Anirudh Ravichander (born 16 October 1990) is an Indiancomposer, playback singer, instrumentalist, and music producer who primarily works in Tamil cinema, with contributions to Telugu and Hindi films.[1] He is the son of actor Ravi Raghavendra and classical dancer Lakshmi, and the nephew of superstar Rajinikanth through his aunt Latha Rajinikanth.[2] Born and raised in Chennai, Ravichander began learning piano at a young age, completing all grades offered by Trinity College, London, and later pursued Carnatic music training while participating in school bands like the Carnatic fusion group Zinx and the funk rock band Circuit during his time at Loyola College.[3]Ravichander made his debut as a composer in 2012 with the Tamil film 3, directed by Aishwarya R. Dhanush, where his song "Why This Kolaveri Di" went viral, amassing millions of views and propelling him to fame at age 21.[3] His breakthrough came through collaborations with director Dhanush, who recognized his talent from a prior short film, leading to early successes in films like Ethir Neechal (2013) and Kaththi (2014).[4] Over the years, he has composed for high-profile projects including Vikram (2022), Jailer (2023), Jawan (2023), and Vettaiyan (2024), often blending modern electronic sounds with traditional rhythms to create mass-appeal tracks.[1] His frequent partnerships with Rajinikanth in films such as Petta (2019), Darbar (2020), and Coolie (2025) have solidified his status as a leading figure in South Indian music.[5]Ravichander's accolades include the Filmfare Award South for Best Music Director—for Velaiilla Pattadhari (2015)—as well as Best Male Playback Singer for "Yaanji" from Vikram Vedha (2017). He has also won several South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) in similar categories and received the prestigious Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government for contributions to arts during 2021–2023.[6] In 2023, he was honored as the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year Youth Icon (Popular Choice) for his innovative impact on film music.[7]
Early life and education
Family background
Anirudh Ravichander was born on 16 October 1990 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, to Ravi Raghavendra, a character actor known for supporting roles in Tamil films and television serials since the 1980s, and Lakshmi Ravichander, a trained classical dancer specializing in Bharatanatyam. He is the nephew of actor Rajinikanth, as his mother Lakshmi is the sister of Latha Rajinikanth.[8][9][10]He has an elder sister, Vaishnavi Ravichander.[8]The family's artistic heritage fostered a creative household environment, with Ravi Raghavendra's on-screen presence in projects like Padayappa (1999) and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022), alongside Lakshmi Ravichander's background in traditional dance, exposing Anirudh to the performing arts from a young age.[9][11]As a child in Chennai, Anirudh displayed early musical talent, such as playing film themes on the keyboard, influenced by the cultural vibrancy around him.[12]
Musical training and influences
Anirudh Ravichander attended Padma Seshadri Bal Bhavan for his schooling in Chennai. He later enrolled at Loyola College, Chennai, where he pursued and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2011, viewing it as a practical fallback while focusing on his passion for music.[13][14]His formal musical training began at age four when his parents recognized his aptitude and enrolled him in Western classical piano lessons, eventually completing eight grades certified by the Trinity College of Music, London. Complementing this, Ravichander received training in Carnatic music and participated in the Carnatic fusion band Zinx during his school years, drawing exposure from his family's artistic environment, including his mother's background as a Bharatanatyam dancer whose recitals incorporated traditional Carnatic elements.[13][14][12][3]Beyond formal instruction, Ravichander was largely self-taught in other instruments and composition techniques, experimenting independently to build his skills; he joined college bands like Circuit, blending rock influences with traditional elements such as the mridangam for hands-on experience. His early influences included the music of A. R. Rahman, whose innovative fusion of Western and Indian styles profoundly shaped Ravichander's approach—his band Zinx won the Best Instrumentalist award in the TV talent show "Ooh La La La," judged by Rahman—alongside broader inspirations from 1990s global and Indian film scores that encouraged his eclectic experimentation.[14][13][12]
Personal life
Relationships and privacy
Anirudh Ravichander has maintained a high level of privacy regarding his personal relationships, consistently avoiding discussions of his romantic life in interviews and public appearances. He has been the subject of persistent dating rumors with Kavya Maran, daughter of Sun TV owner Kalanithi Maran and managing director of Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL team, dating back to at least 2023. These rumors intensified in 2025, including speculation of an impending marriage in June, which Ravichander quashed on social media, and renewed buzz following their sighting together in New York on November 13, 2025.[15][16] As of November 2025, no relationship or marriage has been confirmed, and Ravichander and his team have addressed misinformation through social media clarifications.[17] This approach reflects his preference to shield personal matters from media attention, allowing his professional work to define his public persona amid the scrutiny of fame in the South Indian film industry.His family provides strong support in managing these aspects, with his sister Vaishnavi Ravichander occasionally posting indirect updates about family life on social media, such as celebrations or general well-wishes, without revealing intimate details.[18] This family dynamic, influenced by their Chennai roots, reinforces Ravichander's grounded approach to privacy.
