12A Railway Colony is My Most Different Film Till Date – Music Director Bheems
The upcoming thriller 12A Railway Colony, starring Allari Naresh, is creating massive buzz with its gripping promotional material. Directed by debutant Nani Kesaragadda, the film is produced by Srinivasa Chitturi under the Srinivasa Silver Screen banner, and presented by Pawan Kumar. Popular filmmaker Dr. Anil Viswanath—known for the Polimera movie series—serves as showrunner and has also penned the story, screenplay and dialogues. Kamakshi Bhaskarla plays the female lead. The film is set to release on November 21.
On this occasion, music director Bheems Ceciroleo interacted with the media and shared his experience working on this new-age thriller.
This film looks very different from the usual genres in your filmography. How new was this musical experience for you?
“It felt new even to me! At one point, I wondered—‘Did I really compose this?’ That’s how different this film is from anything I’ve done before. Working with a new team and entering this fresh zone gave me a different kind of excitement. I strongly believe this film will open doors for me into more films of this genre.”
“I watched the DTS version only yesterday, and it’s extremely exciting. The film constantly keeps you guessing what will happen next.”
How did this project come to you?
“Producer Srinivasa Garu approached me first and felt my combination with this story would work well. I’ve always loved the Polimera films. Knowing that their director was the writer and showrunner here added to my happiness. This project strengthened my belief that I could handle films in this zone. I’m confident the audience will feel the same after watching it.”
You have delivered memorable songs for Naresh earlier. Does this film offer scope for such music?
“There are two beautiful melody songs in the film, and both emerge naturally from the story. From Balagam, Mass Jathara, Dhamaka, MAD, Tillu Square to Sankranthiki Vacham, I’ve had the opportunity to work across rural, mass, youth-centric and family genres. Getting such variations at the same time is a blessing.”
“12A Railway Colony holds a special place for me. I’m fully satisfied with the music. Everyone who heard it appreciated the soundscape. This was possible only because the producer, hero, director and writers trusted me. After watching the film, they were extremely happy—nothing feels better than living up to their faith.”
What kind of musical novelty can the audience expect?
“You won’t find my usual mass-oriented sound here. It’s a completely different musical palette. Only the instruments that truly serve the story were chosen. Some sound patterns are intentionally designed to evoke fear and suspense for the audience.”
Do you feel Telugu songs are losing their nativity these days?
“When a director brings a story, it’s our duty to give music that fits that world. I always try to compose songs that people can emotionally connect to. Even in this film, the songs carry that ‘beautiful melody’ experience.”
What are the best qualities a music director should have?
“Patience, knowledge, heart, love, empathy, kindness, boldness, and the spirit to fight.”
How do the results of your films affect you personally?
“When people clap, we should be happy. When they criticize or ‘throw slippers’, we must still accept it with the same spirit. Being in the public eye means we shouldn’t overreact to praise or sink under criticism. Thinking too much about results creates unnecessary insecurity.”
“We all make mistakes, but I ensure I don’t repeat the same one twice.”
There is criticism that bringing singers from other languages harms Telugu nativity. Your take?
“Language barriers have faded today. Our artists work in Bollywood; their artists work here. As long as the singer respects our language and the listeners don’t feel alienated, it’s fine. If a song goes wrong, the responsibility is ours—the music director’s. I don’t think any of my songs have lost their nativity. If you feel otherwise, tell me—I’ll correct it.”
How is the competition among music directors in the industry?
“I honestly don’t believe in competition. If someone trusts me with their film, it’s my responsibility to deliver. If a producer gives money, we must justify every rupee. My only focus is doing justice to the project given to me.”
Isn’t there competition when you’re in the top league?
“I don’t believe in ‘small’ or ‘top’ leagues. If those leagues truly existed, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I came from the public, I belong to the public. If there is work, I do it—that’s all.”
How do you take criticism?
“Criticism is good, but anything in excess becomes harmful. Recently, I saw comments saying I spoke differently on Ravi Teja’s stage and Naresh’s stage. But both actors are important in my life—Naresh Garu gave me my first opportunity, and Ravi Teja Garu gave a second life to my career. I said the same thing everywhere. People misunderstood. But even those who criticize are like family. I respect everyone.”
Upcoming Projects
“I’m currently working on Ravi Teja’s Bhartha Mahashayulu Ku Vignapthi, Shankar Vara Prasad’s film, Dacoit, Tyson Naidu, Sampath Nandi’s Bhogi, and Vishwak Sen’s Funky.”
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