The Academy Museum Celebrates Indian Cinema’s Musical Legacy. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is set to resonate with the soulful melodies of Indian cinema. On May 18, 2024, cinephiles and music enthusiasts will gather at the David Geffen Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the magic woven by acclaimed soundtracks from three iconic Indian films: “RRR”, “Slumdog Millionaire”, and “Lagaan”.
The Musical Tapestries
The program promises an immersive exploration into the music mastery of these groundbreaking films. Let’s delve into the musical tapestries that have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide:
“RRR” (2022)
Directed by the visionary filmmaker SS Rajamouli, “RRR” transports us to pre-independence India, where two real-life revolutionaries—Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem—fight for freedom. The film’s Telugu track “Naatu Naatu” resonated globally and clinched the Academy Award for Best Original Song. With a staggering global box office collection of over Rs 1,200 crore, “RRR” became a trailblazer for Indian cinema.
“Lagaan” (2001)
Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus, “Lagaan”, stands as a testament to cinematic excellence. Set against the backdrop of British colonial India, the film tells the story of a group of villagers challenging their oppressors through a high-stakes cricket match. Aamir Khan’s stellar performance and A.R. Rahman’s soul-stirring soundtrack catapulted “Lagaan” to international acclaim. Although it narrowly missed the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, its impact endures.
“Slumdog Millionaire” (2008)
This British production, directed by Danny Boyle, took the world by storm. “Slumdog Millionaire” weaves a tale of love, destiny, and resilience against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai’s slums. A.R. Rahman’s score, including the unforgettable “Jai Ho”, earned him two Oscars—one for Best Original Song and another for Best Original Score. Sound designer Resul Pookutty also shared the Best Sound Mixing trophy.
The Live Performance
Following the enlightening lecture, the audience will be treated to a live tabla performance by the dance company Bollypop and the collaborative duo Sadubas (featuring classical tabla artist Robin Sukhadia and electronic music producer Ameet Mehta). Their reinterpretation of the music from these films promises to be a mesmerizing experience.
A Global Celebration
The Academy Museum Celebrates Indian Cinema’s Musical Legacy. As we celebrate Indian cinema’s musical legacy, let’s recognize the fusion of creativity, innovation, and emotion that these soundtracks embody. From the soul-stirring melodies of “Lagaan” to the pulsating beats of “RRR”, these films have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.