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{{short description|Indian music composer|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{short description|Indian music composer|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{for|the 2008 bus shooting|Shooting of Rahul Raj }}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name         = Rahul Raj
| name             = Rahul Raj
| image       =Rahul Raj BNC.jpg
| image             = Rahul Raj BNC.jpg
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1978|03|17|df=y}}
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}}
| origin       = [[Cochin]], Kerala, India
| birth_place       = [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]], India
| instrument  = [[Piano]], [[Electronic keyboard|keyboards]], [[MIDI keyboard|MIDI Master keyboards]], synthesizer, guitar, drums
| occupation        = {{hlist|[[Music Composer]]| [[Orchestration|orchestrator]]|Record producer|Music director| singer}}
| genre        = [[Film score]]s, soundtracks, albums
| years_active      = 2007–present
| occupation  = [[Music Composer|composer]], [[Orchestration|orchestrator]], conductor, record producer, music director, singer, arranger, [[programmer]]
| module            = {{Infobox musical artist
| years_active = 2007–present
| embed=yes
| instrument  = {{hlist|[[Piano]]|[[Electronic keyboard]]| [[MIDI keyboard|MIDI Master keyboards]]|[[synthesizer]]|guitar|drums}}
| genre        = {{hlist|[[Film score]]|[[Filmi]]|[[World music]]|[[Classical music|Classical]]}}
| label        = {{hlist|[[Sony Music]]|[[Satyam Audios]]|[[Muzik 247]]|[[Manorama Music]]|Saina Music}}
| website      =  
| website      =  
}}
}}
}}


'''Rahul Raj''' is an Indian music composer. He has composed and produced [[Film score|scores]] and soundtracks for [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] movies. He is an alumnus of the prestigious [[Berklee College of Music]] and holds a postgraduate degree in scoring for films, TV and video games.
'''Rahul Raj''' is an Indian music composer. He has composed and produced [[Film score|scores]] and soundtracks predominantly for [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] movies. He is an alumnus of the prestigious [[Berklee College of Music]] and holds a postgraduate degree in scoring for films, TV and video games.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Rahul Raj was born on 17 March 1978 in [[Cochin|Kochi]] to Advocate E. Thankappan and N. S. Kunjoonjamma. His schooling was in [[Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Elamakkara]] [[Cochin]]. He has one sister, Rehna Raj. From the age of 6, he was trained in Mridangam (South Indian Percussion instrument) and Carnatic Music. He graduated as an IT Engineer from CUSAT, Cochin and later on pursued courses such as CCNP and CCIE in Bangalore ILloka networks, before moving to London.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/INTERVIEW-OF-THE-WEEK-Chasing-The-Music-Of-Heart |title=Archived copy |access-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026192834/http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/INTERVIEW-OF-THE-WEEK-Chasing-The-Music-Of-Heart |archive-date=26 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPcjXhjE1Es|title=I Personally - Rahul Raj - Part 01 Kappa TV|website=YouTube|access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>
Rahul Raj was born in [[Cochin|Kochi]] to Advocate E. Thankappan and N. S. Kunjoonjamma. His schooling was in Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Elamakkara [[Kochi]]. He has one sister, Rehna Raj. From the age of 6, he was trained in [[Mridangam]] and Carnatic Music. He graduated as an IT Engineer from CUSAT, Kochi and later on pursued courses such as CCNP and CCIE in Bangalore ILloka networks, before moving to London.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/INTERVIEW-OF-THE-WEEK-Chasing-The-Music-Of-Heart |title=INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK: Chasing the Music of Heart - Trivandrum News &#124; Yentha.com |access-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026192834/http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/INTERVIEW-OF-THE-WEEK-Chasing-The-Music-Of-Heart |archive-date=26 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPcjXhjE1Es|title=I Personally - Rahul Raj - Part 01 Kappa TV|website=YouTube|date=31 March 2013 |access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>


During his stint in London, he underwent training in Electronic Sound Production. He helped Pradeep Menon, a UK-based Indian businessman, remix a Tamil Ayappa record that was originally produced, composed and sung by Pradeep Menon and Shashi Kumar in 1985. The devotional album produced in the UK, Canada and India is titled Sabari Beats.<ref name="archive">{{cite web|url=http://thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/15/stories/2002111501080300.htm|title=The Hindu : Extolling the deity of Sabari hill|website=[[The Hindu]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201155824/http://thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/15/stories/2002111501080300.htm|access-date=20 November 2021|archive-date=1 February 2003}}</ref> It was released in November 2002 by Super recording in Tamil Nadu. Noted musicians like Pravin Mani, Saroja, and Kamalakar were featured. This launched Rahul Raj's career. He also arranged another song for Pradeep Menon called "Krishna Krishna" with percussionist [[Sivamani]] and James Asher from [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.madeupmusic.co.uk/composers/james-asher |title=Archived copy |access-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074813/http://www.madeupmusic.co.uk/composers/james-asher |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
During his stint in London, he underwent training in Electronic Sound Production. He helped Pradeep Menon, a UK-based Indian businessman, remix a Tamil Ayappa record that was originally produced, composed and sung by Pradeep Menon and Shashi Kumar in 1985. The devotional album produced in the UK, Canada and India is titled Sabari Beats.<ref name="archive">{{cite web|url=http://thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/15/stories/2002111501080300.htm|title=The Hindu : Extolling the deity of Sabari hill|website=[[The Hindu]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201155824/http://thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/15/stories/2002111501080300.htm|access-date=20 November 2021|archive-date=1 February 2003}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


On returning to India, Rahul composed more than 100 jingles for commercials in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu. During this period, he had also composed original themes for many television productions, including shows for Asianet and Amrita TV.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/INTERVIEW-OF-THE-WEEK-Chasing-The-Music-Of-Heart |title=Archived copy |access-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026192834/http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/INTERVIEW-OF-THE-WEEK-Chasing-The-Music-Of-Heart |archive-date=26 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On returning to India, Rahul composed more than 100 jingles for commercials in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu. During this period, he had also composed original themes for many television productions, including shows for Asianet and Amrita TV.<ref name="auto1"/>
 
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:RahulRaj piano.jpg|left|thumb|230px|Rahul Raj performing on Friedrich Stoll Berlin, a piano built in 1920.{{deletable image-caption|Friday, 23 June 2017|F7}}]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:RahulRaj piano.jpg|left|thumb|230px|Rahul Raj performing on Friedrich Stoll Berlin, a piano built in 1920.{{deletable image-caption|Friday, 23 June 2017|F7}}]] -->
In 2003, he composed the anthem ''Lokaha Samastha'' for Amma's 50th birth anniversary, Amrithavarsam 50, which was later used as the theme song for [[Amrita TV]]. He composed Malayalam albums during the period, which include ''En Jeevane'' (Pularmanju pole), which was shot completely in the United States by producer–director [[Tom George Kolath]]. The song "Pularmanjupol Nee" from the album, rendered by [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]] and [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]], became an evergreen hit.


