Throwback Thursday: When MM Keeravani said, 'Naatu Naatu' was just a commercial song and not exceptional in terms of music

Today, as we celebrate the 63rd birthday of the acclaimed music composer MM Keeravani, let's revisit his surprising take on the song that brought him international fame: "Naatu Naatu." Known for his extensive contributions to Indian cinema, Keeravani was honored with an Oscar for "Naatu Naatu" at the 95th Academy Awards. However, the composer himself didn't foresee such acclaim for the song.
In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Keeravani candidly shared his thoughts on 'Naatu Naatu.' He revealed that when he composed the song for SS Rajamouli’s epic film 'RRR,' he never expected it to win any awards, much less an Oscar.Keeravani described the song as a typical commercial number, not exceptional in its musicality.

During the interview, he explained that 'Naatu Naatu' is a mass dance song and not the type of song usually associated with prestigious awards. According to Keeravani, songs that showcase talent through classical music, intricate orchestration, or profound poetry are more likely to be award-winning. However, 'Naatu Naatu' stands out for its fast beat and commercial appeal, making its Oscar win all the more surprising.
Keeravani credited the song's global recognition to the remarkable direction by SS Rajamouli and the unique choreography by Prem Rakshit.

The composer added, “What made the song attention-worthy was the contribution of the director and the choreographer. It’s a scene by itself, a short story in itself, and very unique dance steps that went viral, so all the credit goes to SS Rajamouli and Prem Rakshit.”
As MM Keeravani celebrates another year of life and music, his reflections on 'Naatu Naatu' remind us that sometimes the most unexpected works can achieve extraordinary success.