Sai Abhyankar’s rise reshaping South Indian music space
At just 20 years old, Sai Abhyankar is fast becoming a household name in Indian music circles. Known for his viral hits like Katchi Sera and Aasa Kooda, the young composer-singer has taken the industry by storm, even before officially debuting as a feature film music director. From delivering chart-topping indie singles to landing high-profile film projects across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, Sai is setting a record-breaking pace that few can match.
Sai Abhyankar lands 8 films across industries, even before debut release
It’s not common for a composer to bag multiple high-budget films before a theatrical debut, but Sai Abhyankar seems to be an exception. Currently, he has eight feature films lined up across different South Indian languages a rare feat for a debutant.
In Tamil, he’s composing for ‘Dude’, directed by Keerthiswaran and starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju. He’s also working on ‘Karuppu’, a much-anticipated film starring Suriya and Trisha, helmed by RJ Balaji.
In the Malayalam-Tamil bilingual space, he’s part of director Unni Sivalingam’s film featuring Shane Nigam. His other major project includes the LCU (Lokesh Kanagaraj Universe) film ‘Benz’, directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan and starring Raghava Lawrence.
But that’s not all. Ramkumar Balakrishnan has roped him in for an untitled film starring Simbu, while director Tamizh is teaming him with Karthi for a film titled ‘Marshal’. He’s also expected to compose for Vinayak Chandrasekaran’s project with Siva Karthikeyan, though the official title is yet to be announced.
And perhaps the biggest deal? Sai will compose for Atlee’s magnum opus with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22XA6. It’s an opportunity that puts him directly on the national map, even before his first feature soundtrack drops.
Sai Abhyankar blends indie charm with cinematic ambition
Long before these film offers, Sai Abhyankar had already captured the attention of music lovers with his independently released singles. His breakout track Katchi Sera went viral on social media and established him as a fresh voice. Following that, Aasa Kooda crossed 100 million views an unheard-of number for an independent Tamil track.
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His third single Sithira Puthiri released in early 2025 and was appreciated for its emotional depth and melody. His latest single, ‘Vizhi Veekura’, has once again grabbed listeners, combining heartfelt lyrics by Adesh Krishna with Sai’s signature emotional musicality. Featuring vocals by Sai Smriti, Arjun, John, and Vasks, the track reflects Sai’s collaborative and experimental nature.
What truly sets Sai apart is his ability to infuse independent music textures with cinematic flair, making his work appealing both to film audiences and non-film music lovers. His sound is youthful, rich in emotion, and technically refined all while remaining accessible.
Handling the pressure of big banners and expectations
Landing a film in the Lokesh Kanagaraj Universe or an Atlee film starring Allu Arjun comes with immense expectations. Yet, Sai remains grounded. Speaking about the LCU film, he said, “I feel no pressure. I just want to bring something original to the table and give this universe a fresh sound.”
The pressure to deliver is real, especially when composing alongside or following established names. But Sai believes in staying true to his instinctive style one that focuses on melody and emotion rather than hype.
Conclusion:
Sai Abhyankar’s journey is just beginning, but the milestones he has already achieved speak volumes. At just 20, with indie viral hits, a steady fanbase, and eight major films in hand, he is carving a path few in the industry have walked before. Whether it’s blending heartfelt tunes with modern sounds or working across industries and genres, Sai is clearly here to redefine the new age of Indian music one soundtrack at a time.