He was given the opportunity to compose the logo theme music for the show ''50 Years of Malayalam Film Music'' with [[Padma Bhusan]] [[Dr. K. J. Yesudas]].
His first feature film score and soundtrack were for ''[[Chotta Mumbai]]'', directed by [[Anwar Rasheed]] starring [[Mohanlal]] in the lead. The film was a major box-office success and became a cult classic leaving a lasting impact on Kerala's popular cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Mohanlal’s Chotta Mumbai Returns To Theatres: A Cult Classic Revs Up Again! |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/mohanlals-chotta-mumbai-returns-to-theatres-a-cult-classic-revs-up-again-73581.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref> The soundtrack album became a [[popular culture|pop culture phenomenon]] over the years.<ref>https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/interviews/2025/05/15/rahul-raj-music-director-interview.html</ref><ref>https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2025/06/08/chotta-mumbai-re-release-massive-response-fans-dancing-theatres-mohanlal-thala.html</ref>


His first feature film score and soundtrack were for ''[[Chotta Mumbai]]'', directed by [[Anwar Rasheed]] and starring [[Mohanlal]] in the lead. His second release was Suresh Gopi's ''[[Time (2007 film)|Time]]'' directed by Shaji Kailas.
In 2008, he scored a hit with [[Anwar Rasheed]]'s Mammootty-starrer ''[[Annan Thampi]]''. But his subsequent releases that year, including ''[[Malabar Wedding]]'' and ''[[Crazy Gopalan]]'' failed to make any impact.
[[Shankar Mahadevan]] sang in one of his compositions for ''Chotta Mumbai''.


In 2008, he replaced the trio [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] as the composer of the Malayalam feature film ''Maya Bazar'', in which he worked with the Tamil film production company [[Ayngaran International]]. In the same year, he became the first music composer in Malayalam movie industry to have a registered fans' association, called RRFA (Rahul Raj Fans Association), based in [[Trivandrum|Thiruvananthapuram]].
His only release in 2009 was [[Shyamaprasad]]'s ''[[Ritu (2009 film)|Ritu]]'', for which he won the [[Vayalar]] Award. The award was given by a jury of old school musicians including [[Malayalam music|K.P. Udayabhanu]].


<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:[email protected]|right|thumb|250px|Rahul Raj mingling with the crowd during a live concert.]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:[email protected]|right|thumb|250px|Rahul Raj mingling with the crowd during a live concert.]] -->
 
In 2010, he won the [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Background Music|Kerala State Award]] for Best Background Score for ''Ritu''. The same year, he was invited to [[University at Buffalo, The State University of New York]] to rework and expand ''[[Pomp and Circumstance Marches]]'', the traditional convocation music used by them, composed by [[Edward Elgar|Sir Edward Elgar]]. In addition to expanding Edward Elgar's piece, he composed two original music pieces for the convocation, ''Dance of the Gods'' and ''The Circumstance by Rahul Raj''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-right-scores/article473086.ece |title=The right scores |newspaper=The Hindu |date=19 June 2010 |access-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105010129/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-right-scores/article473086.ece |archive-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all |last1=George |first1=Liza }}</ref> In the same year he signed a project called ''Mathilukalkkapuram'', a sequel to [[Adoor Gopalakrishnan]]'s classic ''[[Mathilukal]]''. The Mammootty starrer which also had [[Ravi K. Chandran]] and [[Resul Pookutty]] on board as cinematographer and sound designer respectively was subsequently shelved.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/MIRRORNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=BGMIR%2F2011%2F02%2F17&ViewMode=HTML&PageLabel=25&EntityId=Ar02401&AppName=1 |title=Times Group epapers - the Times of India epaper, Economic Times epaper, Maharastra Times ePaper, Mirror epaper |access-date=23 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224055427/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/MIRRORNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=BGMIR%2F2011%2F02%2F17&ViewMode=HTML&PageLabel=25&EntityId=Ar02401&AppName=1 |archive-date=24 February 2017 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
In 2009, he composed for filmmaker [[Shyamaprasad]]'s ''[[Ritu (2009 film)|Ritu]]'', for which he subsequently won the [[Vayalar]] Award. The award was given by a jury of old school musicians including [[Malayalam music|K.P. Udayabhanu]].
 
