In a momentous occasion for the Indian film industry, the song “Naatu Naatu” from the 2022 Telugu movie “RRR” has won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 2023 Academy Awards. Composed by M.M. Keeravani and written by Chandrabose, the song is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It took more than 19 months to complete the production of the song. Keeravani composed 20 songs related to a specific point in the script, from which the team selected this particular song through a voting process.
“RRR” is a period drama directed by S.S. Rajamouli, one of the most respected filmmakers in India, and features an ensemble cast of top actors from the Telugu and Hindi film industries, making it the most expensive Indian film to date. The film tells the story of two freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, who fought against the British Raj in the early 20th century.
The song “Naatu Naatu” is a vibrant celebration of the rural life and culture of Andhra Pradesh, with lyrics that highlight the beauty of the countryside, the traditions of its people, and their unbreakable spirit. The term “naatu” in Telugu can mean different things such as ‘native’, ‘local’, ‘countryside’, ‘raw and rustic’, or ‘ethnic’. Chandrabose, the lyricist, drew inspiration from his childhood memories to write the lyrics, which also reflect the theme of friendship. While 90% of the song was written by Chandrabose in half a day, it took 1.7 years to complete the remaining 10%. The composer Keeravani compared the sound of the song to the traditional beats of folk songs that are heard in Indian villages. Sung by singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, the song has become an anthem of sorts for the people of Andhra Pradesh and has been widely praised for its evocative lyrics and soul-stirring melody.
The Oscar win for “Naatu Naatu” is a testament to the growing global recognition of Indian cinema and its music. M.M. Keeravani, the composer of the song, is a veteran musician who has been active in the Indian film industry for over three decades and has won numerous awards for his work. Chandrabose, the lyricist, is known for his insightful and poetic lyrics and has written some of the most popular songs in Telugu cinema. The win for “Naatu Naatu” is also significant for the Telugu film industry, which has been gaining prominence in recent years with a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Telugu cinema, which produces films in the Telugu language, has a rich history of artistic and socially conscious cinema and has produced some of the most celebrated filmmakers and actors in India.
The Oscar win for “Naatu Naatu” is sure to inspire and encourage filmmakers and musicians in India to continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in their work. It is also a proud moment for the people of Andhra Pradesh and the Telugu-speaking community around the world, who have long cherished their rich cultural heritage and are now seeing it celebrated on the global stage.