Sam CS rates Dhanush’s voice as the soul of the 'Kannamma' song; 'Retta Thala' composer discloses a major project

Composer Sam CS has decided to rise above the din that the ‘Kannamma’ song from 'Retta Thala' has created and focus instead on what he calls the creatively rewarding collaboration that he had with Dhanush which, according to him, produced surprising results in the song. Sam CS was speaking recently and pointed out how the association, instead of being based on an actor’s stature, was based instead on instinct, faith, and musical memory. Not quite an attempt to justify the song, Sam instead used the opportunity to speak about enhancing a song above and beyond the words and notes via certain voices and performances.

Why Dhanush’s voice became central to ‘Kannamma’

Speaking to Cinema Express, Sam CS said that getting Dhanush to sing 'Kannamma’ was a “defining moment” for the song. From the view of the song composer, the voice that Dhanush gives evokes emotions that were meant to be highlighted in the movie or the song. “I even thought for a brief while if the lyrics could take a different turn, but that thought was dispelled the moment Dhanush listened to it for the first time,” said Sam CS. Sam CS went so far as to offer Dhanush the opportunity to compose the lyrics himself, but the actor turned it down, saying he was happy with what was put down. That exchange, Sam says, reflects the mutual respect that defined their collaboration.

The composer believes Dhanush’s singing will define the song’s legacy

Sam CS’s reflections notably highlight his belief that Dhanush’s singing will transcend the lyrics’ discussions. He boldly said that years later when he revisits ‘Retta Thala,’ what would linger in his memory is going to be Dhanush’s singing. The composition gains a certain cinematic edge, as per Sam CS, due to the emotional nuances it draws with equal emphasis on both the singer’s ‘vulnerability’ and ‘ferocity.’ “That appeal to our emotional recollection cannot be dissected by any instrumental or technical review,” Sam CS seemed to suggest, implying that films should be for consumption by audiences rather than from an academic standpoint. Sam CS also confirmed that he will be scoring music for Dhanush's film with director H. Vinoth and officially confirmed the project.

‘Retta Thala’ heads for theatrical release

Although the composer was not averse to critique. Sam CS accepted how some felt the lyrics lacked sufficient artistry and granted that their criticism should be taken to heart. Acknowledging criticism is a sign of being invested, he said, propelling the interaction between an artist and their audience. As ‘Retta Thala,’ featuring Arun Vijay and Siddhi Idnani, looks to release theatrically on December 25 as the first collaboration of director Kris Thirukumaran post ‘Gethu,’ Sam CS appears unfazed. The combination with Dhanush’s work is simply that, but a creative moment he expects time to vindicate.

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