Ten reasons to watch ASAL- S magazine

Source:Ajithfans.com

Following his heart - Bhardwaj on Asal audio Sales

With the soundtrack of “Asal” doing brisk sales, music director Bharadwaj is on a song

His foray into Tamil cinema started in 1993 with a film which got shelved. Bharadwaj had to wait for a whole year before a unique strategy by Magnasound, a record label, enabled him to provide music for a Telugu film, “Sogasu Chooda Tharanga”.

“The label recorded a set of songs and approached the producers with a readymade soundtrack around which a movie could be made. They liked the idea and, fortunately, the movie became a runaway success. The rest, as they say, is history, because I went on to do 15 films on the trot, with almost all of them becoming big hits,” says Bharadwaj. But, his heart was in Tamil and he had to again wait till 1996, when Ajith Kumar who was doing a film for first-time director Saran roped him in. “‘Kaadhal Mannan’ created waves at the box office, and I have not looked back since,” says Bharadwaj.

Interesting coincidence

By some strange coincidence, Bharadwaj’s first Tamil film, his 25th film and now, his 50th film have all been with Saran and Ajith. “Asal”, also the 50th film from Sivaji Productions, has been completed and the soundtrack is reportedly doing brisk sales. It is really a moment to cherish for Bharadwaj and a time to reminisce about his 17-year journey through the south Indian music industry. “In the course of this trek, I have done 80 films in all four languages, including 50 in Tamil. But, it all actually began with a devotional album on Lord Ayyappa that I recorded for CBS in 1986. I had moved from Delhi after spending quite some years there and being influenced by Hindustani music. My mind was set — although I was a qualified chartered accountant and had a cushy job, my heart was in music and I wanted to make it as a music director,” says Bharadwaj, whose initial years in the field were peppered with a number of non-film albums for CBS.

He knew that he was venturing into a dog-eat-dog industry where established music directors such as Ilaiyaraja and Deva were ruling the roost. A. R. Rahman was rearing his head and Harris Jayaraj was trying to gain a toe-hold. But, Bharadwaj persevered and struck out on a path with a style that was like none other. “I asked myself, why should someone listen to me? How different should I be to get noticed? I decided that, first and foremost, my music should have great clarity. The lyrical content should be meaningful and the rendition clear. My arrangements should be uncluttered and have the right commercial elements. I always remember what the late Madan Mohan used to say: Melody should come from the heart; the arrangements from the keyboard.”

The Asal effort

This has perhaps allowed Bharadwaj to do different genres of music with equal ease. Be it in the devotional songs of his initial years, the ‘O Podu’ of later years or the heart-rending ‘Em Thanthaiye’ from “Asal” (which he himself has sung), Bharadwaj has adapted his composing and singing style to suit the need of the hour. “In fact, for ‘Asal’, I have really re-invented myself to cater to a modern listener. I have also kept in mind that the songs are for a Sivaji Productions film; traditionally all their films have great music.”

“A music director is able to give his best when there is total dedication from all concerned. My wavelength with lyricist Vairamuthu is great; he has always come up with exceptional lyrics for my songs. When the director is equally passionate about the songs and not treat them as just another ingredient in a film, I am able to give my best,” says Bharadwaj.

He believes Tamil songs should be sung by singers who know the language. “Only then will they be able to infuse the required emotion into a song. In all my songs, I have never used a north Indian playback singer, however good he or she is. If you can’t understand the lyrics and are not able to pronounce the words properly, how do you expect the listener to appreciate the quality of music?” His favourite composition continues to be ‘Unnai Paartha Pinbu Naan’ from “Kaadhal Mannan”. “After all, that is what made me what I am today. My aspirations are to only create good music. I don’t normally listen to other composers’ songs, lest I get influenced. I consciously try to avoid engaging singers, musicians, and, sometimes, even instruments being used by others, so that there is no similarity in compositions. This has helped create a fresh and different sound for my songs.” Ask him whether he’s interested in imparting his knowledge to others, and he says, “Eventually, I will become a teacher. I teach at my school of music. I give lec-dems. I have learnt how to survive in this industry only because I have mastered the technical aspects of composing. It is very essential for a singer or a composer to be disciplined and technically sound if he has to succeed.”

Source: The Hindu Jan 09, 2010

Deccan Chronicle: ASAl audio launch article

The ASAL Star

Asal’ will be a big release in the new year, but Ajith is composed as always.

“The past few days have been hectic – round-the-clock dubbing sessions, shooting of the climax which has to be completed before we leave for Dubai for a song sequence …” Generally prompt in returning my call, Ajith explains the reason for the slight delay in his response.

