‘Naatu Naatu’s Oscars nomination: Prajna Dutta decodes the USP of the ‘RRR’ song, explains what’s unique in Keeravani’s music – exclusive – Times of India

‘RRR’ song ‘Naatu Naatu’ created history on January 24 as the superhit song from SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus has been nominated for Oscars 2023 in the Original Song category. After the prestigious Golden Globe and the Critic’s Choice Award, this is the third mega nomination for ‘Naatu Naatu’. It is indeed a moment of celebration for the entire country as ‘Naatu Naatu’ becomes the first Indian song to be nominated for the Oscars.
Not just millions of fans but the music fraternity is also going gaga over the recent achievement. So, what makes ‘Naatu Naatu’ unique and why enjoyed so much popularity?

Singer-composer Prajna Dutta tells ETimes what makes the song so special and the USP of Keeravani’s music. “Honestly I am an ardent admirer of Keervani garu’s work since I saw ‘Magadheera’. His music has a wonderful aftertaste to be savoured through seasons and shifts in one’s emotions. Naatu Naatu is one of the most interesting works that employs simple yet tasteful polyrhythms, cross rhythms, string stabs and unleashes a grandeur of rustic pride amidst the highly sophisticated syncopations and textures employed within the sonic sphere of this magnum opus of a track. Really keeping my fingers crossed and praying that after the golden globe this track shall add an Oscar to Keervani garu’s award shelf,” said an excited Prajna.
Composed by M.M. Keeravani, ‘Naatu Naatu’ has been sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Kala Bhairava. The lyrics are by Chandrabose, while choreography is by Prem Rakshith. Picturised on Jr NTR and Ram Charan, the frenzy surrounding this song grabbed headlines since the release.

The peppy dance track competed with contenders like Taylor Swift’s ‘Carolina’ from the film ‘Where The Crawdads Sing’, ‘Ciao Papa’ from Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pinocchio’, Lady Gaga’s ‘Hold My Hand’ from ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, and Rihanna’s ‘Lift Me Up’ from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ to make it to the nomination list.

With this nomination ‘RRR’ enters the elite league of Indian films ‘Mother India’, ‘Salaam Bombay’, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘Lagaan’ that represented the country at the Academy Awards after being nominated for various categories.

Not only ‘Naatu Naatu’ but ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, a short documentary directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, has also been nominated in the Best Documentary Short Film category at the Oscars 2023.