As RRR’s Naatu Naatu creates history with Oscar win, composer MM Keeravani pays tribute to The Carpenters
The epic Indian feature film directed by SS Rajamouli, has secured a historic win at the 95th Academy Awards. "Naatu Naatu" composed by MM Keeravani and featuring lyrics by Chandrabose, was honoured with the Best Original Song award, making it the first-ever Indian movie song to receive the prestigious Oscar.
.@mmkeeravaani & @boselyricist 🙌🏻
— RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) March 13, 2023
From Ekkadoo Putti Ekkadoo Perigi to the Oscar Stage ❤️❤️❤️
The journey can never get bigger than this!! #NaatuNaatu #RRRMovie pic.twitter.com/ngFExB1MX2
Keeravani and Chandrabose accepted the award, with Keeravani giving a memorable acceptance speech in the form of a reimagined Carpenters song - Top of the World, in one of the most creative and memorable Original Song acceptance speeches in the ceremony's history.
What a beautiful acceptance speech!!! MM Keeravani sings his speech to the tune of ‘Top of the world’ by The Carpenters pic.twitter.com/17uRRx3zEs
— Akshita Nandagopal (@Akshita_N) March 13, 2023
The Carpenters were a highly successful American music duo consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. Known for their smooth harmonies, Karen's distinct voice, and Richard's intricate arrangements, the Carpenters created a unique sound that captivated audiences in the 1970s.
Their music ranged from pop to soft rock and showcased their talents as songwriters and musicians. Despite their success, the Carpenters faced personal struggles, and Karen's untimely death in 1983 at the age of 32 brought an end to the duo's reign in the music industry.
However, their legacy lives on through their timeless music, which continues to inspire and move listeners today, as has become increasingly evident in Keeravani's acceptance speech.
The song's popularity was further evident at the awards ceremony, where the track's singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava delivered a captivating performance that earned them a standing ovation. The Oscar ceremony simply couldn't get enough of "Naatu Naatu."
And finally the #RRR fever has also caught on the #Oscars with Jimmy Kimmel being driven away by #NaatuNaatu dancers pic.twitter.com/Xlo9veCrmi
— DailyO (@DailyO_) March 13, 2023
"Naatu Naatu" was up against stiff competition, including "Applause" from Tell It Like A Woman, "Hold My Hand" from Top Gun: Maverick, "Lift Me Up" from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and "This is Life" from Everything Everywhere All At Once.
“RUDEBOY” MM Keeravani 😂😂
— Satvik (@SatvikV1) March 4, 2023
Such a sense of humor he has. Finally we are getting to see it. #RRRMovie #RRRForOscars #RRRFanCelebRRRation pic.twitter.com/Pxt4C2Jun2
RRR made waves in the international film circuit, with recent wins at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. The film's success at the Oscars seemed increasingly likely, especially given the overwhelming support it garnered from Hollywood.
Energy, optimism, partnership, winning against odds. #NaatuNaatu is not just a song: it’s a mini-epic movie. No wonder it had people everywhere rising to their feet. Even at the #Oscars I bow low to @ssrajamouli MM Keeravani & Chandrabose. 🙏🏽pic.twitter.com/6urWNclql5
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) March 13, 2023
The film also received praise from top industry figures such as James Cameron, who declared himself an RRR aficionado. The film's innovative storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and stunning score have captured the hearts and minds of Western audiences.
With multiple wins under its belt and a growing fan base in Hollywood, RRR was poised to make history at the Academy Awards, and did so with aplomb, paving the future for more Indian productions hitting it big at the Oscars in the future.