Interests and philanthropy
Anirudh Ravichander maintains a keen interest in automobiles, owning a notable collection of luxury vehicles that reflects his passion for high-performance cars. His garage features a Ford Mustang GT, acquired early in his career, as well as a Porsche MacanSUV gifted by the producer of the film Jailer in recognition of the movie's success.[19][20] In 2025, he expanded his collection with a red Mahindra BE 6e electric SUV, highlighting his growing affinity for premium and sustainable mobility options.[21]Ravichander has also engaged in philanthropic efforts, particularly in response to natural disasters affecting his home state. Following the devastating 2015 South India floods in Chennai, he dedicated a live concert in Brampton, Canada, to the victims, using the platform to raise awareness and support relief initiatives. His involvement underscores a commitment to community welfare, though he tends to keep such activities low-profile.[22]
Career
2011–2013: Debut and breakthrough hit
Anirudh Ravichander entered the film industry as a music composer at the age of 21 with the 2012 Tamil romantic psychological thriller 3, directed by his cousin Aishwarya R. Dhanush. Despite lacking prior professional experience in film scoring, he drew on his background in college rock bands, classical piano training from the Trinity College of Music in London, and Carnatic music fundamentals to secure the opportunity through family ties to the director, daughter of Rajinikanth. The soundtrack, featuring five tracks including the folk-inspired "Why This Kolaveri Di" written and sung by lead actor Dhanush, marked his introduction to Tamil cinema.[23]The song "Why This Kolaveri Di" became an overnight global viral phenomenon upon its release on YouTube in November 2011, blending broken English lyrics with simple melody to resonate widely. By early 2012, it had amassed over 40 million views, far exceeding the team's initial target of 500,000, and propelled the film's promotion with minimal marketing costs. Its success topped various Indian music charts and garnered international buzz, including features on BBC in the UK, establishing Anirudh as a fresh voice in Indian music. The full 3 album received acclaim for its youthful energy, contributing to the film's commercial performance despite mixed reviews.[24][23][25]Building on this breakthrough, Anirudh composed the soundtrack for the 2013 sports comedy Ethir Neechal, produced by Dhanush and directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, starring Sivakarthikeyan. The album's six tracks, blending hip-hop, folk, and upbeat rhythms—such as the title song featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh and Hiphop Tamizha—earned positive critical reception for their energetic variety and helped showcase his versatility beyond the viral hit. Later that year, he scored Raja Rani, a romantic drama directed by Atlee, where the poignant track "Nenjukkule" stood out for its emotional depth, further solidifying his presence in Tamil cinema with melodic compositions suited to romantic narratives.[25]
2014–2017: Establishment in Tamil cinema
Following the breakthrough of his debut album 3 (2012), Anirudh Ravichander built industry trust through consistent commercial successes, attracting collaborations with major stars like Dhanush and Vijay. His work on Kaththi (2014), starring Vijay, featured the upbeat track "Selfie Pulla," which became a massive hit and highlighted his knack for catchy, youth-oriented rhythms that blended peppy beats with mass appeal. The film's soundtrack overall received positive reception for its energetic compositions, marking Anirudh's growing demand among top-tier actors in Tamil cinema. Similarly, his contributions to Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014), directed by and starring Dhanush, included lively tracks like "What a Karuvad," capturing the frustrations and exuberance of unemployed youth, and solidified his formula for relatable, chart-topping albums that resonated with younger audiences.