Indian-born Australian filmmaker Julian Karikalan pulled off a coup of sorts by roping in Isaignani Ilaiyaraja for his English-Australian feature film titled Love & Love Only.
Going by sources, this is the first-ever English feature film that the maestro has composed original songs and background score for.
Speaking to DC in an exclusive chat, Julian who hails from Madurai, but settled in Australia, says, “It is a cross-cultural romantic film, which features Rohit Kalia, a former Mr India Australia and Georgia Nicholas, in the lead. Though I have not assisted anyone in the film industry, I have been working in dramas and documentaries — and my passion for movies drew me into tinsel town.”
Talking about how he brought Raja on board, he says, “I am a great fan of Raja sir, and grew up listening to his soul stirring music. It was my dream to collaborate with him someday. After completing the film, and editing it fully, I made a trailer using music bits from Raja sir’s earlier flicks.”
I approached Raja sir and screened it, but he refused to watch it as he felt that would confuse him. He asked me to bring the trailer visuals without the music. He liked what he saw, and later watched the full edited version of my film. I also discussed the distribution pattern of my film here as well as abroad — and how I wanted to take his music across the globe.”
Julian adds, “He asked me to wait outside his studio and I didn’t hear anything for two hours. I thought he was not happy with my film. Much to my surprise, he called me in later, and gave his nod, saying he was impressed with my new approach to filmmaking — as well as my idea of releasing it directly through online platforms, and not in theatres.”
Elaborating on the music score, Julian continues, “There are two songs and — for the one picturised on the female lead, Raja sir was particular that only an Australian female singer’s voice would do justice.”
He adds, “He recorded the track and sent it across, after which I used a singer Rachael to finish the song. I sent it back to him, and got his approval!” he signs off.
