Background score (BGM) plays a crucial role in the success of movies, especially action films or big event films featuring Tier 1 star heroes. Without a strong background score or hit songs, films often face disappointment in the music department.
In 2024, there were four major star-studded Telugu releases. Among them, only one music director stood out for delivering a background score that elevated the film and created buzz: Tamil music director Anirudh Ravichander for Devara.
Both the Devara songs and the background score were widely received, and Anirudh is rightly considered the winner of 2024 among Telugu music directors.
In comparison, Santhosh Narayanan who composed the music and background score for Prabhas’s Kalki 2898 AD, received severe criticism. Many even demanded his replacement for the Kalki sequel.
Thaman, who delivered a chartbuster song for Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Karam, provided an utterly forgettable background score. No one remembered or discussed Thaman’s contribution in BGM department.
For Pushpa 2, multiple music directors were involved, leading to controversies, but finally, Devi Sri Prasad and Sam C.S. delivered a good background score, especially during key sequences like the Jathara scene.
Overall, Anirudh’s contribution in 2024 stands out as the best among Telugu star hero films when it comes to background scores, enhancing the films’ impact and success. However, Pushpa 2 is an exception due to uncertainty surrounding the allocation of BGM credits for various blocks.