[26]In 2015, Anirudh further established his versatility with projects like Maari, where "Maari Thara Local" emerged as a standout folk-infused hit, showcasing his ability to craft fun, rhythmic numbers that propelled the film's promotion and box-office buzz. The same year, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan allowed him to explore emotional depths, with tracks like "Yennai Maatrum Kadhale" delivering soulful melodies carried by strong vocal performances, earning praise for their heartfelt Rahman-esque touches amid the film's light-hearted narrative. These albums demonstrated Anirudh's shift toward stylistic experimentation, introducing elements of folk-electronic fusion through traditional instruments like nadaswaram blended with synths and modern production, appealing to diverse listeners while maintaining his signature high-energy vibe. By this period, he had composed for eight Tamil films, including Maan Karate (2014), I (2015), Vedalam (2015), and Romeo Juliet (2015), consistently delivering hits that boosted film soundtracks' commercial viability.[27][26][28]Anirudh's momentum continued into 2016 with Remo, a romantic comedy starring Sivakarthikeyan, where songs like "Senjitaley" and "Sirikkadhey" became romantic anthems, praised for their breezy, feel-good melodies that aligned with the film's playful tone. However, the year also saw a minor controversy when Anirudh, alongside actor Silambarasan, faced legal scrutiny for composing and releasing the unreleased "Beep Song," accused of containing obscene lyrics, leading to police summons under IPC and IT Act sections—though the issue was resolved without major repercussions. This period cemented Anirudh's status as a leading composer in Tamil cinema, known for his innovative soundscapes that fused traditional folk elements with electronic production to create infectious, youth-centric hits.[29][30]
2018–2022: Expansion to Telugu and Hindi films
In 2018, Anirudh Ravichander made his debut in Telugu cinema with the film Agnyathavaasi, directed by Trivikram Srinivas and starring Pawan Kalyan, where his composition "Gaali Vaaluga" became a popular track blending folk elements with contemporary beats.[31] This marked his expansion beyond Tamil cinema, leveraging his established style of energetic rhythms to appeal to Telugu audiences. The film's soundtrack received praise for its versatility, helping Anirudh gain traction in the industry.[32]Building on this, Anirudh composed the music for Gang Leader (2019), a Telugu action-comedy starring Nani and directed by Vikram K. Kumar. The album featured upbeat numbers like "Gangu Leader" and the melodic "Katharaayadam," with the latter's reprise version released by Anirudh himself during the pandemic lockdown, showcasing his engagement with fans through reimagined tracks.[33] The film's score contributed to its commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide and highlighting Anirudh's ability to craft genre-fitting soundtracks for ensemble casts.[34]In parallel, Anirudh continued strengthening his Tamil portfolio with high-profile collaborations. For Petta (2019), directed by Karthik Subbaraj and starring Rajinikanth, he delivered a mass-appeal album including the energetic "Petta Paraak" and the celebratory "Marana Mass," which amplified the film's rustic gangster theme and became staples in live performances.[35] The soundtrack's fusion of folk and electronic elements earned acclaim for enhancing Rajinikanth's larger-than-life persona, with the film opening to strong box-office collections exceeding ₹250 crore globally.[36]The year 2021 saw Anirudh's work in Doctor, a black comedy directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and starring Sivakarthikeyan, where his background score played a pivotal role in building tension and humor. Tracks like "Chellamma" and the intense "Doctor Theme" were lauded for their innovative use of percussion and minimalism, supporting the film's narrative of a doctor tackling a kidnapping case; the score was released separately as an album, underscoring its standalone impact.[37] Critics noted how the music elevated the film's pacing, contributing to its positive reception and earnings of around ₹100 crore.[38]Anirudh's expansion faced hurdles from the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed several projects due to lockdowns affecting filming and post-production. Adapting to multilingual demands, such as syncing lyrics across Tamil and Telugu versions, required Anirudh to collaborate closely with lyricists, ensuring cultural resonance while maintaining his signature high-energy style. This period solidified his versatility, setting the stage for broader pan-Indian appeal.