An original take

Going beyond the formal exchange that occurs between an interviewer and her subject, Ajith always takes that extra effort to be genial. Questions can be frank and forthright but he fields them with composure -- a skill he has honed to perfection in the past few years. Nothing can shake the asli Ajith’s equanimity easily.

With ‘Asal’ gearing up for release in the next few weeks the film is naturally high on his agenda. “Normally I prefer to have the film speak for itself. Yet I have to tell you that every aspect including the stunts and chases exemplify the title. Everything about ‘Asal’ is original and genuine,” he smiles. The sigh of contentment conveys that the hero is happy with the end product. “We’ve slogged. The efforts should reap dividends for every one,” he adds.

That Ajith needs a winner is a given, particularly after the lukewarm response to his last release, ‘Aegan.’ “Each time I was laid up in hospital for a surgery or a film of mine didn’t do too well people have written me off, but I’ve managed to bounce back. I’ve realised that there’s no point in getting worked up about such things. What matters to me is ‘Aegan’ is a watchable film and 10 years from now it will still be so,” he defends his choice of the project.

Not just him -- ‘Asal’s director Saran badly needs a money spinner, considering that the results of his recent attempts haven’t been encouraging. Yet whenever Ajith and Saran have joined hands the results have been quite positive. ‘Kaadhal Mannan’ and ‘Amarkalam’ were runaway hits. Probably ‘Attagaasam’ wasn’t exactly so. ‘Asal’ is their fourth film together. “Saran’s debut was with me and as you say, he can do with a grosser now. ‘Asal’ should work for us. It’s a very positive film and will cater for every stratum of viewers,” asserts Ajith.

This is Ajith’s first assignment with Sivaji Films. “A rewarding experience,” he says and continues: “It’s one of the best companies I’ve worked for. I think it’s because they belong to a family of actors. They make me feel absolutely at ease. My years in the industry have taught me that acting is all about finding your comfort level. As a viewer I can gauge what can make me tick and things I’m comfortable doing. When makers have given importance to my suggestions the films have invariably done well – ‘Vaali,’ ‘Varalaaru,’ ‘Villain,’ the examples are many. Sivaji Films understands the psychology very well and Saran always gives ear to my ideas. I can discuss matters very freely with him. After all, our final goal is the same – to make a worthy and viable film.”

‘Asal’ has been filmed in exotic locations – about 60 per cent of the story is set in the lustrous outdoors of France. and quite a chunk has been canned in the country which most filmmakers these days make a beeline for – Malaysia.

Knowing Ajith’s penchant for action has he taken risks this time too? “I agree that I do have an adrenalin rush while racing or acting out fights. But I don’t go ahead if the producer and director have even an iota of misgiving. After all I know that a lot is at stake and I can’t allow myself to get injured. But we do have a chase not because I’m a racer but because it is essential for the film. As far as stunts go, considering that I’m quite accident-prone I’ve got away with just an ankle twist this time,” he laughs.

Going by the stills, Ajith looks as stylish and suave as he was in ‘Billa,’ or even more. “Yes, we are giving a lot of importance to the look of ‘Asal,’” he smiles. “And I wish to reiterate that it’s a team effort. He describes heroines Sameera and Bhavana as “thorough professionals.” Suresh, the handsome hero of the 1980s, makes a comeback in a solid role. “Raju Sundaram has done some excellent choreography and we have Antony as the editor. the icing of course is Bharadwaj’s music. I want ‘Asal’ to be a win-win situation for all of us. I’m not narcissistic to think of my gains alone. Every aspect counts. The whole group has worked hard and should rightfully share the honours.” with me.” Magnanimous words indeed, but if a film fares badly, it’s the hero who faces takes most of the brickbats and the backlash. “I know and I’m game,” is his instant reply.

Striking a rapport with the team you work with is primary, he feels. “I’ll be doing only one film a year, a decision I made after ‘Azhwar.’ Today going to the cinemas is a costly affair even for the affluent. So makers have to take enough care to give the filmgoer his money’s worth. And honestly, if it’s going to take even two years to give a good film, I’m willing,” he smiles.

Source: The Hindu, Dec 31 2009

New Beginning of Bhardwaj

Director Saran inaugurated music director Bharadwaj’s new recording studio J.J.Studio in the city recently. The two have been good friends for a long time now and have worked in more than 10 movies together. Since actor Ajith has been their lucky mascot. The first song recorded by Bharadwaj in his studio was from the actor’s upcoming movie ASAL, which is directed by Saran. Thangar Bachan was also present at this event.