Rhythm Sanadhya: It’s essential that the audience remains in sync with the character’s emotional rhythm

Rhythm Sanadhya, the powerhouse song director who recently directed Mahakumbh fame Monalisa Bhosle in Dil Jania, understands that the audience gets persuaded by the lyrics; hence, her direction depends completely on that.  She said, “When the lyrics are subtle, audiences tend to gravitate towards lighter, more effortless visuals. In such cases, I treat the song with an abundance of moments—montages, beauty shots, and slices of everyday life that feel warm and relatable. However, when the narrative is emotionally intense, the audience seeks emotional validation. That’s when the story must unfold like a journey, supported by a strong backstory.”  “The emotional weight carried by the characters needs to resonate with the intensity of the lyrics and the music. If you ask me, regardless of whether the emotion is understated or overwhelming, it’s essential that the audience remains in sync with the character’s emotional rhythm. That, I believe, is the essence of good direction—you can never afford to loosen that connection,” she added. Talking about her work, she revealed that she listens to a song at least twenty times before stepping on the set. “Sometimes I take a walk with my AirPods in; other times, I let it play on a long drive. As I sink deeper into the music, the visuals begin to emerge naturally—the story starts revealing itself to me,” she said.  “What strikes me first is never the same. Each song speaks differently. At times, it’s the world the song creates—the setting that inspires me. At other moments, it’s the conclusion that lingers. And sometimes, I find myself completely drawn to the hook. It’s a very instinctive process. I don’t force the vision; I allow the song to lead, and I follow where it takes me,” she added. And she always conceptualizes the song first. She said, “I came in fully prepared. Of course, ideas continue to surface during the shoot, but I embrace them only when they are practical. A film set is already an intense, fast-moving environment, and as the captain of the ship, I have to choose my shots with care.”  For her, it’s a constant balance between creativity and practicality. “My approach to filmmaking is deeply intuitive—when I genuinely feel that an impromptu idea will elevate the narrative, I don’t hesitate. Beyond that, I always welcome improvisation from actors, as long as it stays true to the emotional and narrative spine of the story,” Rhythm said.