Guwahati: RRR’s “Naatu Naatu” beat off a group of strong hitters including Lady Gaga, Rihanna and stalwart candidate Diane Warren to become the first song from an Indian movie to win the best original song Oscar on Sunday (March 12).
N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan as well as vocalists Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava contributed to the popularity of “Naatu Naatu,” as did the choreographer who helped turn the song’s viral video into a hit. M.M. Keeravani and Chandrabose, who wrote the songs were awarded the Oscars (Prem Rakshith).
“Naatu Naatu” stood out from the other songs competing for the prize for best original song because it was an essential component of the film from which it came. It makes its first appearance in RRR about an hour in and provides the soundtrack for a heated dance war between the movie’s main characters and a group of stuffy British colonisers.
“Naatu Naatu” was widely considered the frontrunner in this year’s field of nominees, which included Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” (from Top Gun: Maverick), Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” (from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Sofia Carson’s “Applause” (from Tell It Like a Woman) and Son Lux, David Byrne and Mitski’s “This Is a Life” (from Everything Everywhere All At Once). “Applause” was written by Diane Warren, who missed out on a competitive Oscar win for the 14th time without a victory.