The first image that comes to our mind, when we think of the CBI series is Mammootty as Sethurama Iyer walking with his hands held behind. And of course, that iconic BGM composed by Shyam decades ago. But this time Shyam isn’t part of the CBI film and Jakes Bejoy, dubbed the 'thriller' music director of this generation takes over the music. Jakes admits that he doesn’t have the courage to touch such an iconic BGM. So before composing the music, he took the blessings of Shyam and has some surprises in store for the audience. The man behind some fabulous music in films like 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum', 'Operation Java' and 'Kuruthi' has also composed for 'Puzhu', 'Jana Gana Mana', 'Vilayath Budha' and 'Alone'. He talks to Manorama online about the music for 'CBI 5-The Brain'.
Thrilled to be part of 'CBI 5'
I am thrilled to be part of 'CBI5' and I still can’t believe my luck. I would call the theme music of the CBI series iconic. Shyam sir has done a fabulous job. I consider this opportunity as the biggest milestone in my life. That the same director, writer and actor have been part of 5 films of the same series is a world record. It’s like being part of history. And I wouldn’t take any credit for the music. I just took over what Shyam sir did. Though I have tried to add my style to it without taking away the soul of the film.
What was the biggest challenge for you here?
To give a new version to such an iconic theme song is a huge challenge. I was expecting criticism. This is also my first film with Mammukka. This opportunity is a dream come true. So I decided to take the challenge and do it to the best of my ability.
Blessings from Shyam sir
Before composing music for this film I had met Shyam sir to take his blessings. He is someone who has composed such marvellous scores during the golden 80s of Malayalam cinema. Many reputed music directors consider him their guru. He told me to never give up on music and keep trying. He also told me to be grateful and humble in life.
Satisfying tune
I haven’t made many changes from Shyam sir’s tunes. There is a tiny surprise in the title music. Since the nostalgic flavour of the tune is strong I have retained the original with some minor tweaks using the latest technology. If I make any changes to that tune, it might get spoiled. This is similar to how people are particular about the James Bond film's theme music. I really feel there is no need to change the tune.
Mammukka liked it
I was able to meet Mammukka and make him listen to the music. He really liked it and also had some good suggestions. And I have made changes according to it.
Why me?
When they approached me for 'CBI I 5’ I did wonder why they called me? Though I didn’t ask, Madhu sir himself gave me the answer. He had liked my work in 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' and 'Dhruvangal Pathinaru'. That’s how I came onboard. Swami sir’s son had recommended me. I remember how Madhu sir and Swamy sir would regale me with stories about the earlier editions when they saw me getting tensed during composition. It was like being part of a family. I got to learn a lot from them.
I want to do full justice to my work
I am getting good offers now. I can’t really say which is my career-best yet. I am someone who believes in showing full justice to my work and hope to get better with each film. 'CBI5' will definitely be a feather in my cap. I was able to do a lot of good films thanks to my parents' blessings, gods grace and my hard work. I try to put in my 100% every time. Now sound is given utmost importance in our films. Good sounding can change the fate of a film. I have a usual style when I sit down to compose music and I follow it faithfully. 'CBI 5' was done with a lot of care.
First attempt to try series films
This is my first brush with film series. And it's great that it was for 'CBI 5'. I am grateful to Shyam sir for giving me his blessings. I am also thankful to Madhu sir, Swamy sir and Mammukka. Now it’s over to the audience.
A lot of films in hand
I am composing music for Joshy sir’s 'Paappan'. Then there is the Shaji Kailas-Prithviraj film ‘Kaduva.’ Both are fabulous projects. A few of my friends are producing a film called ‘Kumari.’ Aishwarya Lakshmy is the heroine. Other films include ‘Vilayathi Budha,’ Mohanlal’s ‘Alone’ and Senna Hedge’s ‘Padmini’. I think the film industry is finally doing well now. There are so many good filmmakers who know exactly what the audience wants. Let’s pray that this good run continues.