‘Naa Saami Ranga’ will be a hit much like Nagarjuna’s ‘President Gari Pellam’, says MM Keeravani

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Q. You have been selective in choosing films. Now, Naa Saami Ranga is arriving as a surprise package. Do you think the impact of your Oscar win will be felt in this movie?

A. I have always been selective about films — right from the beginning of my career. This is a widely acknowledged fact. The success of a movie is often attributed to the impact of how well the songs have done.

I believe winning an Oscar does not necessarily guarantee a film’s success. What matters most is the quality of work that went into it. The director’s vision and the ability to connect with the audience are crucial.

On working with Nagarjuna

Nagarjuna in ‘Naa Saami Ranga’. (X)

Q. What made you choose to work on Naa Saami Ranga?

A. For me, collaborating with Akkineni Nagarjuna garu has been a consistently rewarding experience. Our previous films were successful, and I hope the same will continue with this upcoming film.

Working with a new director like Vijay Binny, who is debuting with Naa Saami Ranga, is an interesting aspect. New directors often bring a strong desire to prove themselves on the silver screen, and it’s exciting to work with such young talent.

Q. You have had a close association with star Nagarjuna since the days of President Gari Pellam (1992). Later, you composed music for movies like Annamayya (1997) and Sri Ramadasu (2006), which have diverse storylines. What sort of experience does Naa Saami Ranga give you?

A. Just as President Gari Pellam was a tremendous success 30 years back, Naa Saami Ranga is also poised to give a similar success. Both movies share the similarity of a village backdrop. Both films have a blend of various elements.

I hope Naa Saami Ranga will receive positive acclaim, much like President Gari Pellam. The title Naa Saami Ranga is apt for Nagarjuna.

The story captures the essence of Telugu tradition, nativity, and the Sankranti festival vibe. The music, too, is refreshing and adds to the overall appeal of the film.

Related: It was a familiar experience working with Nagarjuna on ‘Naa Saami Ranga’: Vijay Binni

On team Naa Saami Ranga

Q. Tell us about working with lyricist Chandrabose…

A. The single card for this film is lyricist Chandra Bose. When you sit for a day’s meal, you would probably take a pinch of pickle. That does not mean you had the whole meal with pickles (laughs).

I am not a professional lyric writer. I will not write even if someone asks me to. But a case arises when you chip in based on the context. I wrote because the occasion demanded. I will write only if it is necessary.

Q. How was it working with director Vijay Binni?

A. Vijay Binni is known for his swift decision-making ability. His ability to maintain quality while working at a rapid pace appears to be his key strength.

With a background as a dance choreographer, one can expect his approach towards film and storytelling. However, he has successfully crafted three excellent melodies for the film. He showcased maturity as a director.

The soul of #NaaSaamiRanga @mmkeeravaani s magic!!💐

Maa Anji Gadidhi Naadhi Vidadiyyani Oka Bhandam!❤️#WhistleThemeSong From #NaaSaamiRanga

▶️ https://t.co/kl3Rg1vDU1#NaaSaamiRangaOnJAN14 #NSRForSankranthi@allarinaresh @mmkeeravaani @vijaybinni4u @itsRajTarun…

— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) January 5, 2024

Also Read: Does Venkatesh have an edge over Nagarjuna this Sankranthi too?

On viral songs

Q. Nowadays, a film’s success is quantified by how viral its songs are. Sometimes good songs don’t catch the attention of viewers. How do you see the trend?

A song going viral is not in our hands. Once upon a time, if you wanted to know if a song was a hit, you would probably see it during weddings.

Nowadays, it is all numbers and views on social media. We only have to work honestly towards a film. Whether it goes viral or not is not in our hands.

Q. What were the recent films that you liked in terms of music?

A. Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal is good. I also loved Jailer’s background score. I also sent an appreciation message to the music director.

Q. If you had to pick a few best songs from your work, what would you pick?

Not just one or two, there are some fifty to hundred songs which I feel are the best of all time.

Also Read: Does Venkatesh have an edge over Nagarjuna this Sankranthi too?