Composer Santhosh Narayanan takes sounds from the streets—and funerals—of Tamil Nadu, keeps their socio-cultural currency intact and channels them into blockbusters, calling on rappers, rockers and folk singers for an innovative style on each soundtrack. • He worked as an assistant under A. R. Rahman before his big break into composing with 2012’s Attakathi, where he emphasised the raw voice of Gana Bala. • When briefly part of Tamil folk/fusion band La Pongal, Narayanan formed a close friendship with and found a collaborator in blues singer-songwriter turned film composer/singer Sean Roldan, making country-leaning songs like “Hoo Haa” for Jigarthanda in 2014. • Often commissioned for soundtracks to socially conscious films by directors like Pa. Ranjith and Mari Selvaraj, Narayanan has created an intense marriage of Tamil rhythms, electronic and rock on songs such as “Rakita Rakita Rakita” (2020). • As a fan of Kendrick Lamar, Narayanan invokes havoc with rappers like Arunraja Kamaraj (“Neruppu Da” from 2016’s Kabali), Yogi B on “Katravai Patravai” and Dopeadelicz on “Semma Wieghtu” (both from 2018’s Kaala). • In 2021, his deft combination of pop songwriting and folk foundations underpinned singer Dhee and rapper Arivu’s heritage-celebrating hit “Enjoy Enjaami”. • As well as being inspired by Tamil composing legends like Ilaiyaraaja and M. S. Viswanathan, Hindi music’s earliest stalwart R. D. Burman and others; Narayanan also draws from feted jazz artists Pat Metheny, Jacob Collier and Norah Jones.