The classic cult film Aa Dinagalu by KM Chaitanya, a tale set in the underworld, was made over a decade and a half ago and featured two songs composed by the maestro Ilayaraja.
Now, KM Chaitanya’s latest film, Balaramana Dinagalu, will feature the esteemed South Indian music director Santosh Narayanan, who will compose eight songs. This film, produced by Padmavathi Films, under the banner of Padmavathi Jayaram and Shreyas Production, is set to begin filming in October this year.
The handsome and well-built actor, Tiger Vinod Prabhakar, will play the lead role in the film, which is currently generating buzz with the announcement of Santosh Narayanan’s involvement. This will be the 51st film for Narayanan, the acclaimed composer known for films like Kalki 2898.
Santosh Narayanan first became an independent music director through P. Ranjith’s film Attakatti, and since then, he has composed music for 50 films, including Kaala, Kabali, Bhairava, Dasara, and the recently released Kalki. He has also lent his voice to many songs.
“My mother speaks Kannada, and she has taught me some Kannada as well. I visit Bangalore often. Balaramana Dinagalu is my 51st film and the first Kannada film where I am composing music. I am thrilled to work with Padmavathi Films, Chaitanya, and Vinod Prabhakar. On this occasion, I remember my Guru, Raghu Dixit, and I love his song ‘Madeshwara’,” said Narayanan.
Narayanan also expressed his admiration for Ajanish Loknath and Ravi Basrur’s music, stating that he will strive to deliver excellent songs for this film as well. “I will understand the cultural context and musical needs of the film. Once I take on a project, money is not the issue. I focus on integrating folk elements and creating the authentic rhythm required for this Kannada film,” he added.
“This is my 25th movie, and KM Chaitanya’s 10th as a director. We are proud to have Santosh Narayanan on board to strengthen Balaramana Dinagalu,” said the team. “Why Santosh Narayanan? You might wonder. His work resonates with our audience, even if they don’t always know his name or recognize his face. His signature music is synonymous with gangster films, so we decided to bring him on board. It wasn’t easy to get him; it took a lot of effort. We approached him in May, before the release of Kalki, and he agreed after a script reading. The film, set in the 70s-80s, offers ample scope for experimentation, and Santosh is excited to explore this opportunity. I am proud to bring him to Kannada cinema,” said Tiger Vinod Prabhakar, who promised to share more details about the film in the coming days.
The film is an underworld story set in the 90s, not based on any real event or person but inspired by various incidents. “Tiger wanted me to direct his film, and that wish is now fulfilled with this project. Santosh Narayanan’s music will undoubtedly elevate the film’s soundtrack,” said KM Chaitanya.
Producer Shreyas, who has admired Tiger Vinod Prabhakar since childhood, expressed his happiness at producing a film with him in the lead role. “This is the first movie under our Padmavathi Films banner. We are honored to have renowned music director Santosh Narayanan composing the music for our debut film, and KM Chaitanya directing. We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received since the film’s announcement. Thanks to my parents for supporting my dream, and we hope to receive continued encouragement from the media for our film,” said Shreyas. Producer Padmavathi Jayaram and Jayaram were also present at the grand announcement of the film’s music director.
