The Academy Museum is gearing up to honor Indian cinema’s musical compositions and delve into the melodic landscapes of RRR and Lagaan. The Academy Museum’s agenda is slated to explore the musical compositions of Indian cinema, spotlighting renowned films like RRR, Slumdog Millionaire, and Lagaan. Additionally, it will showcase live tabla performances while providing insights into the movies’ accolades and recognition at the Oscars.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has outlined a program to dissect the “musical masterpieces” crafted by the exceptional soundtracks of three iconic Indian films: RRR, Slumdog Millionaire, and Lagaan. The presentation is scheduled for May 18th at the David Geffen Theatre in Los Angeles, as per the museum’s official website, affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Academy Museum’s official announcement stated, “Join us in commemorating Indian cinema and the historic achievements of the Academy Awards through an immersive examination into the musical brilliance of RRR (2022), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), and Lagaan (2001). This program delves into the intricate musical compositions spun by the acclaimed soundtracks of three groundbreaking films, each lauded not only for their cinematic prowess but also for their musical ingenuity, resonating profoundly with global audiences.”
Following the discussion, there will be a live tabla rendition by the dance ensemble Bollypop and Sadubas (a fusion of classical tabla maestro Robin Sukhadia and electronic music artisan Ameet Mehta), recreating the musical essence of all three films, as stated in the press release. Speaking of the films, SS Rajamouli’s RRR portrayed a fictitious pre-independence narrative centered on two historical Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Jr NTR), set in the 1920s. The film amassed over Rs 1,200 crore at the global box office and secured the distinction of being the first Indian film to clinch an Oscar for best original composition with its Telugu track Naatu Naatu.
Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan, featuring Aamir Khan, marked the final Indian film to land among the top five contenders for best foreign language film at the Oscars. It was ultimately edged out by No Man’s Land in 2001. Danny Boyle’s directorial venture, the British production Slumdog Millionaire, was situated in Mumbai. The 2008 film garnered eight Academy Awards, including best picture, best director, and best original composition by AR Rahman and Gulzar. Rahman also bagged another Oscar for Best Original Score. Indian sound designer Resul Pookutty shared the accolade for best sound mixing with Richard Pryke and Ian Tapp.