In 2010, he won the [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Background Music|Kerala State Award]] for Best Background Score for ''Ritu''. The same year, he was invited to [[University at Buffalo, The State University of New York]] to rework and expand ''[[Pomp and Circumstance Marches]]'', the traditional convocation music used by them, composed by [[Edward Elgar|Sir Edward Elgar]]. In addition to expanding Edward Elgar's piece, he composed two original music pieces for the convocation, ''Dance of the Gods'' and ''The Circumstance by Rahul Raj''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-right-scores/article473086.ece |title=The right scores |newspaper=The Hindu |date=19 June 2010 |access-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105010129/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-right-scores/article473086.ece |archive-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all |last1=George |first1=Liza }}</ref> In the same year he signed a project called ''Mathilukalkkapuram'', a sequel to [[Adoor Gopalakrishnan]]'s classic ''[[Mathilukal]]''. The Mammootty starrer which also had [[Ravi K. Chandran]] and [[Resul Pookutty]] on board as cinematographer and sound designer respectively was subsequently shelved.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/MIRRORNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=BGMIR%2F2011%2F02%2F17&ViewMode=HTML&PageLabel=25&EntityId=Ar02401&AppName=1 |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224055427/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/MIRRORNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=BGMIR%2F2011%2F02%2F17&ViewMode=HTML&PageLabel=25&EntityId=Ar02401&AppName=1 |archive-date=24 February 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:OMFTriplePlatinumDisc.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rahul Raj (Right extreme) at the Triple Platinum Disc celebration of the music of ''[[Oh My Friend]]'' (Telugu)]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:OMFTriplePlatinumDisc.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rahul Raj (Right extreme) at the Triple Platinum Disc celebration of the music of ''[[Oh My Friend]]'' (Telugu)]] -->
In 2011, Rahul Raj made his debut in [[Telugu cinema]] by composing music for the [[Siddharth Narayan|Siddharth]] – [[Shruti Haasan]] starrer ''[[Oh My Friend (2011 Telugu Film)|Oh My Friend]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article902288.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Real life on reel | date=21 November 2010 | access-date=8 June 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505010431/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article902288.ece | archive-date=5 May 2012 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The audio of the film opened to overwhelming responses and rave reviews, climbing to the No. 1 position in Telugu music charts, with the song "Maa Daddy Pockets" in particular becoming a rage among the youth. The audio went on to mark record sales of 3&nbsp;lakh CDs within nine days of release.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-31/news-and-interviews/30346381_1_chotta-mumbai-audio-release-tollywood | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714215245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-31/news-and-interviews/30346381_1_chotta-mumbai-audio-release-tollywood | url-status=dead | archive-date=14 July 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=It's Rahul rage in Tollywood!}}</ref>
In 2011, Rahul Raj made his debut in [[Telugu cinema]] by composing music for the [[Siddharth Narayan|Siddharth]] – [[Shruti Haasan]] starrer ''[[Oh My Friend (2011 Telugu Film)|Oh My Friend]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article902288.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Real life on reel | date=21 November 2010 | access-date=8 June 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505010431/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article902288.ece | archive-date=5 May 2012 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The audio of the film opened to overwhelming responses and rave reviews, climbing to the No. 1 position in Telugu music charts, with the song "Maa Daddy Pockets" in particular becoming a rage among the youth. The audio went on to mark record sales of 3&nbsp;lakh CDs within nine days of release.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/news-and-interviews/Its-Rahul-rage-in-Tollywood/articleshow/10566143.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714215245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-31/news-and-interviews/30346381_1_chotta-mumbai-audio-release-tollywood | url-status=live | archive-date=14 July 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=It's Rahul rage in Tollywood!}}</ref>


After almost a two-year hiatus, in 2012 he returned to the Malayalam industry by scoring for [[Amal Neerad]]'s ''[[Bachelor Party (2012 film)|Bachelor Party]]''. The songs became sensational hits and the background score received critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHCa5S3hut4&feature=g-all-u |title=Archived copy |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=30 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619180529/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHCa5S3hut4&feature=g-all-u |archive-date=19 June 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="filmmatter">{{cite web|url=http://www.filmmatter.com/2012/06/review-bachelor-party-usual-amal-neerad.html|website=filmmatter.com|title=2012/06/review-bachelor-party-usual-amal-neerad|access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>
After almost a two-year hiatus, in 2012 he returned to the Malayalam industry by scoring for [[Amal Neerad]]'s ''[[Bachelor Party (2012 film)|Bachelor Party]]''. The songs became sensational hits and the background score received critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHCa5S3hut4&feature=g-all-u |title=Music Director Rahul Raj on his movie "Bachelor Party" - YouTube |website=[[YouTube]] |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=30 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619180529/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHCa5S3hut4&feature=g-all-u |archive-date=19 June 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="filmmatter">{{cite web|url=http://www.filmmatter.com/2012/06/review-bachelor-party-usual-amal-neerad.html|website=filmmatter.com|title=2012/06/review-bachelor-party-usual-amal-neerad|access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>


In 2013, he composed for ''[[Kili Poyi]]'', which was supposedly the first [[stoner film]] in [[Malayalam Cinema]]. Though the film opened to mixed responses, the title song became a huge hit.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/music-spectrum-of-2013/article5508558.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Music spectrum of 2013 | date=27 December 2013 | access-date=2 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230032055/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/music-spectrum-of-2013/article5508558.ece | archive-date=30 December 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Several critics hailed the background score as the most interesting technical aspect of the movie.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/17119.html |title=Malayalam Cinema News &#124; Malayalam Movie Reviews &#124; Malayalam Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Malayalam |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200458/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/17119.html |archive-date=2 January 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
In 2013, he composed for ''[[Kili Poyi]]'', which was supposedly the first [[stoner film]] in [[Malayalam Cinema]]. Though the film opened to mixed responses, the title song became a huge hit.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/music-spectrum-of-2013/article5508558.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Music spectrum of 2013 | date=27 December 2013 | access-date=2 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230032055/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/music-spectrum-of-2013/article5508558.ece | archive-date=30 December 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Several critics hailed the background score as the most interesting technical aspect of the movie.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/17119.html |title=Malayalam Cinema News &#124; Malayalam Movie Reviews &#124; Malayalam Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Malayalam |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200458/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/17119.html |archive-date=2 January 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


