The pulsating, rebellious score of the global Netflix phenomenon 'Money Heist' is finding a new home in Indian cinema. The composer behind that iconic sound, Ivan M. Lacámara, has now crafted the music for the upcoming Hindi heist thriller 'The Great Escape: Faraar'. The film stars acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and is directed by Kushagra Sharma, also featuring Ilia Volok from the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise.
From Bella Ciao to Bansuri: A Fusion of Rebellious Sounds
Director Kushagra Sharma revealed that the decision to bring Ivan on board was driven by a shared love for the spirit of 'Money Heist'. He credited his sister and the film's producer, Srishti Sharma, for initiating the collaboration. "We have always been fans of Money Heist," Kushagra stated. "The anthem 'Bella Ciao' worked so powerfully there because it embodies rebellion. Our film similarly follows a common man who is pushed to the brink by the system and must stand up for his family."
However, the director was clear that the goal was not to create a replica. "We wanted the track to have its own distinct identity," he explained. "It incorporates Indian elements and fusion. The core spirit of rebellion is intact, but the adaptation gives it a completely fresh feel." Ivan M. Lacámara has composed one song for the film along with the entire background score.
A Creative Challenge: Blending Musical Worlds
For the Spanish composer, the project presented a unique and exciting creative challenge. "What truly interested me was the opportunity to fuse my musical style with the richness of Indian music," Ivan shared. He expressed a long-standing fascination with Indian classical music, specifically mentioning instruments like the bansuri (flute) and tabla. "Indian music has an incredible rhythmic and harmonic depth that I find captivating," he added.
The song's journey began as a cinematic theme for an early sequence in the film. The positive response to the initial piece led the team to develop it further. "We decided to create an extended version that is faster, more electronic, and could also function as a standalone track," Ivan noted, highlighting the track's evolution.
Star-Studded Vocal Powerhouse
The final song boasts an impressive lineup of vocal talent. Leading the Indian segment is the powerhouse playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan. She is joined by Swedish singer Jules Vikström. The Indian portions of the song were co-composed by music producer Diesel, a composer of Indian origin based in Sweden.
Explaining the choice of Sunidhi Chauhan, director Kushagra Sharma said, "We were aiming for an international soundscape, and Sunidhi's calibre as a singer is simply unmatched. The song includes English lyrics as well, and her versatile voice fit the requirement perfectly." This collaboration signifies a deliberate move to blend global musical sensibilities with Indian prowess for a wide auditory appeal.
The involvement of Ivan M. Lacámara marks a significant crossover moment for Indian cinema, marrying the global appeal of a hit series' music with a homegrown narrative of resistance. 'The Great Escape: Faraar' promises to deliver not just a gripping heist story but also a soundtrack that resonates with the familiar yet fresh energy of rebellion.
