Vikram Bhatt: 'You can't intellectualize music, it's like getting turned on'
Mumbai, June 17
Director Vikram Bhatt, who is receiving a lot of positive response to his recently released film 'Haunted 3D', has shared how he approaches the music in his films.
Vikram belongs to the clan of directors, who have the knack for earworm music in their films. But how does he ensure that the music of his films are chartbusters? For him, the music only has one pre-requisite, to appeal to the soul of the listeners.
Vikram spoke with IANS during the promotions of his film in the city, and said that the primary job of a track is to stir emotions in the audience.
He told IANS, "I only feel one thing that you can't intellectualize music. It's like getting turned on. Why does a certain person turn you on and a certain person doesn't turn you on? Why does some fantasy turn you on and another fantasy doesn't turn you on? You can't fake it. You can't fake being turned on. You can't convince yourself to be turned on. You either are or you are not".
"Similarly, if you don't intellectualize music and when you hear a song for the first time and you allow it to hear it with your body and not with your mind, if you allow it to make you feel something, then at least you'll be making a song that one person likes and that is you. But if you end up making a song that you might not like but you think people would like, I think the chances of failing are more in that respect", he added.
Meanwhile, 'Haunted 3D' stars Mimoh Chakraborty, Chetna Pande, Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt and Hemant Pandey. The film promises an upgraded 3D experience using the newest technology to heighten every scare, making the horror more immersive. The film is currently playing in cinemas.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I get what he's saying but the analogy is a bit... off-putting, no? Music can be both emotional and intellectual. AR Rahman's compositions make you feel AND think. But I agree that if you try too hard to please everyone, you end up pleasing nobody. Vikram's earworms are proof!
Interesting perspective from the Indian film industry. As a Westerner, I find it refreshing how Bollywood directors prioritize emotional connection over analytical appeal. Vikram's comparison might be crude, but there's truth to the idea that genuine art comes from authenticity, not calculation.
I agree with the message, but the delivery was poor. 'Getting turned on'? Really, Vikram? Couldn't he use a better example? Music should connect with us emotionally, no doubt. But we need more maturity in how these conversations are framed. Anyways, excited for Haunted 3D's new technology! 👻
Vikram Bhatt always had a knack for music in his movies, even if the stories sometimes falter. This quote shows his raw, unfiltered approach - which is why his songs stick. But I wish he had used a more elegant metaphor. Indian cinema can be artistic without being crass. Still, liking his honesty.
As someone who studies music theory, I'd argue you CAN intellectualize music - that's what harmony and structure are about. But I appreciate Vikram's point about authenticity. You can't fake emotional connection. Maybe the best music balances head and heart? Either way, Haunted 3D sounds intriguing.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.