Deepak Alexander is a happy man. The newbie music composer is basking in the adulation he has been receiving for his distinct, experimental background score in Tinu Pappachan's Swathandryam Ardharathriyil, which came out last Friday.

In a tête-à-tête with CE, Deepak talks about his work on the film, producer Lijo Jose Pellissery, his favorite composers and his take on Hans Zimmer.

So, when were you brought on board this project?

I came on board just three months before the release. Everything had to be created from scratch. But the presence and guidance of Lijo Jose Pellissery (producer), who is into experimental music, was very encouraging.

Did you get enough time to prepare?

Of course, I did. Even though I had just a little time, I managed to finish the score in two-and-a-half months. But, it was hard work. We had to work until the last day. A lot of sleepless nights. (laughs)

Was the footage cut to music?

Yes. I was given the pre-edited footage, and in case there were any last-minute editing changes, I had to recompose accordingly.

And did that worry you?

Yes, a little bit. But I was actually more concerned about how the Malayali audience would respond to my work. But when the film came out, I breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing all the positive feedback.

Your favourite composers?

Well, I'm a huge fan of Clint Mansell (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan) and also Howard Shore (Se7en, The Departed). Oh, and I like Johan Johansson's (Sicario, Arrival) work a lot. And from India, I like Ilaiyaraaja.

What about Cliff Martinez and Johnny Greenwood?

Oh yeah, I like Martinez's work too. But I haven't explored Greenwood's work in depth.

And finally, what do you think of ‘the biggest composer of them all’ (according to many), Hans Zimmer

Well, he is cool, and I admire his work, but I would rank Mansell and Shore above him (laughs). But Zimmer is definitely in my Top 5.