RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ to Perform Live at 2023 Oscars

RRR’s energetic dance track “Naatu Naatu” will be performed live at the 2023 Oscars. In a tweet, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has confirmed that singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava will make their stage at the Oscars. Composed by MM Keeravaani, the track was nominated for Best Original Song this year. The 95th Academy Awards will take place live from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, USA on March 13 at 5:30 a.m. For the US, this translates to March 12 at 5:00 PM PT.

Speaking to Variety, composer Keeravani confirmed that the live performance will include singers from India, as well as dancers from LA, all working in unison. When asked how he plans to cut the theatrical dance piece for the Oscar stage, the nominated composer said, “We’re doing a different version for the Oscar performance, of the original song. We modify the version and make it a bit small. Without explicitly mentioning names, Keeravani claimed that the stars of RRR would join the dance. “Without them, there is no song,” he added.

A few other Best Original Song nominees will also perform live, starting with Everything Everywhere All at Once’s “This is a Life,” the most Oscar-nominated film this year. Musician David Byrne, musical trio Son Lux and star Stephanie Hsu will perform the song live. The latter is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of rebellious Joy Wang/Jobu Tupaki. Singer Sonia Carson and songwriter Dianne Warren will perform ‘Applause’ from Tell It Like a Woman. Marking her 14th career Oscar nomination, she was honored by the Academy last year.

Following her stellar performance at Super Bowl LVII, Rihanna will perform “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on March 13. “Hold My Hand” by Top Gun: Maverick is the only original song yet to be confirmed for a live performance. The track was helmed by Lady Gaga and BloodPop.

Starting March 3, RRR gets a nationwide re-release in the United States, in 200 theaters in the original Telugu language. Distributor Variance Films confirmed the same on Twitter, saying more theaters will be added to the list, as long as there is sufficient demand for SS Rajamouli’s Tollywood epic. The film, in a sense, explores a “bromance” relationship between two revolutionaries, who decide to join forces and fight for freedom during British rule in the 1920s. From India we have two more nominations – All That Breathes by Shaunak Sen for Best Documentary Feature and The Elephant Whisperers by Kartiki Gonsalves for Best Documentary Short. It is now available to stream on Netflix.

The 2023 Academy Awards are scheduled for March 13 at 5:30 a.m. IST / March 12 at 5 p.m. PT in the US.