Have you watched - A Quiet Place? Every tiny sound—a creaking floorboard, a whisper of wind—feels like it could mean life or death. The silence isn’t just there to make things spooky; it pulls you into the characters’ world, making you feel their fear and tension. That’s the power of sound in storytelling. sound in movies is not just something you hear—it’s something you feel.

Sound is everywhere in the stories we love, even if we don’t always notice it. It sets the mood, brings characters to life, and makes moments unforgettable. Imagine your favorite film without its music or sound effects. It wouldn’t hit the same, would it?

But how does sound do all that? And why is sound in the film important in shaping the stories and characters we connect with? Let’s find out.

Why Sound Design is More Than Just Sound

Sound design isn’t just about filling a movie with noise. It's about making the audience feel more connected to the story.

If you are wondering what is sound design here is an example. In the Tamil movie Leo, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. During high-energy scenes like the car chase, the diegetic sounds—such as screeching tires, roaring engines, and crashes—don’t just match the action. They amplify the tension, making the audience feel like they’re in the driver’s seat.

But sound design goes beyond just the sounds you hear in the scene. There are also non-diegetic sounds, like music, which help tell the story more deeply. For example, in The Dark Knight, the Joker’s creepy music shows how unpredictable and chaotic he is. Batman’s deep voice matches his dark, mysterious character, too.

Another thing in sound design is the use of repeated themes. For instance, in many movies, the hero has their own special theme song. Whenever they do something heroic, that tune plays, and the audience instantly connects it with that character. It helps make the character’s actions feel even more powerful.

Dialogue, sound effects, music, and background noises all work together to create the mood. With new technology like Dolby Atmos and 3D audio, the sound is becoming even more immersive. You can hear sounds all around you, making every scene feel more real.

In the end, sound design is a key part of storytelling—it makes the audience feel what the characters feel and helps tell the story in a way that visuals alone can’t.

Synergy Between Sound Designers and Storytellers

In Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2, the collaboration between director Mani Ratnam, composer A. R. Rahman, and the sound design team is key to bringing the world of the Chola dynasty to life. Anand Krishnamurthi, who won the National Film Award for Best Sound Design for the first film, carried forward this legacy in the second part. From the clashing of swords to the quiet moments, every sound has a purpose to draw the audience deeper into the story​.

AR. Rahman’s music in this film blends traditional instruments with modern orchestral sounds, helping to create an atmosphere that feels both ancient and grand. Songs like Veera Raja Veera and Shivoham are not just memorable but reflect the emotions and power of the characters and events​.

The way sound, music, and visuals work together in Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2 shows how crucial sound design is to storytelling. It’s not just about filling silence; it’s about making the audience feel the weight of every moment.

Final Thoughts

Sound design has the power to turn a good story into something truly memorable. It’s about balancing the right mix of sound—ambient noise, music, and dialogue—where each sound enhances the story and emotions. Experts in this arena like Knack Studios can help bring your story to life. Get in touch today, to create something special together.