“Naatu Naatu” from the Indian blockbuster “RRR” received a historic win at the Oscars 2023. The energetic music by M.M. Keeravani and lyrics by Chandrabose created this historical Telugu-language dance number. Direction by S.S. Rajamouli, the action hit “RRR” made history by winning an Oscar in the best song category in Oscar 2023.
Previously, it was “Jai Ho” by A.R. Rahman that won Oscar for Best Original Song from “Slumdog Millionaire.” Moreover, the majority of previous winners under this category have been English songs from Hollywood movies.
During his award acceptance speech, Keeravani expressed gratitude to the Academy and shared his childhood love for the Carpenters. He also expressed his wish for “RRR” to win and make every Indian proud.
The success of the song “Naatu Naatu,” can be attributed to the captivating performances by the stars Jr NTR (known as N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Ram Charan. The energetic dance number highlighted their charismatic movie resulting in audiences dancing during the international theatrical runs. Watching the high-energy performance of the song on stage added to the surreal feeling, and Charan described it as an “out-of-body experience.”
The song after its release become a popular number across the globe last year. It was translated to “Naattu Koothu” in Tamil, “Naacho Naacho” in Hindi, “Karinthol” in Malayalam, and “Halli Naatu” in Kannada.
Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava who recorded the award-winning song “Naatu Naatu,” made their Oscars debut on Sunday by performing the song at the 95th Academy Awards, accompanied by a group of dancers.
Beating out songs from four English-language films, including Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Mitski’s “This Is a Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Diane Warren’s “Applause” from “Tell It Like a Woman,” and Lady Gaga’s soaring ballad “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick”, “Naatu Naatu” made a historic win at the stage of Oscar 2023.