Santhosh Narayanan

Santhosh Narayanan, born on May 15, 1983, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is one of Tamil cinema’s most innovative and acclaimed music composers. A classically trained musician with a degree from the Trinity College of Music, London, he brings a unique blend of Western and Indian musical sensibilities to his compositions.

Santhosh made his debut as a music director with Pa. Ranjith’s “Attakathi” (2012), beginning a prolific collaboration that has produced some of Tamil cinema’s most distinctive soundtracks. His work on “Madras” (2014), “Kabali” (2016) with Rajinikanth, “Kaala” (2018), and “Sarpatta Parambarai” (2021) showcased his ability to create music that blends hip-hop, gaana, folk, and classical elements with raw, contemporary energy.

His soundtrack for Vetrimaaran’s “Vada Chennai” (2018) was widely praised for its atmospheric quality, and his work on “Karnan” (2021) earned him multiple awards. Other notable works include “Iraivi” (2016), “Jigarthanda DoubleX” (2023), and “Thangalaan” (2024). He has won multiple Filmfare Awards for Best Music Director (Tamil) and several other accolades.

Known for discovering and promoting independent singers and artists from marginalised backgrounds, particularly gaana singers from North Chennai, Santhosh Narayanan has been instrumental in bringing underground Tamil music to mainstream cinema. His experimental approach and commitment to authentic, rooted soundscapes have made him one of the most respected and influential composers in contemporary Tamil cinema.