Rahul had a dull opening in 2014 with the high budget romantic comedy ''[[London Bridge (film)|London Bridge]]'' and ''[[Mannar Mathai Speaking 2]]'' the much hyped sequel to the cult comedy classic ''[[Mannar Mathai Speaking]]'' failing at the box office. Rahul had composed only three tracks for ''London Bridge'', as he had to leave the project owing to scheduling conflicts. Later in the year, the Telugu film ''[[Paathshala (2014 film)|Paathshala]]'' for which he had composed, became a box office success. Rahul's songs for the movie were received well,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/audioreview-paathshala.html |title=Paathshala music review - Telugu cinema news |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924075348/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/audioreview-paathshala.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.123telugu.com/reviews/paathshala-movie-audio-review.html |title=Audio Review : Paathshala – Meaningful Album |date=2 September 2014 |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316131851/http://www.123telugu.com/reviews/paathshala-movie-audio-review.html |archive-date=16 March 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> but it was his background score that was unanimously praised by all reviewers, as a major plus point, crediting it to have elevated the movie to a different level.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.justtelugu.com/paathshala-movie-review/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221054451/http://www.justtelugu.com/paathshala-movie-review/ |archive-date=21 December 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thelawa.com/posts/reviews/1/2713/mahi-v--raghav-paathshala-2014-telugu-movie-review-and-rating.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013025614/http://www.thelawa.com/posts/reviews/1/2713/mahi-v--raghav-paathshala-2014-telugu-movie-review-and-rating.html |archive-date=13 October 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mediatimez.com/entertainment/telugu/reviews-3/movie-review-3/paathshala-movie-review |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017211559/http://www.mediatimez.com/entertainment/telugu/reviews-3/movie-review-3/paathshala-movie-review |archive-date=17 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/paathshala-review-audience-call-it-new-age-tollywood-movie-611046 |title='Paathshala' Review: Audience Call it New-Age Tollywood Movie |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110190436/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/paathshala-review-audience-call-it-new-age-tollywood-movie-611046 |archive-date=10 November 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.moviemint.com/paathshala-movie-review-a-new-age-drama/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013024244/http://www.moviemint.com/paathshala-movie-review-a-new-age-drama/ |archive-date=13 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/paathshala-review-this-is-one-serious-trip-60499.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323235018/http://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/paathshala-review-this-is-one-serious-trip-60499.html |archive-date=23 March 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://filmcircle.com/tag/paathasala-telugu-movie-review/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015072724/http://filmcircle.com/tag/paathasala-telugu-movie-review/ |archive-date=15 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cinegola.com/telugu/2014/10/10/paathshala-telugu-movie-review-another-heart-winning-small-flick/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010162541/http://www.cinegola.com/telugu/2014/10/10/paathshala-telugu-movie-review-another-heart-winning-small-flick/ |archive-date=10 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://filmdhamaka.com/paathshala-movie-review/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017073957/http://filmdhamaka.com/paathshala-movie-review/ |archive-date=17 October 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.telugumirchi.com/en/reviews/review-patashala.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010211037/http://www.telugumirchi.com/en/reviews/review-patashala.html |archive-date=10 October 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mirchi9.com/movienews/patashala-telugu-movie-review/ |title=Patashala Review |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223063726/http://www.mirchi9.com/movienews/patashala-telugu-movie-review/ |archive-date=23 December 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Rahul had a dull opening in 2014 with the high budget romantic comedy ''[[London Bridge (film)|London Bridge]]'' and ''[[Mannar Mathai Speaking 2]]'' the much hyped sequel to the cult comedy classic ''[[Mannar Mathai Speaking]]'' failing at the box office. Rahul had composed only three tracks for ''London Bridge'', as he had to leave the project owing to scheduling conflicts. Later in the year, the Telugu film ''[[Paathshala (2014 film)|Paathshala]]'' for which he had composed, became a box office success. Rahul's songs for the movie were received well,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/audioreview-paathshala.html |title=Paathshala music review - Telugu cinema news |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924075348/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/audioreview-paathshala.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.123telugu.com/reviews/paathshala-movie-audio-review.html |title=Audio Review : Paathshala – Meaningful Album |date=2 September 2014 |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316131851/http://www.123telugu.com/reviews/paathshala-movie-audio-review.html |archive-date=16 March 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> but it was his background score that was unanimously praised by all reviewers, as a major plus point, crediting it to have elevated the movie to a different level.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.justtelugu.com/paathshala-movie-review/ |title=Paathshala Movie Review &#124; Justtelugu |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221054451/http://www.justtelugu.com/paathshala-movie-review/ |archive-date=21 December 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thelawa.com/posts/reviews/1/2713/mahi-v--raghav-paathshala-2014-telugu-movie-review-and-rating.html |title=Mahi V. Raghav-Paatashala 2014 telugu movie review and rating &#124; TheLawa |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013025614/http://www.thelawa.com/posts/reviews/1/2713/mahi-v--raghav-paathshala-2014-telugu-movie-review-and-rating.html |archive-date=13 October 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mediatimez.com/entertainment/telugu/reviews-3/movie-review-3/paathshala-movie-review |title=Paathshala Movie Review |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017211559/http://www.mediatimez.com/entertainment/telugu/reviews-3/movie-review-3/paathshala-movie-review |archive-date=17 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/paathshala-review-audience-call-it-new-age-tollywood-movie-611046 |title='Paathshala' Review: Audience Call it New-Age Tollywood Movie |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110190436/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/paathshala-review-audience-call-it-new-age-tollywood-movie-611046 |archive-date=10 November 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.moviemint.com/paathshala-movie-review-a-new-age-drama/ |title=Paathshala Movie Review: "A New Age Drama" - Your Refreshment |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013024244/http://www.moviemint.com/paathshala-movie-review-a-new-age-drama/ |archive-date=13 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
 
The year 2015, opened on a favourable note for Rahul, as his background score for the [[Mammootty]] starrer ''[[Fireman (film)|Fireman]]'' received praise.<ref>{{cite web|author=T |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=18422955&programId=1074209438&channelId=-1073750705&BV_ID=%40%40%40&tabId=3 |title=Movie Reviews |publisher=Manoramaonline.com |date=19 February 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=മനീഷ് നാരായണന് |url=http://www.southlive.in/reviews/4952 |title=ഫയര്മാന് &#124; Southlive |publisher=Southlive.in |date=19 February 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219221523/http://www.southlive.in/reviews/4952 |archive-date=19 February 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metromatinee.com/movie-review/fireman-movie-review-565 |title=Fireman Movie Review |publisher=Metromatinee.com |access-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320034730/http://www.metromatinee.com/movie-review/fireman-movie-review-565 |archive-date=20 March 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mathew |first=Tony |url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/this-fireman-sets-fire-to-theatres.html |title=This Fireman sets fire to theatres |publisher=English.manoramaonline.com |date=19 February 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318014155/http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/this-fireman-sets-fire-to-theatres.html |archive-date=18 March 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> His second release of the year was [[Sidhartha Siva]]'s ''[[Ain (film)|Ain]]'' which won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam]]. The month of August saw the release of his songs from ''[[Kohinoor (2015 film)|Kohinoor]]'', a heist film set in the 1980s. The song ''Hemanthamen'' went on to rake in unanimous praise from critics and public alike, being hailed as an outstanding nostalgic melody.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-mix/hemanthamen-song-from-kohinoor.html |title=തനി നാടൻ 'മണവുമായി' ഹേമന്തമെൻ |access-date=8 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910001218/http://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-mix/hemanthamen-song-from-kohinoor.html |archive-date=10 September 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
 
With releases like ''[[Kasaba (2016 film)|Kasaba]]'', ''[[Inspector Dawood Ibrahim|IDI-Inspector Dawood Ibrahim]]'' making no significant impact, 2016 was a comparatively listless year for Rahul Raj.


