Composer Mannan Shaah is back with The Kerala Story 2 and Governor, but he says industry perception has never dictated his choices. After a nearly four-year break from feature films, the composer reveals that he stepped away not to reinvent his image, but to wait for stories that genuinely moved him.
Following His Heart
“I honestly do what my heart tells me. I’ve never been overly concerned about how the industry perceives me or what trends are dominating the market,” says Mannan. He explains that his absence from mainstream cinema was never a calculated move. “After my earlier films, I took a nearly four-year break from feature cinema—not by design, but because I was waiting for stories that genuinely inspired me.”
Work with Government and Foundation
During this period, Mannan worked closely with the Government of Goa and his organisation, uniRISE Research Foundation, which supports persons with disabilities in the arts. One of the highlights of that journey was creating the official Purple Fest Anthem with lyricist Javed Akhtar.
Return to Films and Future Projects
Now back in films, he sees 2026 as a turning point. “I am happy to be returning to films, and I already have two projects lined up for 2027.” But Mannan insists that his priorities remain unchanged. “I prefer to remain in my own musical universe. For me, music is a sacred and deeply personal journey.”
Simple Routine and Riyaaz
Away from recording studios and film deadlines, he finds solace in a far simpler routine. “Once my professional commitments are over, all I want to do is go home, open my harmonium, and do my riyaaz. Those five or six hours at night are the golden hours of my life. That’s when I feel most connected to myself and to music.”
