The song “Naatu Naatu” from the Telugu-language film RRR has made history by becoming the first Indian film song to win an Oscar. At the 95th Academy Awards, the blockbuster track, composed by MM Keeravani, won the award for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards, beating heavyweights like Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Its catchy tempo and choreography have captivated audiences around the world, making it a global sensation.
Accepting the award, Keeravani said that the song was “the pride of every Indian.” He grew up listening to songs by The Carpenters, an American music duo, and sang the rest of his speech in the tune of their hit song Top Of The World. The audience burst into laughter and applause as he said that RRR had “put me on the top of the world.”
The win is a historic moment for the Indian film industry, and Indians have taken to social media to express their happiness about the song’s win. N Chandrababu Naidu, an influential politician from the two southern Indian states where Telugu is spoken, said on Twitter that the song had “sealed its place in history.” “This is probably the finest moment for Indian Cinema, and Telugus achieving it is even more special,” he wrote.
Naatu Naatu made history in January when it won a Golden Globe for the best original song, also a first for India. The same month, the song won the Critics Choice award for the best song. The peppy track, which translates to “Dance, Dance” in Telugu, features the film’s lead actors – Ram Charan and Jr NTR – performing energetic dance moves.
Shot in front of the picturesque Mariinskyi Palace in Ukraine, the song features beats commonly used in folk songs in India’s Telugu-speaking states and several folksy references. The song was shot over 15 days, with 150 dancers and a crew of 200 working 12 hours a day.
RRR – short for Rise, Roar, Revolt – is a historical fantasy that tells the story of two revolutionaries who fight against British rule in India. The film’s director, SS Rajamouli, told Vanity Fair that he envisioned Naatu Naatu as a “fight scene” in which two freedom fighters bring a British officer to his knees – through dance.
The win for Naatu Naatu is a step towards bringing Indian cinema to the forefront of the international film scene. The Indian film industry has been producing high-quality films for years, but the lack of recognition on the global stage has been a point of contention for many in the industry. The win for Naatu Naatu could lead to more recognition for Indian films and musicians at international events like the Oscars.