The year 2017 opened on an excellent note with his song ''Lailakame'' from ''[[Ezra (2017 film)|Ezra]]'' becoming a smash hit,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/rahul-rajs-cover-for-lailakame-from-ezra-goes-viral/articleshow/57603535.cms|title = Rahul Raj's cover for Lailakame from Ezra goes viral - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> prompting several cover versions, including one by Rahul Raj himself.
The year 2015 opened on a favourable note for Rahul, as his background score for the [[Mammootty]] starrer ''[[Fireman (film)|Fireman]]'' received praise.<ref>{{cite web|author=T |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=18422955&programId=1074209438&channelId=-1073750705&BV_ID=%40%40%40&tabId=3 |title=Movie Reviews |publisher=Manoramaonline.com |date=19 February 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=മനീഷ് നാരായണന് |url=http://www.southlive.in/reviews/4952 |title=ഫയര്മാന് &#124; Southlive |publisher=Southlive.in |date=19 February 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219221523/http://www.southlive.in/reviews/4952 |archive-date=19 February 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metromatinee.com/movie-review/fireman-movie-review-565 |title=Fireman Movie Review |publisher=Metromatinee.com |access-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320034730/http://www.metromatinee.com/movie-review/fireman-movie-review-565 |archive-date=20 March 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mathew |first=Tony |url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/this-fireman-sets-fire-to-theatres.html |title=This Fireman sets fire to theatres |publisher=English.manoramaonline.com |date=19 February 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318014155/http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/this-fireman-sets-fire-to-theatres.html |archive-date=18 March 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> His second release of the year was [[Sidhartha Siva]]'s ''[[Ain (film)|Ain]]'' which won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam]]. The month of August saw the release of his songs from ''[[Kohinoor (2015 film)|Kohinoor]]'', a heist film set in the 1980s. The song ''Hemanthamen'' went on to rake in unanimous praise from critics and public alike, being hailed as an outstanding nostalgic melody.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-mix/hemanthamen-song-from-kohinoor.html |title=തനി നാടൻ 'മണവുമായി' ഹേമന്തമെൻ |access-date=8 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910001218/http://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-mix/hemanthamen-song-from-kohinoor.html |archive-date=10 September 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


In early 2018, the film ''[[Kuttanadan Marpappa]]'' met with negative reviews with the music too receiving a lukewarm response. He signed [[Academy Award]] Winner [[Resul Pookutty]]'s multilingual titled ''[[The Sound Story]]'' directed by Pookutty's protege Prasad Prabhakar. The movie was touted to feature 164 tracks comprising background score pieces  and 2 songs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/now-meet-resul-pookutty-the-actor/articleshow/61037085.cms |title=Now, meet Resul Pookutty, the actor! - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013644/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/now-meet-resul-pookutty-the-actor/articleshow/61037085.cms |archive-date=13 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He composed the songs of the film, but opted out before  composing the background score, as there were schedule conflicts with his stint in Berklee, [[Spain]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/030918/a-musical-break-1.html|title = A musical break|date = 3 September 2018}}</ref> For the same reason, he also had to opt out of ''[[Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakeel]]'' after giving two songs.
The year 2017 opened on an excellent note with his song ''Lailakame'' from ''[[Ezra (2017 film)|Ezra]]'' becoming a smash hit,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/rahul-rajs-cover-for-lailakame-from-ezra-goes-viral/articleshow/57603535.cms|title = Rahul Raj's cover for Lailakame from Ezra goes viral - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]| date=12 March 2017 }}</ref> prompting several cover versions, including one by Rahul Raj himself.


