In a recent candid conversation, celebrated composer Shashwat Sachdev shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated action film Kill, which is produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor, and set to headline Lakshya. Sachdev acknowledges that the visceral level of violence depicted in Kill may not resonate with every viewer, but he firmly believes the film will be a watershed moment in Indian filmmaking. “I compare the protagonist of Kill to an ‘artiste with immense angst,’” Sachdev elaborates. “Just as some artists change the trajectory of their field by deviating from the norm, Kill aims to do the same for Indian cinema. Van Gogh’s The Potato Eaters and musicians like Kurt Cobain exemplify this kind of transformative passion. Similarly, this film is set to evoke extreme responses and provoke polarized conversations, which is essential for great art to flourish.”
Kill premiered last September with much fanfare, featuring Lakshya in the lead role. Sachdev’s composition for the film, Kaawaa kaawaa, has already captivated cinephiles and garnered critical acclaim. The composer attributes the success of the track to the unique impact the film had on his artistic process. “This form of cinema is fresh and innovative in the Indian market, which I find exhilarating,” he states. “Typically, I steer clear of predefined briefs for the sonic aspects of my compositions because it limits my creative freedom. However, the vision of Kill inspired me to create something truly extraordinary. My song is just a small component of the film’s grander narrative, which seamlessly integrates diverse elements like random shots, dynamic lighting, and vibrant color schemes to produce a visually stunning work of art.”
While Sachdev crafted Kaawaa kaawaa as a reflection of the protagonist’s anger, he recognizes that audiences might have their own interpretations. “The producers initially wanted something passionate and aggressive, so I worked within that framework. However, the final interpretation depends on various factors, including the context of the film and the director’s vision. The audience’s reaction also plays a crucial role, making it intriguing to see how the song evolves,” he asserts.
Sachdev’s decision to create a Punjabi track for Kill was purely instinctual rather than the result of meticulous planning. “They didn’t ask for a specific musical style, but a Punjabi track felt intuitively right for the moment,” he explains.
. “It wasn’t an intellectual exercise; it was a spontaneous choice that fit perfectly with the film’s tone and energy.”
With his successful work on Kill, Sachdev is currently immersed in several other ambitious projects. He is gearing up to work on Ulajh, an upcoming film starring Janhvi Kapoor. Additionally, he is excited about headlining the next season of Coke Studio with some of his closest friends from Rajasthan. Moreover, Sachdev has embarked on an international collaboration for the British thriller series Virdee, where he will be working alongside the legendary German music producer Hans Zimmer.
Reflecting on his body of work and the challenges of working on genre-bending projects like Kill, Sachdev emphasizes the importance of innovation in art. “Great art should push boundaries and inspire debates,” he muses. “Even if it polarizes opinions, it’s the dialogue that follows which really matters. That’s how art evolves.”
Sachdev also sheds light on his compositional philosophy, which greatly influenced his creative process for Kaawaa kaawaa. “For me, the first draft of a song always comes from a place of instinct and personal judgment. This initial phase is crucial as it lays the foundation for all subsequent modifications,” he reveals. “Even if the final product differs from my original vision, the journey it takes is what truly excites me.”
In light of his musical journey, Sachdev expresses profound gratitude for the collaborative efforts that brought Kill to life. “The making of this film was a collective endeavor involving various departments working in harmony. Every aspect—cinematography, lighting, editing—came together to create a visually appealing experience. My song is only a part of this larger symphony,” he says.
As Shashwat Sachdev prepares for his upcoming projects, his insights into the evolving landscape of Indian cinema underscore the transformative potential of films like Kill. By pushing artistic boundaries, he hopes to continue contributing to the flourishing and ever-changing world of filmmaking in India.
