Tamil Cinema has been reaching new heights with its’ stories, direction and acting. But one more crucial aspect of Kollywood has improved. It is none other than the music. In an era where music composers have to compete heavily to stay in the market, one man has continued to prove his worth and is getting better with each movie. Despite having been in the industry for only 7 years, Santosh Narayanan’s growth is extraordinary and inspiring to upcoming music directors. From debutant actors to the top stars, he’s worked with them all.

After finishing a degree in B.E. Computer Science and Engineering from Trichy, one can only imagine the efforts and courage it would have taken to shift careers. Santosh Narayanan first worked as a recording engineer, programmer and arranger, before getting his big break as a music composer. From then on he has been unstoppable. Whether its melody, gaana or kuthu, this man has got all tricks in the bag. Starting off with the film ‘Attakathi’ in 2012, he delivered two catchy hits ‘Aadi Pona Aavani’ and ‘Nadukadalula Kappala’ which were highly appreciated and seen as a return of gaana songs into Tamil cinema. One can be sure that these songs will always be remembered. Don’t just the names get us humming them?

His music for his following films Pizza and Soodhu Kavvum also appealed to the masses. The backgorund score for Pizza and the songs of Soodhu Kavvum played a huge role in the success of the films. His beaty song 'Kasu Panam' sung by Gaana Bala, emerged as a big hit in the year 2013. It’s not a surprise therefore that within his first few ventures, Santosh Narayanan began to bag well desrved awards.

In 2014 and 2015, the stellar composer then went on to work in films such as ‘Cuckoo’, ‘Jigarthanda’, ‘Madras’ and ’36 Vayathinile’, having their fair share of songs of various genres. Whether its 'Naan Nee' from 'Madras', ‘Manasala Soora Kaathey’ from ‘Cuckoo’ ‘Kannamma’ from ‘Jigarthanda’, or ‘Raasathi’ from ’36 Vayathinile’, his music had a fresh quality to it. With new movies every year, songs keep pouring in, but even after 5 years, these songs continue to play frequently on TV, beacuse honestly he’s got us all hooked.

2016 emerged as a big year for the composer who worked in 7 films. With hit albums in the films ‘Irudhi Suttru’, ‘Manithan’ and ‘Kodi’, his fame and fan following increased greatly. Then came the opportunity to work with Superstar Rajnikanth in ‘Kabali’, one that Santosh Narayanan pulled off with absolute style with his songs such as ‘Neruppu Da’ and ‘Maya Nadhi’. With another mega success in 2017 with ‘Thangachi’ and ‘Enga Veetu Kuthuvilakkey’ in ‘Meyaadha Maan’, the composer continued his dream run.

2018 also proved to be a great year for the super talented composer who delivered hits such as ‘Thanga Sela’ from Kaala, and ‘Ennadi Maayavi Nee’ and ‘Goindhammavaala’ from ‘Vada Chennai.’ It is a big feat to compose movie for a silent film with no dialogues, and no one could have done it better than Santosh Narayanan himself. His music set the complete mood for the film ‘Mercury’, elevating the viewing experience and making us jump in our seats every now and then. Now in 2019, we await the compositions for his latest films, A1 and Gypsy, which based on his past record, are likely to be sure shot hits.

What does set Santosh Narayanan apart from his contemporaries though? It could be his kickass BGMs we heard in ‘Kabali’, ‘Bairavaa’ and ‘Soodhu Kavuum’. Or his melt-worthy melodies from ‘Irudhi Suttru’, ‘Madras’, ‘Manithan’ and ‘Kodi’. Or his adept way of matching a story and the music so well, we feel it’s just meant to be. One thing we can see is that he’s keeping his fans happy, and at the end of the day, that’s what counts the most.

On this May 15th, 2019 as big big fans of his music, we wish the versatile, sema skilled and gifted music composer Santosh Narayanan, a very happy birthday, and lots of luck in all his upcoming ventures.