In the world of Cinema, in particular, the background score occupies a very crucial place. The power of background score has often been quoted by many filmmakers all around the globe because it can bring out the best of a visual. The auditory assistance which a background score can add for elevating a scene cannot be explained in words. For Telugu Cinema, the background score is known for raising the bar for a hero’s mass appeal or the projection of a character. The approach towards background score defines the way a composer works for a film. While some composers prefer to use a song tune as a motif for the background score, there are some gifted composers like Maestro Ilaiyaraja who could create a background theme for every crucial character and sequence for a film. After the magic of Maestro Ilaiyaraaja in terms of background scores, it is Mani Sharma who could make a unique mark in terms of commercial cinema backgrounds core for Tollywood. With his thumping comeback as a composer with Puri Jagannadh’s hit Ismart Shankar, Mani Sharma is back into the groove with his antics. On the eve of this success, Telugu360 takes you down the memory lane with some of the defining background scores of Mani Sharma in Telugu Cinema:
Train Sequence- Choodalani Undhi: This entire sequence is around 20 minutes with almost no dialogue between the hero Ramakrishna (Chiranjeevi) and Priya (Anjala Jhaveri) at a railway station. While the hero falls for the female lead right, at first sight, Mani Sharma uses grand orchestration with strings, mild piano and relaxing humming to create the magic of love through music. This BGM sequence can be still raved upon as the classiest background scores for Chiranjeevi at the commercial arena.
Flashback Sequence- Samara Simha Reddy: Elevating the greatness of a Rayalaseema factionist hero through the grand orchestra and yet make an impact for the mass audience is not an easy task. Mani Sharma uses a power-packed rhythm section with energetic trumpets to elevate Samara Simha Reddy (Balakrishna) clad in Rayalseema white and white attire! Mani Sharma’s interpretation of the scene made it be the most successful mass appeal scenes in Telugu Cinema.
Hero’s Struggle for Life- Murari: Krishna Vamsi’s Murari has the best background scores along with songs for the richness it offered. When the hero Mahesh Babu understands that he is going to die and fights for life, the mild chorus of background score used by Mani Sharma deserves a special mention.
Indra Theme: Composing for another Rayalaseema backdrop hero that too for Chiranjeevi is definitely not an easy task. Mani Sharma uses differently arranged strings and rhythm section for giving a unique elevation for Megastar. The film theatres which screened Indra erupted with applause when the kid Indra Sena Reddy catches the sword in responsibility to take over the factionist legacy of the family!
Hero Meets the Villain in Kurnool- Okkadu: Gunasekhar and Mani Sharma had a unique bonding which brought out the best cinematic output in terms of music. When the villain (Prakash Raj) forces off Swapna (Bhumika) on the streets of Kurnool which is seen by a happy go lucky youth Ajay (Mahesh Babu), the first punch given by the hero to the villain leads to a striking silence leading to the motif theme of the film!
Visiting Card Theme- Athadu: Trivikram Srinivas’s directorial venture featured Mahesh Babu in a very calm role with almost limited dialogues throughout. Obviously, the film relied on BGM to elevate the hero’s nature and ideas. The scene where Nandu (Mahesh Babu) gets interrogated by the CBI officer (Prakash Raj) and the blowing off visiting card sequence is one of the greatest background scores used!
Temper Theme Music: This was one flick which was greatly elevated just because of Mani Sharma’s background scores. The story of a badass police officer (Jr.NTR) who transforms strongly into a good man after a shocking incident is clearly defined by Mani Sharma’s background theme. The theme music speaks of the power of the police and when in low energy, make sure you listen to it!
