Sai Abhyankkar: The Viral Hitmaker Taking South Indian Cinema by Storm

Sai Abhyankkar is swiftly becoming one of the most talked-about composers in the South Indian music scene. Known for his viral hits Katchi Sera and Aasa Kooda, he made a strong impression on social media and among young listeners.

Now transitioning into film music, Sai has quickly worked his way into high-profile projects in both Tamil and Telugu cinema.

His collaborations already include stars like Suriya, Silambarasan, and Allu Arjun, and directors such as RJ Balaji, Bakkiyaraj Kannan, and Atlee.

Cinematic Breakthroughs and Major Opportunities

Sai’s film debut came with Benz, a project directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan and produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for Leo and Vikram.

Starring Raghava Lawrence, Benz is reportedly part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), marking a highly anticipated entry for the young composer.

The defining moment in his career so far is his inclusion in Suriya 45, where he steps in as a replacement for the Oscar-winning A.R. Rahman.

Though the reason behind Rahman’s exit remains unclear, the project directed by RJ Balaji and starring Suriya and Trisha has already created massive anticipation.

Reflecting on this turning point, Sai wrote on social media (as reported by India Today, December 9, 2024): “I saw its first-look poster, like, one year ago. I thought who would do its music since it seemed like a biggie at that time too? By God’s grace, it is me.”

Backed by Industry Veterans

The music industry has enthusiastically welcomed Sai’s transition to mainstream cinema. Composer Santhosh Narayanan expressed his support on Twitter:
“Congratulations Sai kutty. The long-awaited boost of new composers to Tamil film music is here and how!”

Sai’s career momentum continues to build. In addition to Benz and Suriya 45, he is composing music for STR 49 and STR 51, both starring Silambarasan.

He is also working on a film with Love Today director Pradeep Ranganathan, featuring Mamitha Baiju.

Perhaps the most anticipated of all is his upcoming collaboration with Allu Arjun in a project directed by Atlee, expected to begin filming in mid-2025.

Independent Roots and Musical Style

Before entering the film industry, Sai made waves in the independent music space. His breakout track Katchi Sera, released under Think Indie, became a global sensation in 2024.

This was followed by Aasa Kooda, featuring Preity Mukundhan, which gained over 200 million views and further solidified his popularity.

Remarkably, on the same day Aasa Kooda was released, Sai signed his first film project, Benz. He became only the third composer to work on a Lokesh Kanagaraj production, joining an elite circle.

Musical Heritage and Training

Sai comes from a musically gifted family. His parents, Tippu and Harini, are renowned playback singers. His sister, Sai Smriti, is also a singer.

Raised in Virugambakkam, Chennai, he studied at the DAV Group of Schools and earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from NIT Tiruchirappalli.

Sai received Carnatic training from vocalist Sriram Parthasarathy. He is a multi-instrumentalist, skilled in playing the tabla, mridangam, piano, drums, and guitar.

One of his standout qualities is his instinctive approach to composing music—he avoids reference tracks and relies solely on emotion.

Looking Ahead

Combining indie success, classical roots, and a contemporary sound, Sai Abhyankkar is shaping up to be one of the most promising young talents in Indian film music.

His rapid climb—from viral hits to scoring for top-tier stars—signals a broader industry shift toward embracing young, fresh voices.

With numerous big-ticket projects on the horizon, Sai is not just a rising name—he’s becoming a force to reckon with in South Indian music.