Composer Mannan Shaah has delivered memorable tracks in films such as Namaste England, Commando 3, Hotel Milan, Romeo Akbar Walter, and Bell Bottom. Now, with The Kerala Story 2 and Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Governor, he is increasingly making his mark as a background score composer. In a candid conversation with Bombay Times, Shaah talks about discovering a new creative territory, working on politically charged stories, the importance of live music in the AI era, and why his nightly riyaaz remains the most important part of his day.
Why Background Scoring Now?
Shaah explains that he never planned to enter background scoring. His creative energy was focused on composing songs and pursuing Hindustani classical riyaaz. He admired background score composers and often watched films to understand their craft. Over the years, he created music for advertisements, documentaries, and short films. A turning point came last year when he co-produced and scored the documentary Where The Heart Is, directed by Ulka Mayur, which premiered at IFFI in the Indian Panorama section. That experience gave him confidence. His team spent six to seven years growing through shorter formats before he felt ready to score a full-length feature film.
Regarding Bollywood, Shaah notes that songs traditionally drove audiences to theatres, so they received greater attention. But cinema has changed dramatically, especially after the pandemic. Audiences now seek a complete audiovisual experience. Background scores are finally getting recognition. He believes the real era of background score composers has only just begun.
Governor's Background Score as USP
Shaah describes the background score of Governor as its biggest USP. He acknowledges that scoring for an actor of Manoj Bajpayee's calibre is a huge responsibility. Bajpayee owns almost every frame, so the challenge was to support his performance, not compete with it. Governor demanded patience and precision because even a small mistake in the score could alter the narrative's impact. Bajpayee's character is a silent thinker who observes before acting—a man of few words but direct and uncompromising. Shaah had to understand his psychology and create music reflecting what happens beneath the surface.
Since Governor is set against the economic crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the score functions like a parallel screenplay. Along with production design, sound transports viewers into that period. For any period film, background score plays a crucial role in making audiences emotionally connect with the era.
Shift to Politically Charged Narratives
Shaah confirms a conscious shift towards politically and socially charged narratives. He has always wanted subjects that challenge him creatively. The Kerala Story 2 gave him the opportunity to compose songs and a background score he deeply believed in, marking his debut as a background score composer. He is extremely proud of that film. The realism and intensity pushed him to explore his musicality in new ways; he used nearly 15 to 17 intricate ragas across songs and score—probably the highest he has used in any project.
Governor came unexpectedly. Producer Vipul Shah loved what they achieved in The Kerala Story 2 and brought Shaah on board after the film was already shot and edited, requiring an entirely different approach. The only similarity between the two films is that both are inspired by true events. Otherwise, they belong to different worlds. Together, they helped Shaah discover a new side of himself as a composer.
Live Music vs. AI and Technology
Shaah recorded a 50-piece orchestra in Budapest and completed nearly 70 per cent of the score live. He sees AI as a tool, not a replacement for creativity. A genuine composer may use AI to get an initial sense of how a composition might sound, but the ultimate goal is to create and record real music. Even if a project isn't fully recorded live, musicians will try to retain some live elements alongside programming and digital production. Projects with severe budget constraints may rely more on AI and software-driven solutions, but most serious musicians stay true to the art because the joy lies in the process of creation, which can never be replaced by technology.
Balancing Nostalgia with Originality
Shaah's score draws inspiration from late-'80s and early-'90s sounds, including bands like Guns N' Roses, U2, and Bon Jovi. He balances nostalgia with originality by creating fresh melodies. The tonal palette belongs to that era, but every melodic idea in the score is original. What comes from that era is the style of composition and performance. Back then, music had longer passages, greater detail, and richer arrangements. They recorded live electric and acoustic guitars in that style alongside Budapest orchestral sessions. Since Shaah grew up in the '90s, that music remains part of his daily listening. Working on Governor allowed him to revisit that world and reinterpret it through his own lens. In many ways, the score is his tribute to an era that shaped him.