2023–present: Pan-Indian success and upcoming projects
In 2023, Anirudh Ravichander achieved significant pan-Indian acclaim through his compositions for several blockbuster films across Tamil and Hindi cinema. His work on Jailer, a Tamilaction comedy starring Rajinikanth and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, featured the track "Hukum", which became a viral sensation on social media platforms due to its energetic beats and Rajinikanth's performance, contributing to the film's commercial success. Later that year, Anirudh composed the soundtrack for Leo, a Tamil action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Vijay, which set records for pre-sales and box-office collections in the USA, surpassing previous 2023 releases like Jailer and Jawan.[39] His Hindi film venture Jawan, directed by Atlee and starring Shah Rukh Khan, topped music charts with hits like "Zinda Banda" and "Chaleya", marking Anirudh's strongest foothold in Bollywood.[40]Building on this momentum, 2024 saw Anirudh deliver soundtracks for high-profile projects, including Indian 2, the sequel to the 1996 film Indian, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by S. Shankar, where his compositions like "Paaraa" and "Kadharalz" were released ahead of the film's premiere, marking his first full collaboration with Haasan.[41] He also composed for Vettaiyan, a Tamil action drama directed by T. J. Gnanavel and starring Rajinikanth alongside Amitabh Bachchan, with tracks such as "Manasilaayo" receiving praise for blending mass appeal with emotional depth, further solidifying his rapport with Rajinikanth.[42] By this period, Anirudh had composed for over 20 films, establishing himself as the highest-paid music composer in South Indian cinema, commanding fees between ₹10–15 crore per project.[43]Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Anirudh's slate reflects his expanding pan-Indian presence, with confirmed and rumored collaborations announced throughout the year. For Jana Nayagan, a political action thriller directed by H. Vinoth and starring Vijay—potentially his final film—the first single, titled "Thalapathy Kacheri" (also referred to as the title track), was released on November 8, 2025, featuring Vijay's vocals and garnering immediate buzz.[44] He is confirmed for Coolie, Lokesh Kanagaraj's action thriller starring Rajinikanth, where Anirudh innovatively incorporated AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome creative blocks during composition, particularly for lyrics in flashback sequences.[45] Additionally, Anirudh is in advanced talks to compose for Chiyaan Vikram's Chiyaan 64, directed by Vishnu Edavan, and for Nandamuri Balakrishna's untitled project under Gopichand Malineni, signaling further Telugu expansions.[46][47]
Artistic profile
Musical style
Anirudh Ravichander's musical style is characterized by a high-energy fusion of electronic dance music (EDM) with Tamil folk and hip-hop elements, creating vibrant tracks that resonate with contemporary audiences.[48][49] This approach often features pulsating bass drops and trap beats, blending traditional rhythms with modern electronic production to deliver anthemic soundscapes.[48] His compositions emphasize short, hook-driven songs typically lasting 2 to 3 minutes, designed for quick engagement and virality on social media platforms.[49][50]Thematically, Ravichander excels in crafting youth anthems, such as high-octane party tracks, alongside romantic ballads that incorporate electronic drops for dynamic shifts in mood.[48][49] He frequently employs auto-tune and synthesizers to add a polished, contemporary edge, enhancing emotional depth while maintaining accessibility across genres.[48][49][50] These elements draw from his early training in Carnatic music, which subtly influences the melodic foundations of his otherwise experimental sound.[48]Over time, Ravichander's style has evolved from raw, demo-like compositions in his debut works to more sophisticated orchestrations that integrate global trends.[48] Post-2020, he has increasingly incorporated trap beats and diverse instrumentation, reflecting a shift toward pan-Indian and international appeal in films like Jawan.[48] This progression highlights his adaptability, moving from quirky, folk-infused demos to layered, high-production scores.[48][49]In production, Ravichander operates from his in-house studio in Chennai, where he experiments with synthesizers, guitars, and flutes to achieve a signature blend of electronic and classical influences.[48][50] He often collaborates with bilingual vocalists like Sid Sriram to infuse tracks with cross-lingual versatility, broadening their appeal in multilingual cinema.[48] This hands-on method ensures his music remains energetic and feedback-driven, prioritizing audience connection through iterative refinements.[51]
