THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A little boy from rustic Palakkad slumbers deep inside the heart of music composer Ratheesh Vega. The boy rejoiced amid lush green plantain groves and the thick foliage of peepal trees enjoying the pitter-patter of rain drops. The moment he heard about the situation for ‘Mazhaneerthullikal’ in the movie ‘Beautiful’, that nostalgic rhythm splashed inside his mind. The song with an ethereal charm, perfectly in sync with the lovely visuals, has been lapped up by many a music lover by now. And scarcely would one believe that he composed only that single tune for the lyrics. Ask him how it happened and Ratheesh will say “may be due to the same wavelength three of us share” (director V K Prakash, Anoop Menon who penned the lyrics, and Ratheesh). VKP’s response to the score was abrupt - “deadly!”. Ratheesh says this a typical VKP style of appreciation. The composer details the magic behind the melody that mesmerised countless music enthusiasts. “I was told to compose a tune for the scene where a belle, drenched in rain, is passing in front of two men. The tune that struck my mind was this. Except few improvisations to keep up congruity to the lyrics, a second thought never crossed my mind.” Ratheesh explains that he always adopts the approach maintained by the masters who composed melodies in the 80s and 90s. “Keeping that approach, I gave the song a touch-up of modern orchestration, without hurting the lyrics.” He says that listeners could connect with film songs during those times like ‘Ormakal Odikalikkuvan...’ and ‘Vysakha Sandhye...’. “Likewise, I am adamant that my songs must also bring a generation back to their memories. It should not be heard today alone, but must exist in all its vitality for tomorrow also. I wish to live through my songs even after I bid adieu to the world,” he says.In his observation, Ratheesh finds that while composing for Malayalam, unless the music carries a feel, it will not create an impact on the listeners. Whereas in Tamil, he points out, the music will easily be accepted by the music buffs as they hardly care how the language is treated. Yet he says, “that does not mean that I will never do fast numbers. If there is pressure from the industry, I might do.”Despite having a formal grounding in Veena and Carnatic vocal, Ratheesh prefers listening to western music. In his compositions he tries a fusion combining both western and eastern styles. According to him, while applying a blend of these two different genres, the taste of Malayali audience must be kept in mind. “In my assessment, if a south Indian symphony is properly mixed with western style, the song would easily strike a chord with the listeners,” feels Ratheesh. He admits that he has not been following any music directors in Malayalam. “Though I am not following any, I love the much respected composers Johnson maash and Raveendran maash. Their songs immediately evoke memories.” Meanwhile, he maintains a liking towards the style of musical maestro A R Rahman. “I just love the way he progressed from his entry into filmdom. His musical treatment, of course keeps me thrilled,” he adds.He says the long acquaintance with the advertising industry has helped much in his shift to filmdom. “The demand in the ad-film industry is to contend everything in 30 seconds brilliantly. A synchronisation of words and music is the priority. In making the background score for a film, this definitely adds,” Ratheesh says. With his kitty full of film assignments, he is getting ready to showcase his best in them. Deepan’s Mammootty-starrer ‘Newsmaker’, the upcoming flick from Aji John starring Anoop Menon, and Pramod Pappan’s movie in Hindi will have Ratheesh scoring the music. In ‘Newsmake’r, an orchestrated re-work of ‘Vandematharam’ will be he highlight. “I want to see my version three steps below Rahman’s ‘Vandematharam’ in youtube video search!”
Comments
0 comment