"Indian Film 'RRR' Makes History by Winning First Oscar for Best Original Song with 'Naatu Naatu"

 

In a historic moment for Indian cinema, SS Rajamouli’s RRR has become the first Indian feature film to win an Academy Award. The film's 'Naatu Naatu' soundtrack, composed by MM Keeravani and written by Chandrabose, was awarded the Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023.

The song was in contention with some notable tracks from Hollywood films, including ‘Applause’ from Tell It Like A Woman, ‘Hold My Hand’ from Top Gun: Maverick, ‘Lift Me Up’ from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and ‘This is Life’ from Everything Everywhere All At Once. But it was 'Naatu Naatu' that emerged victorious, with the composers and lyricists accepting the award on stage amidst much applause and celebration.

Keeravani delivered his acceptance speech in a unique way, by rewriting the lyrics of the classic Carpenters song 'We've Only Just Begun' to thank the Academy and express his gratitude for the award. The win is a significant milestone for Indian cinema, as 'Naatu Naatu' becomes the first song from an Indian film to win an Oscar.

The song had already won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song earlier this month, making RRR the first Indian film to win a Golden Globe. The song's popularity was evident during the Oscars ceremony, as the track's singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kala Bhairava gave a stunning performance that earned them a standing ovation.

'Naatu Naatu' draws inspiration from the lives of freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju and tells a fictional tale set in the 1920s. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Samuthirakani, Alison Doody, and Ray Stevenson. The film has been highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, and this Oscar win is sure to only add to the film's popularity and success.

It is worth noting that 'Jai Ho' from the 2008 British film Slumdog Millionaire, composed by AR Rahman and penned by Gulzar, was the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award in the Best Original Score and Original Song categories. With 'Naatu Naatu' winning the Best Original Song award, it is a proud moment for Indian cinema and a testament to the talent and creativity of the film's composers and lyricists.