Music composer SS Thaman has bagged the Best Music Director Award (Songs), at the 68th National Film Awards announced by government of India on Friday. The music director won the award for the Telugu film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. It is to be noted that it is the first time Thaman has bagged the award.
Speaking to CE after the announcement, the composer said, "I am really clueless and was pleasantly surprised to bag this award. Making the Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo album is the best thing that has ever happened in my career. I am honoured and humbled to receive this award and I believe it's a collaborative work. I dedicate this award to Bunny (Allu Arjun) garu and Trivikram Srinivas garu and it's only because of them that I have received this honour. I know what all I went through in the process of making Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo songs. Also, credit to late Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry garu for penning such soothing and soulful lyrics. I thank God, my producers Radha Krishna garu and Vamsi garu, my hero and everyone who supported me in this journey. Without them, I am nothing."
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo is directed by Trivikram Srinivas and stars actors Allu Arjun and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles. The film attained its nationwide recognition with its super hit song Butta Bomma. The peppy song has gained the attention of the entire nation.
The film’s music achieved great feat, with it being the first Indian feature film soundtrack to have earned more than one billion views on YouTube. On YouTube's Top 10 Indian Music Videos, Butta Bomma and Ramulooo Ramulaa became the only South Indian songs that have been listed in 2020.