GV Prakash Kumar, the nephew of Oscar-winning AR Rahman, has carved out his own niche in Indian cinema as a talented music director and actor. He’s been on a roll with hit after hit, including Amaran, Thangalaan, Lucky Bhaskar, and Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK), and it looks like he’s just getting started. In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, he shares insights about his career, his bond with Dhanush, and much more.

Your success has been amazing, with albums like Amaran, Thangalaan, Lucky Bhaskar, and NEEK becoming big hits. How does that make you feel?

I've been in the film industry for 20 years, and I think that experience really helps me manage everything that comes my way. With all the responsibilities, stress, and pressure, we still manage to create great albums. My background has definitely played a big role in that. When you get a solid script, it really motivates you to make awesome music. I've been lucky to work with fantastic directors like Pa Ranjith, Sudha Kongara, Rajkumar Periaswamy, and Venky Atluri. They’ve guided me in the right direction and helped me achieve this kind of work within specific timeframes.

You create heartfelt tunes like "Hey Minnale" while also delivering upbeat tracks like "Golden Sparrow"

I'm not really into kuthu paatu (that style of song), but I do create tracks like Golden Sparrow for NEEK. When it comes to quirky stuff, that's where I shine. I really focus on the film's storyline and try to match it with either soulful tunes or different kinds of songs. It all ties back to the narrative. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by the music of Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman, which shaped my approach to composing. I’m not sure if I should be thrilled about being recognized mostly for romantic melodies, but they just come naturally to me.

What sparks your creativity when writing a song like Golden Sparrow?

The whole vibe really comes from the director. For Golden Sparrow, Dhanush sir had a big hand in the lyrics and the way they were delivered, whether spoken or sung. He really shaped the song's attitude. We were aiming for something a bit funky and quirky with a modern twist, and that's how Golden Sparrow came together.

In 2023 and 2024, you dropped around eight albums each year and also took on acting roles. How do you juggle all that?

I make sure to deliver exactly when you need it—no rushing or last-minute changes on my albums. I aim to stick to the director's timeline. I usually spend around 15 days a month working on my music and another 15 days filming. I keep a pretty tight schedule, and I've already mapped out the next two months.

Since you kicked off your career as a music director in 2006, have you noticed any changes in the types of films being produced?

Not exactly, but I’ve noticed a shift in the types of films being offered to me. For example, when I worked on Aayirathil Oruvan and Madrasapattinam, I was getting a lot of historical and adventure projects. Now, after Lucky Bhaskar, it seems like directors interested in scam or heist stories might be reaching out to me. So, the film genres definitely evolve over time.

You've worked with Dhanush on films like Aadukalam, Asuran, and Vaathi. Despite some disagreements, how's your relationship with him now?

We've got a solid friendship and a mutual understanding that we're like two sides of the same coin, growing together in the film industry. It's created this parallel vibe between us, and we really vibe well together. This connection has helped us create some hit songs. Right now, I'm collaborating with him on his directorial project, Idly Kadai.

Have you ever left a movie because you didn't vibe with the director's choice of music?

Sure, I’ve been there. It’s tough when a movie just doesn’t click for you. I’ve actually left a bunch of films – I’ve scored music for about 100 films and acted in around 25, so I’ve walked out of maybe five or six projects. The director and music director really need to be on the same page; it’s a 50-50 partnership when it comes to the music. You can’t really tell if a song is going to hit until it’s all wrapped up. That whole process of two creative minds coming together can be hit or miss, and we only find out how well it worked once the songs are done.

Your latest Tamil movie, Kingston, where you had a role, didn’t perform as expected. Are you feeling down about it?

Nah, I’m not bothered. It doesn’t really matter if a movie hits the mark or if my music resonates; I always put in the effort and give it my all. I genuinely love the whole creative process, whether I’m acting or making music. I’m fully present in those moments and just go for it.

What do you have planned next?

As a music director, I'm currently involved with Ajith Kumar's Good Bad Ugly, Dhanush's Idly Kadai, Nithin's Robinhood, and Vikram's Veera Dheera Sooran. I'm also working on upcoming projects with Pa Ranjith, Vetrimaaran, and Sudha Kongara. On the acting side, I'm taking part in a romantic film directed by Selvaraghavan.

Maestro Ilaiyaraaja just returned from London where he showcased his symphony, Valiant

It's a huge honor for Indian cinema. We're so proud to have Ilaiyaraaja sir from our land, and he truly inspires us all. The way he tackles everything from western classical to folk music is impressive. He's a legend in every sense. I really admire him and I'm genuinely thrilled for his achievements.

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