The Tamil film industry is buzzing with excitement over Sai Abhyankkar, a 20-year-old music composer who is quickly becoming a household name. From viral independent hits to landing some of the biggest film projects in South India, Sai’s journey is turning heads and raising one big question: Is he Kollywood’s next big music director?
Viral Hits That Took Over Social Media
Sai Abhyankkar first made waves with his independent singles “Katchi Sera” and “Aasa Kooda.” These songs didn’t just trend—they exploded in popularity. “Katchi Sera” became the most-streamed Tamil song of 2024 on Spotify, and both tracks crossed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. The catchy melodies and fresh rhythms made Sai a favorite among young listeners, and his music quickly spread across Instagram reels and YouTube shorts.
A Breakthrough into Big Films
Sai’s big break in cinema came with the film Benz, directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan and presented by Lokesh Kanagaraj. This film is part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, which includes hits like Leo and Vikram, making Sai only the third composer to join this elite group.
The anticipation for Benz is high, with fans eager to hear what this young composer will bring to the table.
But the real shock came when Sai was chosen as the music director for Suriya 45, replacing Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman. The film, directed by RJ Balaji and starring Suriya and Trisha, has created a huge buzz. Industry experts and fans see this as a bold move, and many are excited to see what Sai’s fresh sound will add to the film.
Related: Jana Nayagan Release Date Announced: Vijay’s Final Film to Release on Pongal 2026
More Big Projects on the Horizon
Sai’s schedule is quickly filling up with major projects. He is set to compose music for Silambarasan’s STR 49 and STR 51, as well as a film by director Pradeep Ranganathan.
Perhaps most notably, he will be working with Allu Arjun and director Atlee on a high-profile film that is already making waves across the South Indian film industry.
Positive Reactions from Fans and Industry
The response to Sai’s rise has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is full of praise for his appointment to Suriya 45, with many calling it a “fresh and young combo.” Even though replacing a legend like A.R. Rahman sparked debate, most agree that Sai’s youthful energy could bring a new sound to Tamil cinema.
Industry veterans, including composer Santhosh Narayanan, have congratulated Sai and called his entry a much-needed boost for new talent in Tamil film music.
Related: Sundeep Kishan Cast as Lead in Jason Sanjay’s Debut Direction
What Makes Sai Abhyankkar Stand Out?
Sai’s appeal comes from his ability to blend independent music with mainstream cinema. As the son of playback singers Tippu and Harini, he has music in his blood.
His unique style mixes traditional Tamil sounds with modern beats, and he is known for creating music that connects emotionally with listeners. Sai also credits his success to hard work and staying true to his artistic vision.
Conclusion: A Rising Star to Watch
With viral hits, big-budget films, and support from both fans and industry leaders, Sai Abhyankkar is more than just a rising star—he’s changing the face of Kollywood music.
As he continues to take on projects with some of the biggest names in the industry, all eyes are on Sai to see if he will shape the next era of Tamil film music. If his current success is anything to go by, Kollywood may have indeed found its next big music director.