In June 2019, he composed and conducted the symphonic piece ''Birth of the Nemesis'', which was performed by the London Orchestra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/interviews/2019/07/19/interview-with-music-director-rahul-raj.html|title = സ്വപ്നം യാഥാർഥ്യമായപ്പോൾ ഈ ഭൂമിയിൽ തന്നെയില്ല; മറഞ്ഞുപോയ ഹേമന്തത്തെ പറ്റി രാഹുൽ രാജ്}}</ref> He returned from Europe in July 2019 and was immediately signed by [[Priyadarshan]] to compose the [[background score]] of his magnum opus ''[[Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham]]'', a historical epic set in the 16th Century. Having no release in 2020 due to pandemic-induced postponements, his first release after the 2020 lockdown was the [[Mammootty]]-starrer ''[[The Priest (2020 film)|The Priest]]'' in early 2021. The film opened to mixed reviews, but the music met with overwhelmingly positive responses,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://onlookersmedia.in/reviews/priest-review-gripping-mystery-thriller/|title = The Priest Review: A gripping mystery thriller!|date = 11 March 2021}}</ref> particularly the  score with ''IBTimes'' hailing it as the major highlight of the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/priest-movie-review-mammoottys-film-classic-horror-crime-thriller-834090|title = The Priest movie review: Mammootty's film is a classic horror crime thriller|website = [[International Business Times]]|date = 11 March 2021}}</ref> His first release in 2022 was the [[Mohanlal]]-starrer ''[[Mohanlal|Aarattu]]'', directed by [[B. Unnikrishnan]]  which received predominantly positive reviews for the music. Meanwhile veteran director [[Sathyan Anthikad]] signed him to score his [[Jayaram]]-starrer ''[[Makal]]''. His other upcoming releases are the [[Jayasurya (actor)|Jaysurya]]-starrer ''[[Eesho (film)|Eesho]]'' directed by [[Nadirshah]], the [[Nivin Pauly]]-starrer ''[[Vinay Govind|Thaaram]]'' directed by [[Vinay Govind]] and an untitled film directed by [[Rathish Ambat]] in [[Malayalam Cinema|Malayalam]]; ''[[Yaar (2019 film)|Yaar]]'' in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]; and another untitled film in [[Bollywood|Hindi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.readwhere.com/read/107125/The-New-Indian-Express-Kochi/19042013#page/20/2 |title=The New Indian Express Group the New Indian Express-Kochi epaper dated Fri, 19 Apr 13 |access-date=19 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191917/http://www.readwhere.com/read/107125/The-New-Indian-Express-Kochi/19042013#page/20/2 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/Interview-with-Rahul-Raj/articleshow/28992896.cms |title=Interview with Rahul Raj - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102003725/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/Interview-with-Rahul-Raj/articleshow/28992896.cms |archive-date=2 November 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
In early 2018, the film ''[[Kuttanadan Marpappa]]'' met with negative reviews with the music too receiving a lukewarm response. He signed [[Academy Award]] Winner [[Resul Pookutty]]'s multilingual titled ''[[The Sound Story]]'' directed by Pookutty's protege Prasad Prabhakar. The movie was touted to feature 164 tracks comprising background score pieces and 2 songs.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/now-meet-resul-pookutty-the-actor/articleshow/61037085.cms |title=Now, meet Resul Pookutty, the actor! - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=12 October 2017 |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013644/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/now-meet-resul-pookutty-the-actor/articleshow/61037085.cms |archive-date=13 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He composed the songs of the film, but opted out before  composing the background score, as there were schedule conflicts with his stint in Berklee, [[Spain]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/030918/a-musical-break-1.html|title = A musical break|date = 3 September 2018}}</ref>


===Orchestration===
In June 2019, he composed and conducted the symphonic piece ''Birth of the Nemesis'', which was performed by the London Orchestra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/interviews/2019/07/19/interview-with-music-director-rahul-raj.html|title = സ്വപ്നം യാഥാർഥ്യമായപ്പോൾ ഈ ഭൂമിയിൽ തന്നെയില്ല; മറഞ്ഞുപോയ ഹേമന്തത്തെ പറ്റി രാഹുൽ രാജ്}}</ref> He returned from Europe in July 2019 and was immediately signed by [[Priyadarshan]] to compose the [[background score]] of his magnum opus ''[[Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham]]'', a historical epic set in the 16th century. Having no release in 2020 due to pandemic-induced postponements, his first release after the 2020 lockdown was the [[Mammootty]]-starrer ''[[The Priest (2020 film)|The Priest]]'' in early 2021. The film opened to mixed reviews, but the music met with overwhelmingly positive responses,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://onlookersmedia.in/reviews/priest-review-gripping-mystery-thriller/|title = The Priest Review: A gripping mystery thriller!|date = 11 March 2021}}</ref> particularly the  score with ''IBTimes'' hailing it as the major  highlight of the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/priest-movie-review-mammoottys-film-classic-horror-crime-thriller-834090|title = The Priest movie review: Mammootty's film is a classic horror crime thriller|website = [[International Business Times]]|date = 11 March 2021}}</ref> His first release in 2022 was the [[Mohanlal]]-starrer ''[[Mohanlal|Aarattu]]'', directed by [[B. Unnikrishnan]]  which received predominantly positive reviews for the music, despite the film being critically panned. Meanwhile, veteran director [[Sathyan Anthikad]] signed him to score his [[Jayaram]]-starrer ''[[Makal]]''. He scored two films in 2023, both ending up has box-office duds with the music too making no significant impact. His notable upcoming releases are the [[Suresh Gopi]]-starrer  ''[[Suresh Gopi|Varaaham]]'' directed by Sanal V. Devan, ''[[Prithviraj Sukumaran|The Statesman]]'' directed by Kishore Prakash Menon and an untitled film directed by [[Rathish Ambat]] in [[Malayalam Cinema|Malayalam]]; ''Yaar'' in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]; and another untitled film in [[Bollywood|Hindi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.readwhere.com/read/107125/The-New-Indian-Express-Kochi/19042013#page/20/2 |title=The New Indian Express Group the New Indian Express-Kochi epaper dated Fri, 19 Apr 13 |access-date=19 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191917/http://www.readwhere.com/read/107125/The-New-Indian-Express-Kochi/19042013#page/20/2 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/Interview-with-Rahul-Raj/articleshow/28992896.cms |title=Interview with Rahul Raj - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102003725/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/Interview-with-Rahul-Raj/articleshow/28992896.cms |archive-date=2 November 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Rahul Raj is known for giving ultra-modern orchestration in his songs. He uses international elements for the instrumentation in his songs. His [[Film score|background scores]] in particular are rich with elements of [[symphony]] and Western Classical music.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kochivibe.com/chekavar-malayalam-movie-audio-promo/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528200839/http://www.kochivibe.com/chekavar-malayalam-movie-audio-promo/ |archive-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


==Personal life==
In 2013, Rahul Raj was designated as the President of the FEFKA Music Directors' Union, the official association of film composers in the [[Malayalam Cinema|Malayalam film industry]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Music directors rubbish claims made by singers |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Music-directors-rubbish-claims-made-by-singers/2013/08/29/article1757222.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081112/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Music-directors-rubbish-claims-made-by-singers/2013/08/29/article1757222.ece |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=30 August 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="deccanchronicle">{{cite web |title=www.deccanchronicle.com/130829/entertainment-mollywood/article/%E2%80%98-singer%E2%80%99s-role-important-limited%E2%80%99 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130829/entertainment-mollywood/article/%E2%80%98-singer%E2%80%99s-role-important-limited%E2%80%99 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112061219/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/130829/entertainment-mollywood/article/%e2%80%98-singer%e2%80%99s-role-important-limited%e2%80%99 |archive-date=12 January 2019 |access-date=20 November 2021 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref>
Rahul is married to Miriam, a German national and has a daughter Akshaine, who was born in 2012.


