Top 10 South Indian Music Directors

Music is the soul of cinema. Music gives the movie a feel and emotion, and the music itself is a story to tell. We often forget about the contribution of music to cinema. We can’t imagine a single movie without music. Either through songs or background music, music is part of cinema itself. A music director is as essential as a Director in making a film. South India has got some of the best talent in the world. These music directors connected to the world through their music and stole the hearts of moviegoers and musicophiles all around the globe. Today let us see some of the best talents from South India who continue to mesmerize us through their music.

1. AR Rahman

Allah Rakha Rahman, commonly referred to as AR Rahman, is arguably the best music composer in India. He was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and most of his work is dominated by Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu. He is a music composer, singer, musician, songwriter, etc. His works include Slumdog Millionaire, Ye Maya Chesave, Ok Kanmani, Ponniyin Selvan, I, Mersal, Atrangi Re, Roja, Dil Se, Jodha Akbar, and many more beautiful movies. This man composed all the best films and received an Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire.

2. Anirudh Ravichander

Anirudh is a Tamil music composer, music producer, singer, etc. He predominantly works in Tamil and Telugu cinemas. He is also the nephew of Superstar Rajinikanth. He is one of the youngest music directors; everyone is really into his music. Those days were when “Why this Kolavari di” got so famous, and the man behind it was Anirudh. From then, he never looked back, giving us some of the best tunes we had ever heard. His works include Master, Vikram, Beast, Jersey, Gangleader, 3, Kaththi, Maari, etc.

3. Ilaiyaraaja

Ilaiyaraaja is a composer, musician, conductor, operator, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, singer, etc. He is known for his work in Tamil and Telugu cinema. He also has a nickname of Isaignani (the musical genius). He has composed around 7000 songs for over 1000 films. He is often referred to as Maestro. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan. His work includes Viduthalai, Mouna Ragam, Nayakan, Geethanjali, etc.

4. MM Keeravani

MM Keeravani is a music composer, producer, singer, and lyricist. He works predominantly for Telugu films. He recently won Oscar for the Naatu Naatu song of RRR, which earned him international recognition. He also has a Golden Globe, LAFCA award, Padma Shri, National Film award, 8 Filmfare awards, and 11 Nandi awards. His work includes RRR, Baahubali, Eega, Magadheera, Annamayya, Pelli sandadi, Chatrapathi, etc.

5. Mani Sharma

Mani Sharma is a music composer and multi-instrumentalist born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He works primarily in Telugu and Tamil cinema. His best works include Pokiri, Kushi, Billa, Okkadu, Athadu, Parugu, Murari, Ismart Shankar, Indra, etc. He also works In Kannada and Hindi films. He also has 2 Nandi awards, 3 Filmfare, and 3 Mirchi Music awards.

6. Harris Jayaraj

Another Kollywood composer who never misses stealing our hearts with his magical composition is Harris Jayaraj. He predominantly worked in Tamil and Telugu cinema, with two films in Hindi. His work includes Vaaranam Aayiram, Orange, 7aum Arivu, Maattrraaan, Ghajini, Gharshana, etc.

7. Devi Sri Prasad

Devi Sri Prasad, commonly called DSP, is a film composer, lyricist, singer, songwriter, and performer. He is best known for his work in Telugu and Tamil movies. He also composed for a few Hindi movies. Some of his works include Aarya, Rangasthalam, Jalsa, Pushpa, Attarintiki Daredi, Manmadhudu, Janatha Garage, Gabbar Singh, Mirchi, Bommarillu and many more. There was a time when no movie happened without him, and people were really into his music.

8. SS Thaman

Ghantasala Sai Srinivas, commonly called SS Thaman, is a music composer and professional drummer. He works predominantly in Telugu and Tamil cinema. Coming from a great family, he started playing drums at 3. His work includes Ala Vaikuntapuramlo, Businessman, Kick, Baadshah, Balupu, Kaanchana, Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, etc.

9. Yuvan Shankar Raja

The son of the music maestro is a maestro himself. Yuvan Shankar Raja is the son of Ilaiyaraaja. He predominantly works in Tamil cinema. He is a soundtrack composer, singer, and songwriter. His works include Mankatha, Billa, love today, Manmadhan, Mounam Pesiyadhe, Paruthiveeran, etc.

10. GV Prakash Kumar

GV Prakash Kumar is a music composer, playback singer, actor, and producer. He is known for his work in Tamil cinema. He also composed for a few Telugu movies. His work includes Raja Rani, Darling, Theri, Vaathi, Aayirathil Oruvan, Soorarai Pottru, etc.