Arunraja Kamaraj has made a name for himself over the years in Tamil cinema as a filmmaker, lyricist, actor, and singer. Having directed hit films Kanaa (2018) and Nenjuku Needhi (2022), the multi-talented artiste recently garnered attention once again with his work in the legal drama web series Label starring Jai and Tanya Hope in the lead roles. Arunraja Kamaraj recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Galatta and opened up on various aspects of his career in Tamil cinema, including the experience of writing the lyrics of the chart-topping hit song 'Kaavaalaa' in the box office blockbuster, Jailer, composed by 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander and picturized on 'Superstar' Rajinikanth and Tamannaah under Nelson Dilipkumar's direction.
Speaking about the time he usually takes to write a song, Arunraja Kamaraj explained his work process saying, "It depends on the vibe. On some occasions, a song's tune will get us grooving in a loop. 'Kaavaalaa' was one such song. I was vibing to the tune for 10-15 days because they used to pressure me saying they wanted the lyrics soon to begin the song's shooting. That tune itself has a lot of life and energy. The vibe decides everything. There have been times when I've worked on the lyrics for songs as I vibe and a few other occasions when it would take months. It depends on how we connect with it and as a lyricist I take time in how I connect with the tune. If I've taken a lot of time, it doesn't mean I don't like that song. I'll think about what would be justifiable to me with that song. I'd be careful about not spoiling a song that has a good tune with my lyrics."
Arunraja Kamaraj further explained, "There have been instances where good songs with the wrong lyrics have not connected with the listeners and I have that fear because I get opportunities only on a few occasions. Each opportunity that comes my way is my first opportunity. Only if this turns out correct, the next song will come. I'm not an out-and-out dedicated 100 percent lyricist where I'll write 5 songs in a day or 10 songs in a month. I see writing songs as an opportunity to connect with the people."
Watch Arunraja Kamaraj's interview in the video below:
