Nidhhi Agerwal Exclusive Interview About iSmart Shankar

Music director Thaman S has repeatedly proven that he possesses exceptional talent, often delivering chartbusters that elevate films to another level. However, in recent times, that magic seems to be appearing only on select occasions.

Apart from Daaku Maharaj and OG this year, Thaman has not delivered a truly riveting or widely celebrated musical score. Surprisingly, even a high-profile project like Akhanda 2 failed to make a strong musical impact, with its songs not resonating as expected. His latest outing, The Raja Saab, too, lacks the punch and memorability typically expected from a star-driven film.

Industry chatter suggests that Thaman may currently be overloaded with work, which could be affecting the consistency and quality of his output. There is also talk of him taking on projects without charging a conventional fee, instead focusing on acquiring and selling audio rights as a music producer—particularly for small and mid-range films. While this approach might offer short-term financial benefits, it raises concerns about creative dilution.

What Thaman needs to recognize is that his name itself is a brand, built over the years on a strong legacy of hit albums and chart-topping numbers. If memorable music becomes rare, that brand value could gradually erode, potentially impacting even audio companies’ willingness to invest heavily in his projects.

At this crucial stage of his career, prioritizing quality over quantity and being more selective with film choices could be key to sustaining long-term relevance, respect, and musical excellence.