Influences and collaborations
Anirudh Ravichander has cited the fusion of Indian classical elements with contemporary sounds in A. R. Rahman's compositions as a significant influence, particularly appreciating Rahman's mentorship-like guidance in incorporating classical ragas for greater depth and longevity in his own work.[52] Rahman has publicly advised Anirudh to explore raga-based structures alongside his energetic style, praising his creativity while suggesting this blend could ensure enduring appeal beyond commercial films.[53]In terms of collaborations, Anirudh has formed a strong creative partnership with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, contributing scores to films such as Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023), with Kanagaraj stating in 2025 that he would "never do a film without Anirudh" due to their seamless synergy.[54] This duo extended to Coolie (2025), where they experimented with AI tools—Anirudh used ChatGPT to overcome a creative block in crafting lyrics for a track, while Kanagaraj employed AI for flashback scene generation—marking an innovative approach to production.[45][55] Anirudh has also frequently collaborated with director H. Vinoth on projects like Jana Nayagan (2026), a political action thriller starring Vijay.[56]Anirudh's work often features recurring actor partnerships, including five films with Vijay—Kaththi (2014), Master (2021), Beast (2022), Leo (2023), and Jana Nayagan (2026)—and four with Rajinikanth—Petta (2019), Darbar (2020), Jailer (2023), and Coolie (2025).[57] For Jana Nayagan, composer Ghibran endorsed Vinoth's selection of Anirudh, emphasizing that directors have no obligation to repeat collaborators and expressing support for the choice.[58] On the lyrical front, Vignesh Shivan has penned words for Anirudh's early hits, such as tracks in Thaanaa Serndha Koottam (2018) and Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), contributing to their youthful, relatable vibe.[59] In Telugu projects, Sri Mani has provided lyrics for several Anirudh compositions, enhancing their regional appeal.Vocal collaborations highlight Anirudh's versatility, with Dhanush serving as a frequent playback singer on tracks like those in Master and Petta, bringing raw emotional delivery to his beats.[60]Sunidhi Chauhan has lent her voice to Hindi and bilingual numbers, including "Two Two Two" from Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal (2022) and "Darling Dambakku" from Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014), infusing high-energy flair into crossover songs.[61]
Other activities
Playback singing
Anirudh Ravichander debuted as a playback singer in the soundtrack of his breakthrough film 3 (2012), providing vocals for "Kannazhaga" alongside Dhanush and Shruti Haasan, as well as "Idhazhin Oram" with Ajesh Ashok. The album's lead single "Why This Kolaveri Di", composed by him and sung by Dhanush, became a global viral hit with over 100 million views, establishing Anirudh's early reputation in the industry and highlighting his multifaceted role in music production.[62][63]Throughout his career, Anirudh has frequently sung lead or featured vocals in his own compositions, favoring high-energy tracks that leverage his raspy, dynamic delivery to create anthemic, crowd-pleasing numbers. Notable self-sung highlights include "Anirudh's Experience" from 3 (2012), a personal title track that captured his youthful enthusiasm, "Vaathi Coming" from Master (2021), a motivational mass song that topped charts and amassed billions of streams, and "Marana Mass" from Petta (2019), known for its pulsating rhythm and celebratory vibe. In 2023, he collaborated on "Chaleya" from Jawan, contributing energetic verses that complemented Arijit Singh's melody, further showcasing his versatility in pan-Indian projects.By 2025, Anirudh has accumulated over 20 playback singing credits, predominantly in title tracks and upbeat songs that emphasize his raw, high-octane vocal timbre, often enhancing the mass appeal of South Indian film soundtracks.[64]
