Oscars 2023: 'Naatu Naatu' From RRR Brings Home Academy Award For Best Original Song

'Naatu Naatu' from SS Rajamouli’s hit ‘RRR’ won Oscars for Best Original Song. The audience was captivated as they watched Ram Charan and Jr NTR's spectacular dance moves in the song.

New Delhi: 'Naatu Naatu' from SS Rajamouli’s hit ‘RRR’ won Oscars for Best Original Song. The audience was captivated as they watched Ram Charan and Jr NTR's spectacular dance moves in the song. The crowd cheered wildly when MM Keeravani (composer of the song) and Chandrabose (lyricist) walked up to the stage to accept the prestigious award.

There has never been an Oscar nomination in this category from an Indian production before RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’. AR Rahman's 'Jai Ho', written for the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire, was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2009. However, Slumdog Millionaire was made by British production whereas RRR is an Indian production.

The song has become a worldwide sensation, and it has already won the Golden Globe and the Critics' Choice Awards for Best Original Song. The song's win at the Oscars has undoubtedly boosted India's pride.

While ‘Naatu Naatu’ was nominated for Best Original Song, ‘All That Breathes’ and ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ were nominated for Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short Film, respectively. 'The Elephant Whisperers' took home the trophy while 'All That Breathes' lost to 'Navalny'.

‘Naatu Naatu’ was up against songs like ‘Raise Me Up’ from Black Panther, ‘This Is A Life’ from Everything Everywhere All at Once, and ‘Applause’ from Tell It Like a Woman in the category for best original song. On Oscar night, the song was crooned on stage by Kaala Bhairava, Rahul Sipligunj as the international dancer grooved to the electrifying beats and the livewire lyrics of the song. Rihanna performed ‘Raise Me Up’ and ‘This Is a Life’ was performed by David Byrne, Stephanie Hsu, and Son Lux. 

This year, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the awards show.

'RRR' is a magnum opus drama set in the 1920s - pre-Independence era. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the film stars Jr NTR and Ram Charan in lead roles as Komaram Bheem and Ram. The film also stars Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, Olivia Morris and Shriya Saran in pivotal roles.  

'RRR' was also released in Japan and created history in Japan by becoming the most successful Indian film to be released in theatres.