Aug 05, 2026 8:00pm IST
‘Vishwanath & Sons’ Composer GV Prakash Kumar on Music in South Cinema: ‘Today, It Is All About Quick Hits’ (EXCLUSIVE)
GV Prakash Kumar has seen film music evolve significantly since making his debut with “Veyil” in 2006. In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, he talks about composing and singing for the Tamil film “Vishwanath & Sons,” the changing landscape of film music and his upcoming projects.
You have composed the soundtrack for “Vishwanath & Sons,” including “Pattampoochi/Neno Butterfly,” which gained traction on social media. What was the brief for the film’s music, and what do you think has made this particular track connect with audiences?
This is a feel-good film with a breezy story that places value on family relationships. It’s an emotional film with a positive ending. “Pattampoochi/Neno Butterfly” was initially conceived as a female solo number, but it turned out really well and has now become popular on social media. It’s a very simple tune. I had composed the melody when I was in Standard 6 and held on to it. When Venky (director Venky Atluri) heard it, he wanted to use it. That’s how we decided to incorporate it into the film.
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You recently spoke about feeling disappointed when you didn’t win awards for some of your films. How does that impact your music?
It does not impact my music. Some films didn’t win awards, and I realized that one must continue working hard. That has always been my approach. I always do my work with sincerity. If it is appreciated, I am happy, and if it receives criticism, I ensure that I improve myself.
What are you working on next?
“Vishwanath & Sons” will be followed by a film with Ravi Teja, two films with Dulquer Salmaan and one Hindi film featuring Yami Gautam for Aanand L. Rai’s production house. There is Selvaraghavan’s film, followed by the release of a film I am acting in. It is called “Immortal,” with Kayadu Lohar, and is a vampire film. Then there is “Vekkai,” for which I am composing the music.
You made your debut at 19 with “Veyil” in 2006. How do you look back at that time?
I was very scared and wondered how my work would be received. I was an excited kid, eagerly awaiting the response to my work.
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What are the changes you have seen in the music space since your debut?
Music at that time was better because there were a lot more musical situations and songs. Today, it is all about hook steps and fast hits. People immediately want to see the numbers in the millions. When you work towards that, you have to delve into a non-musical dance zone, so that is challenging.
What do you enjoy more, singing or composing music?
Both are interesting. I always like composing because it is creative, but singing is more of a performative zone.
How easy or challenging is it when you sing for other composers like A. R. Rahman, Harris Jayaraj and Leon James?
It is tough because that composer may have an approach that is completely different from mine. When I sing for these composers, I try to get into their zone and envision how they would sing that song.
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