Anirudh Ravichander's live performance career gained momentum following the success of his debut film score for 3 (2012), though major solo concerts emerged in the mid-2010s. His early shows included high-energy appearances at international venues as part of the inaugural "Anirudh Live in Concert" series, starting with a performance in Singapore in July 2014, followed by his first solo concert in Malaysia at Sunway Lagoon on January 31, 2015.[65][66] These events featured medleys of his breakthrough hits like "Why This Kolaveri Di," drawing enthusiastic crowds and establishing his stage presence as a key aspect of his appeal. By December 2015, the tour expanded to North America with a sold-out show at the Powerade Centre in Toronto, Canada, attended by thousands of fans.[67]From 2015 onward, Anirudh hosted annual "Anirudh Live" events, evolving into full-scale world tours that showcased his ability to blend electronic beats, rock elements, and Tamil cinema anthems in live settings. These concerts emphasized fan engagement through interactive segments, including crowd sing-alongs and custom medleys of tracks from films like Ethir Neechal (2013) and Imman (2013). The tours grew in scope, incorporating elaborate stage productions with LED visuals and guest vocalists, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic performer beyond studio work.[68][69]A significant milestone came with the "Hukum World Tour" in 2024–2025, which spanned over 20 cities across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and India, marking his most ambitious outing to date. The tour kicked off in the US with stops in Chicago (August 17, 2024), Oakland (August 24, 2024), Dallas (August 31, 2024), New York (September 7, 2024), and Toronto (September 14, 2024), followed by performances in London at The O2 Arena (April 2024) and Dubai (February 10, 2024).[70][71][72] Highlights included the Chennai leg, initially scheduled for July 26, 2025, at Thiruvidanthai but postponed due to overwhelming ticket demand that exceeded venue capacity; it was rescheduled to August 23, 2025, at MARG Swarnabhoomi on the East Coast Road, attracting over 50,000 attendees.[73][74] The event featured high-octane renditions of recent hits from Vikram (2022) and Jailer (2023), with medleys that had fans chanting along throughout the night.The tour faced a brief controversy in August 2025 when a Tamil Nadu MLA filed a petition in the Madras High Court against the Chennai concert, citing concerns over traffic disruptions, public inconvenience, and potential noise pollution along the East Coast Road. The court resolved the matter on August 22, 2025, by refusing to halt the event but directing organizers and police to adhere strictly to safety protocols, including noise limits and traffic management, allowing the show to proceed without further interruption.[75][76]In October 2025, Anirudh delivered an energetic performance at the Kalaimamani Awards ceremony in Chennai, where he also received the prestigious honor for Best Music Composer (2023), presented by Tamil NaduChief MinisterM.K. Stalin; the set included celebratory medleys honoring his 13-year career, captivating the audience of industry peers and fans.[77][78]
Works
Film scores as composer
Anirudh Ravichander debuted as a film composer in 2012 with the Tamil film 3, marking the start of his prolific career in Indian cinema. By November 2025, he has composed scores for over 35 films, primarily in Tamil cinema, with additional contributions to Telugu and Hindi films. His work spans a range of genres, from action thrillers to romantic dramas, often blending high-energy beats with melodic elements.[79][80]
The soundtracks composed by Ravichander have significantly boosted the box-office performance of these films.[82]Among his pending projects are Jana Nayagan (2026 release) and an untitled film with Balakrishna (TBA 2026).[83][84]
Discography highlights
Anirudh Ravichander's debut soundtrack for the 2012 film 3 featured five songs that marked his breakthrough, with the track "Why This Kolaveri Di" becoming a global viral sensation, amassing over 558 million views on YouTube.[85]The 2023 Jailer soundtrack, comprising six tracks, showcased his energetic fusion style, highlighted by "Kaavaalaa," which has garnered more than 131 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025.[86] Similarly, his composition for Jawan that year included the upbeat "Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya," which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard India Songs chart, contributing to the album's pan-Indian resonance through bilingual Tamil and Hindi versions.[87]Beyond film scores, Ravichander has ventured into non-film releases, notably reworking "Hukum" from Jailer as a standalone single in 2023, which evolved into a high-energy tour anthem for his 2024-2025 Hukum World Tour, blending mass appeal with live performance dynamics.[88] His tracks have earned multiple Filmfare nominations, including for playback singing and music direction, underscoring their commercial and critical impact. The Leo soundtrack from 2023 further amplified his streaming dominance, with individual songs like "Naa Ready" driving collective plays toward his overall catalog.By late 2025, Ravichander's music had surpassed 12 billion streams on Spotify, reflecting his pan-Indian strategy of producing bilingual and multilingual versions to broaden accessibility across regions.[89] On November 8, 2025, the first single from the upcoming Jana Nayagan, titled "Thalapathy Kacheri," was released to immediate buzz, featuring his signature rhythmic intensity and vocals by lead actor Vijay.[90][91]
