The producer says music plays a key role in shaping the film’s world, advancing its story and creating a connection between audiences and its new-generation cast
NEW DELHI: Gaurav Verma has revealed the creative thought behind the seven-song album of his upcoming buddy comedy Prem Keetanu, saying the makers deliberately used music as an integral part of the storytelling rather than treating the songs as standalone entertainment.
Verma is set to bring Prem Keetanu to cinemas on October 2, 2026. The film marks the first production under his banner Avnika Films and follows a group of young men who leave their small-town lives to study in a big city while searching for independence, love and their own identity.
A story rooted in youth, friendship and growing up
Verma says Prem Keetanu draws from experiences that many young people encounter while moving from smaller towns to bigger cities.
“Prem Keetanu is about young people who come to a big city from smaller towns for education and try to figure out what they want from life. Most of us have experienced that phase in some form and dealt with similar struggles, which makes the story relatable and nostalgic. At the same time, the struggle to find one’s place in life remains relevant even today,” Verma said.
The film explores friendship, first love, unrequited love and heartbreak as its young characters navigate the uncertainties that come with growing up.
Independent production brings greater ownership
After spending several years working within the studio system, Verma has now stepped into independent production with Avnika Films. He says the fundamental responsibilities of a producer remain the same, whether a film comes from a studio or an independent banner.
“The difference is that now I have my own banner. Whether you are producing a film independently or working with someone else, the responsibility and accountability remain largely the same. As an independent producer, you have to think about how to make the film and how to present it to the audience. The film itself has to become the brand,” he said.
Why did Prem Keetanu need seven songs?
The makers developed the film’s music alongside its screenplay. Verma says his own relationship with music while growing up influenced the decision to build a complete album for the film.
“When we were growing up, music was a major part of our lives. We imagined things and dreamed about life through music. That is why we started working on the music along with the script,” he said.
Verma believes music often creates an audience’s first emotional connection with a film. He recalls how songs from films in the 1990s helped audiences remember actors even when the films themselves did not achieve major success.
“There were films that may not have been very successful, but I still knew the actors because I heard their songs every day. Music created that connection with the film and its performers,” he said.
Music could help new actors build recognition
Prem Keetanu features several emerging and relatively unfamiliar actors. Verma says the makers also considered their casting while developing the film’s music strategy.
“We felt that when you have actors who are not yet widely known and are still building their identity, music can help them connect with audiences. We consciously made that choice,” he said.
The album, therefore, aims to introduce
