The Upendra-Catherine-Soundarya starrer Godfather is briskly underway. The film, which is already the talk of the town, has A R Rahman composing his original tunes for the first time in Kannada. And this he’s doing for a whopping amount of Rs 1.5 crore, which is said to be half of what he charges for Tamil films.“Rahman, who has had early associations with Sandalwood as a keyboardist, was coaxed to sign this project by long time associate and friend PC Sreeram. The Chennai-based cinematographer has previously worked with him in the Tamil original Varalaaru and also in films like Maymadham and Alai Payuthey. He convinced Rahman,” says a source close to the unit.
Producer K Manju doesn’t deny the fact either. “Yes, the figures are in three digits, I wouldn’t like to disclose the exact amount, but having him as part of my film is worth it all. I’m going to ensure that this film rocks the Kannada film industry as far as the music is concerned,” says he.
Manju, quite excitedly, also talks about the plans for the soundtrack. “We’re going to have the best lyricists in the state writing the seven songs in the soundtrack. These will include directors Prem and Yogaraj Bhat, music director-lyricists Hamsalekha and K Kalyan, lyricist Kaviraj and one song will be written by Upendra himself.”
Quiz him on whether Upendra, whose current song from Jogaiah has become such a huge hit, will sing any number, and he says, “I am not sure about that, we haven’t thought about it. But, what I have requested Rahman is to lend his voice to one of the tracks in the film. I’m hoping he agrees to that.”
Lead actor Upendra has said that he’s keen in seeing how the Oscar-winning music director composes the soundtrack and has even expressed that he will be closely involved with that. Looks like this soundtrack is going to be something to watch out for!