==Film discography==
==Film discography==
Line 77: Line 68:
! Score
! Score
! Director
! Director
!Other Notes
!Other notes
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2007
|rowspan="2"|2007
Line 109: Line 100:
! Score
! Score
! Director
! Director
!Other Notes
!Other notes
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"|2010
|rowspan="1"|2010
Line 134: Line 125:
||''[[Kadavul Paathi Mirugam Paathi]]'' • || Tamil ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}||Raj-Suresh ||[[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] Debut.
||''[[Kadavul Paathi Mirugam Paathi]]'' • || Tamil ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}||Raj-Suresh ||[[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] Debut.
|-
|-
||''[[Pathasala]]'' • || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Mahi V. Raghav]]||
||''[[Paathasala]]'' • || Telugu ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Mahi V. Raghav]]||
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|2015
|rowspan="4"|2015
Line 178: Line 169:
||''[[Rahul Riji Nair|Dakini]]'' •  || Malayalam||{{Yes}} ||{{No}}||[[Rahul Riji Nair]] || Guest composer. Two songs only.
||''[[Rahul Riji Nair|Dakini]]'' •  || Malayalam||{{Yes}} ||{{No}}||[[Rahul Riji Nair]] || Guest composer. Two songs only.
|-
|-
||''[[The Sound Story]]'' •||Malayalam||{{Yes}} ||{{No}} ||Prasad Prabhakar||Announced by [[Resul Pookutty]].<br>Multilingual film.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/now-meet-resul-pookutty-the-actor/articleshow/61037085.cms |title=Now, meet Resul Pookutty, the actor! - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013644/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/now-meet-resul-pookutty-the-actor/articleshow/61037085.cms |archive-date=13 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/oscar-award-winning-resul-pookutty-to-turn-actor-in-oru-kadhai-sollattuma--tamil-news-199681 |title=Oscar winner Resul Pookutty to debut as an actor - Tamil News |date=31 October 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024917/https://www.indiaglitz.com/oscar-award-winning-resul-pookutty-to-turn-actor-in-oru-kadhai-sollattuma--tamil-news-199681 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
||''[[The Sound Story]]'' •||Malayalam||{{Yes}} ||{{No}} ||Prasad Prabhakar||Announced by [[Resul Pookutty]].<br>Multilingual film.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/oscar-award-winning-resul-pookutty-to-turn-actor-in-oru-kadhai-sollattuma--tamil-news-199681 |title=Oscar winner Resul Pookutty to debut as an actor - Tamil News |date=31 October 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024917/https://www.indiaglitz.com/oscar-award-winning-resul-pookutty-to-turn-actor-in-oru-kadhai-sollattuma--tamil-news-199681 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2019
|rowspan="2"|2019
Line 195: Line 186:
! Score
! Score
! Director
! Director
!Other Notes
!Other notes
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |2021
| rowspan="3" |2021
Line 202: Line 193:
|| ''[[Mamta Mohandas|Lalbagh]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Prasanth Murali||
|| ''[[Mamta Mohandas|Lalbagh]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Prasanth Murali||
|-
|-
||''[[Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham]]'' • ||Malayalam ||{{No}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Priyadarshan]]||
||''[[Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea]]'' • ||Malayalam ||{{No}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Priyadarshan]]||
|-
|-
| rowspan="7" |2022
| rowspan="5" |2022
|-
|-
|| ''[[Aaraattu (film)|Aaraattu]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[B. Unnikrishnan]]||<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2020 |title=Mohanlal's next is Aaraattu |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/nov/17/mohanlals-next-is-aaraattu-2224293.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128014736/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/nov/17/mohanlals-next-is-aaraattu-2224293.html |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>
|| ''[[Aaraattu (film)|Aaraattu]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[B. Unnikrishnan]]||<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2020 |title=Mohanlal's next is Aaraattu |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/nov/17/mohanlals-next-is-aaraattu-2224293.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128014736/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/nov/17/mohanlals-next-is-aaraattu-2224293.html |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|| ''[[Jeo Baby|Freedom Fight]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Jeo Baby]]||Anthology film. Segment ''Old Age Home''.
|| ''[[Jeo Baby|Freedom Fight]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Jeo Baby]]||Anthology film. Segment ''Old Age Home''.
|-
|| ''[[Makal]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{No}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Sathyan Anthikad]]||
|-
|-
|| ''[[Eesho (film)|Eesho]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{No}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Nadirshah]]|||
|| ''[[Eesho (film)|Eesho]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{No}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Nadirshah]]|||
|-
|-
|| ''[[Nivin Pauly|Thaaram]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Vinay Govind]]||
| rowspan="3" |2023
|-
|| ''[[Lovefully Yours Veda]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Praghesh Sukumaran||
|-
|| ''[[Shine Tom Chacko|Dance Party]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Sohan Seenulal]]|| Three songs and score.
|-
| rowspan="4" |2024
|-
|| ''[[Pushpaka Vimanam (2024 film)|Pushpaka Vimanam]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Ullas Krishna||
|-
|''Porattu Nadakam'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Noushad Saffron||
|-
|| ''[[M. T. Vasudevan Nair|Manorathangal]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Rathish Ambat]]||
|-
| rowspan="4" |2025
|-
|| ''[[Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Sharan Venugopal||
|-
|''[[Oka Padhakam Prakaram]]''||Telugu||{{yes}}||{{no}}|| Vinod Vijayan||
|-
|| ''[[Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/aabhyanthara-kuthavali-first-look-poster-1.10312714|title='ആഭ്യന്തര കുറ്റവാളി' കോമഡി ചിത്രമോ? ആസിഫ് അലിയുടെ പിറന്നാൾ ദിനത്തിൽ ഫസ്റ്റ് ലുക്ക് പോസ്റ്റർ|date=4 February 2025|website=Mathrubhumi}}</ref> • ||Malayalam||{{no}}||{{yes}}|| Sethu Nath Padmakumar||
|-
|-
|| ''[[Makal]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{No}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Sathyan Anthikad]]||
| rowspan="5" |2026
|-
|-
|| ''Untitled Netflix Anthology segment'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||[[Rathish Ambat]]
|| ''[[Suresh Gopi|Varaaham]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2024/Jul/07/indian-2-singer-abby-v-to-debut-in-malayalam-with-suresh-gopis-varaaham|title=Indian 2 singer Abby V to debut in Malayalam with Suresh Gopi's Varaaham|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=7 July 2024|website=Cinema Express}}</ref> • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Sanal V. Devan||
|-
|-
|}
|| ''[[Indrajith Sukumaran|Kaalante Thangakkudam]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Nithish K.T.R||
 
