“Naatu Naatu” at 2023 Oscars

“Naatu Naatu” blew the roof off at the 2023 Academy Awards. Which makes sense as it blows the roof off anywhere it plays. Written by M. M. Keeravani, with lyrics by Chandrabose, the song is a rousing affair from S.S. Rajamouli’s movie RRR with the associated choreography being a praise of culture and defiance of colonial gentrification (and forced amalgamation). While the official Academy Awards video of the performance—sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava—is truncated below, it still is a goddamn feat of dancing and an amazing performance that will remain a watershed cultural moment for decades.