Composer MM Keeravani, along with singers Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj, has won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, for the track ‘Naatu Naatu,’ which became an anthem of sorts for fans of director SS Rajamouli’s RRRThe historical epic has also been nominated in the Best Non-English Language Film category at the 80th Golden Globes.
Considered an important precursor for the Oscars, the Globes are emerging from a major controversy that resulted in the industry largely blacklisting them for over a year. After fundamental changes were introduced behind-the-scenes, mostly in relation with diversity and transparency, the event is making a comeback to TV after an under-the-radar 2022 edition.
‘Naatu Naatu,’ a dance number featuring stars Jr NTR and Ram Charan, was competing against Taylor Swift’s ‘Carolina’ from Where the Crawdads Sing, ‘Ciao Papa’ from Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Lady Gaga’s ‘Hold My Hand’ from Top Gun: Maverick, and ‘Lift Me Up’ from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, performed by Rihanna
A dance-off number in which the central characters, played by NTR Jr and Ram Charan, challenge British oppressors, ‘Naatu Naatu’ became known for its elaborate choreography and musical storytelling.
India previously made its presence felt in the Best Original Score category over a decade ago, when AR Rahman won for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. Rahman was also nominated in the same category for Boyle’s follow-up, 127 Hours. V Shantaram’s Do Aankhen Barah Haath made history when it won the equivalent of the Best Non- English Language Film in 1957. Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi was won the Globe in the same category, even though it wasn’t a foreign production.
RRR became a cult phenomenon in the US after its Hindi language version debuted on Netflix earlier this year. After developing a devoted fanbase, it was re-released in theatres, culminating in a legendary sold-out screening at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The movie subsequently became an awards contender, picking up five nominations at the Critics Choice Awards in addition to its two nods at the Globes. It has been shortlisted in two categories at the Oscars, and in one category at the BAFTAS. Rajamouli recently won the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle award for Best Director, while RRR found spots on many American erities’ top 10 liste.
