Amidst the buzz surrounding the 'Kannamma' track from the upcoming film 'Retta Thala', composer Sam CS has chosen to steer the conversation towards the creative heart of the song: his rewarding collaboration with actor-singer Dhanush. Moving beyond the recent noise, Sam CS highlights a partnership built on instinct and mutual respect, which he believes yielded unexpectedly powerful results for the musical number.
The Instinctive Bond Behind 'Kannamma'
In a recent discussion, Sam CS pointed out that his work with Dhanush on 'Kannamma' was not dictated by the actor's star power but was founded on something more organic: instinct, faith, and a shared musical memory. For the composer, this was not about justifying the song's reception but an opportunity to explain how a certain voice and performance can elevate a composition far beyond its written notes and lyrics.
Speaking to Cinema Express, Sam CS revealed that enlisting Dhanush to sing 'Kannamma' was a "defining moment" for the track. He explained that Dhanush's voice uniquely evokes the specific emotions intended for the film's narrative. "I even thought for a brief while if the lyrics could take a different turn, but that thought was dispelled the moment Dhanush listened to it for the first time," Sam CS shared.
The collaboration was marked by deep professional respect. Sam CS even offered Dhanush the chance to rewrite the lyrics himself, an offer the actor gracefully declined, expressing his satisfaction with the existing material. This exchange, according to the composer, perfectly encapsulates the trusting and respectful dynamic that defined their entire creative process.
A Legacy Defined by Voice, Not Just Words
Sam CS firmly believes that the legacy of 'Kannamma' will be intrinsically tied to Dhanush's vocal performance, which he feels will transcend any ongoing debates about the song's lyrics. He boldly stated that years from now, when he looks back on 'Retta Thala', Dhanush's singing is what will linger most prominently in his memory.
The composer credits Dhanush's delivery for giving the song a distinct cinematic edge, drawn from the emotional nuances he brought to the recording. Sam CS emphasized the singer's ability to balance 'vulnerability' and 'ferocity' with equal emphasis, creating a profound impact. "That appeal to our emotional recollection cannot be dissected by any instrumental or technical review," he suggested, implying that the true value of film music lies in audience connection rather than academic critique.
In significant related news, Sam CS also officially confirmed that he will be scoring the music for Dhanush's upcoming film with director H. Vinoth, marking their next major project together.
Accepting Critique as 'Retta Thala' Awaits Release
While championing the creative success of his collaboration, Sam CS is not dismissive of the criticism the song has received. He openly acknowledged that some listeners feel the lyrics lack sufficient artistry, and he believes such feedback should be taken seriously. For him, acknowledging criticism is a sign of an artist's investment in their work and is crucial for the dynamic interaction between creator and audience.
As 'Retta Thala', starring Arun Vijay and Siddhi Idnani, prepares for its theatrical release on December 25, Sam CS remains unfazed. The film marks director Kris Thirukumaran's first project after 'Gethu'. For the composer, the collaboration with Dhanush stands as a singular creative moment, one he is confident will be vindicated with time.
