Sound designer Resul Pookutty on Kanguva’s loud music: Who to blame?

Oscar award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty shared his strong opinion on loud music in films citing Suriya’s recently released film, Kanguva, as an example. The film was criticised for its loud music and background score. In his post, he mentioned that the sound designer’s craft and artistry are always caught up in the loudness war. The sound designer also mentioned that a film would lose its repeat value because of these costly mistakes.
Sharing India Today’s Kanguva review on his Instagram page, Resul Pookutty questioned the people who are to be blamed. He wrote, “A friend of mine, a re-recording mixer sent me this clip…It is disheartening to see a review about sound in our popular films like this (sic).”
He continued, “Our craft and artistry caught up in the loudness war… who is to blame?! The sound guy?! or the innumerable fixes comes at the last moment to satiate all insecurities. High time our fraternity to put your foot down and say things loud and clear. No film will have a repeat value if the audience walk out with head ache! (sic).”
Here’s his post:
Resul Pookutty’s opinion on loud music in films will trigger a discussion in cinema.
The sound designer never shies away from sharing his opinions on social media. In 2022, he called Alia Bhatt’s character in SS Rajamouli’s RRR ‘a prop’.
Kanguva is directed by Siva and is a fantasy action drama that connects the past and the present. The film has Suriya playing two roles. However, the film has been receiving a lukewarm response from audience. Weak writing, loud music by Devi Sri Prasad and lack of emotional connect are some of the flaws quoted by critics and fans.