumed shooting, there were some changes in the script and the number of songs was reduced to 15. The album features two versions of Tyagaraja’s masterpiece, ‘Nagumo’. Second, ‘Nagumo Revival’ is really a fusion of great elements from all the tracks and was the 15th song that plays in the climax. There is no other Malayalam film with so many songs in recent times.
If there were so many songs, would there be dedicated listening?
We never thought so. Songs are part of the narrative. Many of them are musical montages and none of the songs have a traditional format with two Steps:s. Some songs are short; For example, ‘Mukilinte’ [sung by KS Chithra] and ‘Onakka Munthiri’ [crooned by Vineeth’s wife Divya Vineeth],
Vineet himself is a musician. Did it increase the pressure?
off course not. It’s always helpful when you have a director who understands the music. Actually, now I am worried about working with directors who don’t know much about music. He advised me that in such a situation, I should inspire directors with my work.
You used a lot of Middle Eastern instruments in the album…
I wanted a soundscape that was new to Malayalam film music by combining Indian classical, western and Middle-Eastern sounds. ‘Visit’ [sung by Hesham and Darshana Rajendran] It was the first song to be composed and I wanted to use a dub in it. When I suggested this, Vineet atton Said we should go to Turkey to record the instruments live. This was before the first lockdown. While working with Sami, I worked with some Turkish musicians. But those projects had a different soundscape. In Hridayam, I wanted to use the instruments in the Indian context. So, we recorded different instruments and mixed them in our songs. ‘Darshan’ went through several mixing and mastering sessions. This is the 35th edition you are listening to now! Harishankar V has mixed all the songs. Hridayam The theme song is by Istanbul Ensemble and Cochin Strings. Courteous atton Wanted it as a song that is performed in a live concert with symphonic arrangements.
The lyricist is working with Kaithapram?
I was particular about being with him as most of my favorite Malayalam songs were written by him. Even though he had to write two songs, he wrote six songs. [Arun Alat, Vineeth and Guna Balasubramanian are the other lyricists],
The album features experienced singers and some fresh voices…
Srinivas sir’s ‘Sarvam Sadha’ is closest to my heart, especially because of the situations where the song comes from. For Unni Menon sir, there is some magic in his voice and he was the best choice to sing ‘Kural Kelakutha’, which celebrates the city of Chennai and its culture. He has also done whistling parts in the song.
it was polite atton who suggested that Prithviraj sing ‘Thathka’ because we needed a voice build that complements the trippy, laid-back vibe. I had suggested Divya Cheechi [Divya Vineeth] For the song ‘Onakka Munthiri’, Appella No. Vimal Roy makes his playback singing debut with the duet ‘Puthiyoru Lokam’. He had posted a cover version of a song Helen And actor Anna Ben sent it to Vineet atton, We didn’t have to think twice before taking it.
How has the response been for physical cassettes and CDs?
awesome! We went with this idea, not because of nostalgia. We thought people would feel more connected to the songs.
your wife [Ayshath Safa] part of the project?
(laughs) Just his voice. The train announcement is made by him at the beginning of the film. It has been included in the opening track ‘Manasse’.
Inspiration in your musical journey…
I have admired Rahman sir, Hans Zimmer, Ryuichi Sakomoto and many others. But now I understand that in order to create something original over a period of time, it is necessary to take inspiration from within.
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