Sound plays a huge role in how an action scene connects in the theatre. For more than ten years, sound engineer Nandhu J has worked behind the scenes to make sure audiences hear and feel every moment on screen. Working alongside composer and sound designer Ravi Basrur, Nandhu J has helped craft the audio for several major films across different languages.
The team is currently working on Salman Khan’s war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. With Ravi Basrur handling the background score, Nandhu J is working on the sound mixing to match the tone of the film's military setting.
After completing his Master’s degree in Electronic Media from Bangalore University, Nandhu J started working as a sound engineer. His collaboration with Ravi Basrur began with Prashanth Neel’s hit film Ugramm. The success of that project turned into a steady working relationship. Nandhu J became Ravi Basrur’s personal DTS engineer, and the two have worked together ever since.
“Ravi Basrur sir and I started our journey together in the Kannada film industry with Ugramm,” Nandhu J says. “Since then, I have worked as his personal DTS engineer on all our projects. We know how to work together without needing to explain much. On Maatrubhumi, our focus is on keeping the mix clean and balanced, so the action scenes and emotional moments come across clearly to the audience.”
Having worked on more than 450 films, Nandhu J's credits include KGF: Chapter 1, KGF: Chapter 2, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, Mufti, Karvva, and Rathaavara. He has also handled sound mixing on Hindi films like Antim: The Final Truth, Bholaa, and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, as well as Kannada releases like Martin and Bhairathi Ranagal and Ravi Basrur's own directorial, Veera Chandrahasa. His latest was for the Yash-starrer Toxic.
Along with Maatrubhumi, Nandhu J has upcoming films lined up such as, Salaar: Part 2, and Ravi Basrur's own directorial projects.
Speaking about their long journey and Nandhu J's consistency at the console, Ravi Basrur shares: “Writing the score is one step, but mixing it properly for cinema halls is just as important. Nandhu J understands the pace of a scene and where the sound needs to sit. He knows when to raise the volume and when to keep things quiet. He has been a dependable part of our sound unit from the start.”