In an exclusive interview with ETimes, acclaimed sound designer Resul Pookutty shared his insights on the phenomenal success of Pushpa, international recognition received by ‘The Goat Life‘ as it got nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Feature International at the 72nd Annual Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE), the viral ‘Mingle Mingle’ tune from Squid Game 2‘ and the evolving dynamics of Indian cinema.
“Pushpa’s success was unexpected. It’s humongous, and something like this rarely happens,” Resul stated. “Pushpa 1 was an unexpected hit, coming at a time when we were recovering from COVID. It pulled Hindi cinema out of a slump when we were looking at bleak walls.”
He continued, “The expectations for Pushpa 2 were high, but I never thought it would achieve this level of success. Recently, I saw research on Twitter that said only 2% of the audience goes to theaters to watch movies, while 42% consumes content on OTT. If just 2% can create history—Rs. 800 crore in India and Rs. 2,000 crore worldwide—imagine the potential if more people returned to theaters.”
“We are not making the right films,” Resul observed. “We started creating projects instead of films that people want. Look at Stree or Pushpa 2—these films succeed because they connect with the audience. Instead of blaming viewers, we need to create compelling stories. The 2% of people going to theaters prove that audiences are willing to embrace good cinema.”
“As a sound designer, my primary concern is whether the film works,” he explained. “It’s not about how good our work sounds but about contributing to the story. For instance, while working on ‘Goat Life’, which is based on a literary work, my challenge was to surpass the imagination created by the book. Sound became the tool to elevate the abstract nature of the story and meet the audience’s expectations.”
Speaking about recognition, he said, “When such efforts are appreciated on a global platform, like in Hollywood, it’s satisfying. The thought behind it gets recognized, and that’s fulfilling.”
Resul also expressed immense pride over the international recognition received by ‘The Goat Life’. The film has been nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Feature International at the 72nd Annual Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) Golden Reel Awards, making it the only Indian film recognized in this category this year.
“This nomination not only elevates The Goat Life but also provides a significant boost as we approach the Oscar run for Best Film, with voting opening this week,” Resul shared. “It’s a proud moment for all of us and a clear indicator of the immense, untapped talent present in India’s sound fraternity.”
When asked about the viral ‘Mingle Mingle’ tune from Squid Game 2, Resul admitted, “I haven’t had the chance to listen to it yet. I’ve been traveling, but I’ll definitely check it out.”
Discussing his upcoming projects, Resul revealed, “I’m working on Anupam Kher’s directorial Tanvi The Great. It’s a beautiful film with a straightforward narrative. There’s also a Malayalam film called ‘Vadakkan’, a Kannada film releasing tomorrow, and Anand L. Rai’s next project. It’s exciting times, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with A.R. Rahman on multiple ventures, including a project with Bharat Bala.”
Resul signed off by emphasizing the importance of staying connected with the audience. “Cinema must evolve, but it should always resonate with its viewers. That’s the key to its enduring success.”
This exclusive conversation highlights Resul Pookutty’s profound understanding of cinema and his dedication to crafting stories that captivate audiences globally.