Awards and nominations
Filmfare and SIIMA Awards
Anirudh Ravichander has garnered significant recognition from the Filmfare Awards South and the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) for his compositions and vocal performances in Tamil cinema. These national-level honors highlight his versatility, with wins primarily in music direction and playback singing categories, often tied to high-impact films that blend energetic scores with emotional depth.At the Filmfare Awards South, Ravichander secured two wins. He won Best Music Director for the soundtrack of Velaiyilla Pattadhari (2014), praised for its youthful pep and chart-topping tracks like "Selfie Pulla" that captured urban Tamil youth culture. His second win came as Best Male Playback Singer for "Yaanji" from Vikram Vedha (2018), where his soulful rendition added emotional layers to the thriller's narrative.[92] He has received over 10 nominations across categories, including Best Music Director for Leo (2024), reflecting his consistent influence in contemporary Tamil soundtracks.[93] Notably, Ravichander earned his first nomination at the main Filmfare Awards (Hindi) for Best Music Director for Jawan (2023), marking a milestone in his expansion to Bollywood with its fusion of high-octane tracks and patriotic anthems.[94]Ravichander's accolades at SIIMA are more extensive, with 10 wins that underscore his dominance in South Indian music. Early recognition included Best Music Director for Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014), establishing his breakthrough style of rhythmic, youth-oriented compositions. Subsequent victories encompass Best Music Director for Vikram (2023), lauded for its intense action cues, and a dual win for Jailer and Leo (2024), where tracks like "Hukum" and "Badass" exemplified his flair for mass-appeal anthems.[95] He also won Best Male Playback Singer for "Badass" from Leo (2024), showcasing his vocal prowess in high-energy performances.[95] These honors, particularly the 2023–2024 sweep including nominations for Jawan and Leo, contributed to a total of 12 trophies from Filmfare and SIIMA by 2025, solidifying his status as a leading composer.[96]
Year
Award
Category
Work
Notes
2014
Filmfare South
Best Music Director – Tamil
Velaiyilla Pattadhari
Win for debut major hit soundtrack.
2018
Filmfare South
Best Male Playback Singer – Tamil
"Yaanji" (Vikram Vedha)
Win for emotive rendition.[92]
2024
Filmfare (Hindi)
Best Music Director
Jawan
First nomination in Hindi category.[94]
2014
SIIMA
Best Music Director – Tamil
Velaiilla Pattadhari
Early career breakthrough.
2023
SIIMA
Best Music Director – Tamil
Vikram
For thriller's pulsating score.[96]
2024
SIIMA
Best Music Director – Tamil
Jailer and Leo
Dual win for mass entertainers.[95]
2024
SIIMA
Best Male Playback Singer – Tamil
"Badass" (Leo)
Vocal performance highlight.[95]
State honors and other recognitions
In 2023, Anirudh Ravichander was conferred the Kalaimamani Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the state's highest civilian honor for contributions to arts and culture, specifically recognizing his work as the best music composer.[97] The award, announced in September 2025 covering the years 2021–2023, was presented by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin in October 2025, honoring Ravichander alongside other prominent figures in Tamil cinema and music.[6][98]Beyond state honors, Ravichander has received several notable recognitions for his musical contributions across Indian cinema. In 2024, he won the Best Music Director award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival for his score in the Hindi film Jawan.[99] Earlier that year, he was named Youth Icon (Popular Choice) at the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year Awards 2023, acknowledging his widespread influence on younger audiences through hits like those from Jawan.[7] In 2025, Ravichander secured three wins at the Clef Music Awards for his work on the Telugu film Devara: Part 1, including Best Music Director, Best Background Score, and Best Film Song.[100]