A Historic Moment for Indian Cinema
SS Rajamouli’s RRR has achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first-ever Indian feature film to win an Oscar. The film’s soundtrack, ‘Naatu Naatu’ by MM Keeravani, was conferred with the highly coveted Best Original Song Award at the 95th Academy Awards held in Los Angeles, United States.
Tough Competition on the Global Stage
The song faced fierce competition from some of the best in the business, including:
- ‘Applause’ from Tell It Like A Woman
- ‘Hold My Hand’ from Top Gun: Maverick
- ‘Lift Me Up’ from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- ‘This is Life’ from Everything Everywhere All At Once
Keeravani and Chandrabose Accept the Oscar
The prestigious award was collected by MM Keeravani and Chandrabose, the lyricist who jointly composed the track. Keeravani delivered a memorable acceptance speech in the form of a re-written version of the Carpenters’ classic ‘Top of the World’.
First-Ever Indian Song to Win an Oscar
The win has put ‘Naatu Naatu’ in the record books as the first song from an Indian movie to win an Oscar, cementing its place in history. The song’s singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava gave a mesmerizing performance that earned a standing ovation at the ceremony.
Golden Globe Recognition Before the Oscars
This isn’t the first time ‘Naatu Naatu’ has bagged international recognition. The track had already won the Golden Globe Award for Best Song, showcasing its global appeal even before the Oscars.
The Story and Cast of RRR
The film RRR takes inspiration from the lives of Indian freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju, set in the 1920s. The movie features an ensemble cast including Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Samuthirakani, Alison Doody, and Ray Stevenson.
A Look Back at India’s Previous Oscar Glory
It is noteworthy that the iconic ‘Jai Ho’, composed by AR Rahman and penned by Gulzar, from the 2008 British film Slumdog Millionaire, was the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award in the Best Original Score and Original Song categories.
The Global Rise of Indian Music and Cinema
The feat achieved by ‘Naatu Naatu’ is a testament to the rising popularity and global recognition of Indian cinema and its musicians. It reflects how Indian films and songs are no longer confined to domestic audiences but are making a strong cultural impact worldwide.
Listen to the track here.
