Sai Abhyankkar, the man and the musical sensation known for viral tracks like Katchi Sera and Aasa Kooda, is fast becoming a name to watch and reckon with in the South Indian music industry. These songs made a big impression on social media platforms.
Having made a splash with his film debut across some big-budget projects in the Tamil and Telugu film industries, the talented composer has already made a significant mark partnering with A-list actors like Suriya, Silambarasan, and Allu Arjun and with acclaimed directors like RJ Balaji, Bakkiyaraj Kannan and Atlee.
Blockbuster Movie Debut and Grand Replacements
Sai's debut in films is accompanied by Benz, directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan and Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has produced films such as Leo and Vikram.
Featuring Raghava Lawrence, Benz is said to be part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), making it one of the most eagerly awaited debuts in recent times.
However, Sai’s biggest moment so far is his inclusion in Suriya 45, where he replaces Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, though the reason for the replacement is unknown. Directed by RJ Balaji and starring Suriya and Trisha, the film has already created a massive buzz.
Reflecting on this milestone, Sai shared on social media (as reported by India Today, Dec 9, 2024): "I saw its first-look poster, like, one year ago. I thought who would do its music since it seemed like a biggie at that time too? By God's grace, it is me."
Industry Support and Growing Popularity
Sai's foray into mainstream cinema was welcomed with acclaim from all quarters of the industry. Composer Santhosh Narayanan posted his support on Twitter:
"Congratulations Sai kutty. The long-awaited boost of new composers to Tamil film music is here and how!"
Besides Benz and Suriya 45, Sai Abhyankar has some notable projects lined up. He is scoring music for STR 49 and STR 51, both with Silambarasan.
He also has a new movie as part of Love Today fame Pradeep Ranganathan's directorial venture with Mamitha Baiju. Perhaps one of the most awaited collaborations in his career is with Allu Arjun and Atlee, a project that likely starts filming around mid-2025.
Musical Journey and Unique Style
Before entering film, Sai gained a good name in the space of independent music. Releases such as “Katchi Sera” and "Aasa Kooda" gained him a devoted young following and indicated his ability to infuse memorable tunes with contemporary rhythms.
Born into a musical family, his parents, Tippu and Harini, are playback singers. Sai learned from Carnatic vocalist Sriram Parthasarathy.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, he has played tabla, mridangam, piano, drums, and guitar and is well-known for scoring music without having reference tracks as a point of reference, preferring to do everything instinctively and emotionally.
The Road Ahead
With a rare blend of indie credibility, classical training, and modern sensibilities, Sai Abhyankkar is rapidly becoming one of the most promising young composers in Indian cinema. His rapid ascent from viral notoriety to writing for A-list artists is a sign of a change in the industry, one where new artists are being embraced along with new sounds.
Sai is one to look out for as he continues to expand the boundaries of sound with upcoming releases, and more than clearly he will be around for a long time.
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