'We should bring back good music,' G. V. Prakash Kumar opens up on meaningful songs in modern cinema

While many songs today become popular through reels and short videos, G. V. Prakash Kumar believes truly memorable music should stay in people’s hearts for years. The composer-actor recently shared his thoughts about music, films, creativity, and changing trends in cinema. Having worked in the industry for more than two decades, GV Prakash says emotions are still the biggest strength of any song or background score. From romantic melodies to intense emotional themes, he has delivered several memorable tracks over the years. The composer also feels audiences still appreciate meaningful music even in today’s fast-moving digital era.Opening up about his music philosophy in a chat with Variety India, GV Prakash said, “If something is emotionally direct and honest, it becomes timeless.” According to him, songs should connect emotionally instead of simply following temporary trends. He also made it clear that he does not compose music based only on what is currently popular. “I don’t follow trends; it depends on the film,” he explained. GV Prakash added that every movie has its own emotional world, and music should naturally match that atmosphere. “You first fix the geography, understand the soundscape,” he said while describing his creative process. For him, understanding the setting, characters, and emotional depth of a film is the first step before composing music.Talking about 'Kara' starring Dhanush, GV Prakash described the film as an emotional and psychological experience. “It’s an emotional film about a person dealing with guilt,” he shared. He further added, “There’s a father sentiment, a psychological element, and a heist. I discovered many layers.” According to him, the film allowed him to create music rooted in emotions instead of commercial formulas. He also praised Dhanush’s hardworking nature and compared it to his own. “We are workaholics. If you’re truly passionate about what you do, you don’t feel the pressure,” GV Prakash said while speaking about their working style.Even today, GV Prakash continues to experiment with new sounds while staying connected to emotional storytelling. He listens to artists like Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and composer Hans Zimmer for inspiration. At the same time, he credits legends like Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman for shaping his musical understanding. Ending with an important message, GV Prakash said, “We shouldn’t just chase trends; we need to bring back good music. There has to be meaningful music and lyrics.”