==Independent studio albums==
The following section contains the independent studio album(s) composed, arranged and produced by Rahul Raj.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- bgcolor="beige" align="center"
!Year
!Title
|-
|-
|2020
|| ''[[Prithviraj Sukumaran|The Statesman]]'' • || Malayalam ||{{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} ||Kishore Prakash Menon||
|''Indiasoundz: The Cosmic Series''
|-
|-
|}
|}


==Short Films==
=== Short films ===
 
{| class=wikitable
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- bgcolor="beige" align="center"
!Year
!Title
!Notes
|-
|-
|2020
! Year!! Title  !! Director !! Notes
|''Hambre: A Post-apocalyptic Story''
|
|-
|-
|2020
 
|''Mattoru Kadavil''
|2020||''Mattoru Kadavil''|| Rahul K Shaji ||  
|
|-
|-
|2025||''Adavi The Forest''|| Rahul K Shaji || Pre Production in Progress
|}
|}


==Awards and nominations==
==Awards and nominations==
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 2px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
! Award
! Award
! Year
! Year
Line 289: Line 286:
| {{Won}}
| {{Won}}
|}
|}
==As President of FEFKA Music Directors' Union==
In 2013, Rahul Raj was designated as the President of the '''FEFKA Music Directors' Union''', the official association of film composers in the [[Malayalam Cinema|Malayalam film industry]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Music-directors-rubbish-claims-made-by-singers/2013/08/29/article1757222.ece |title=Music directors rubbish claims made by singers |access-date=30 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081112/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Music-directors-rubbish-claims-made-by-singers/2013/08/29/article1757222.ece |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="deccanchronicle">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130829/entertainment-mollywood/article/%E2%80%98-singer%E2%80%99s-role-important-limited%E2%80%99|website=deccanchronicle.com|title=www.deccanchronicle.com/130829/entertainment-mollywood/article/%E2%80%98-singer%E2%80%99s-role-important-limited%E2%80%99|access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 04:59, 17 November 2025


Rahul Raj
Background information
BornError: Need valid birth date: year, month, day
Kochi, Kerala, India
Occupation(s)
Years active2007–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
Labels

Rahul Raj is an Indian music composer. He has composed and produced scores and soundtracks predominantly for Malayalam movies. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Berklee College of Music and holds a postgraduate degree in scoring for films, TV and video games.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Rahul Raj was born in Kochi to Advocate E. Thankappan and N. S. Kunjoonjamma. His schooling was in Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Elamakkara Kochi. He has one sister, Rehna Raj. From the age of 6, he was trained in Mridangam and Carnatic Music. He graduated as an IT Engineer from CUSAT, Kochi and later on pursued courses such as CCNP and CCIE in Bangalore ILloka networks, before moving to London.[1][2]

During his stint in London, he underwent training in Electronic Sound Production. He helped Pradeep Menon, a UK-based Indian businessman, remix a Tamil Ayappa record that was originally produced, composed and sung by Pradeep Menon and Shashi Kumar in 1985. The devotional album produced in the UK, Canada and India is titled Sabari Beats.[3]

Career[edit | edit source]

On returning to India, Rahul composed more than 100 jingles for commercials in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu. During this period, he had also composed original themes for many television productions, including shows for Asianet and Amrita TV.[1]

His first feature film score and soundtrack were for Chotta Mumbai, directed by Anwar Rasheed starring Mohanlal in the lead. The film was a major box-office success and became a cult classic leaving a lasting impact on Kerala's popular cinema.[4] The soundtrack album became a pop culture phenomenon over the years.[5][6]

In 2008, he scored a hit with Anwar Rasheed's Mammootty-starrer Annan Thampi. But his subsequent releases that year, including Malabar Wedding and Crazy Gopalan failed to make any impact.

His only release in 2009 was Shyamaprasad's Ritu, for which he won the Vayalar Award. The award was given by a jury of old school musicians including K.P. Udayabhanu.

In 2010, he won the Kerala State Award for Best Background Score for Ritu. The same year, he was invited to University at Buffalo, The State University of New York to rework and expand Pomp and Circumstance Marches, the traditional convocation music used by them, composed by Sir Edward Elgar. In addition to expanding Edward Elgar's piece, he composed two original music pieces for the convocation, Dance of the Gods and The Circumstance by Rahul Raj.[7] In the same year he signed a project called Mathilukalkkapuram, a sequel to Adoor Gopalakrishnan's classic Mathilukal. The Mammootty starrer which also had Ravi K. Chandran and Resul Pookutty on board as cinematographer and sound designer respectively was subsequently shelved.[8]

In 2011, Rahul Raj made his debut in Telugu cinema by composing music for the Siddharth – Shruti Haasan starrer Oh My Friend.[9] The audio of the film opened to overwhelming responses and rave reviews, climbing to the No. 1 position in Telugu music charts, with the song "Maa Daddy Pockets" in particular becoming a rage among the youth. The audio went on to mark record sales of 3 lakh CDs within nine days of release.[10]

After almost a two-year hiatus, in 2012 he returned to the Malayalam industry by scoring for Amal Neerad's Bachelor Party. The songs became sensational hits and the background score received critical acclaim.[11][12]

In 2013, he composed for Kili Poyi, which was supposedly the first stoner film in Malayalam Cinema. Though the film opened to mixed responses, the title song became a huge hit.[13] Several critics hailed the background score as the most interesting technical aspect of the movie.[14]

Rahul had a dull opening in 2014 with the high budget romantic comedy London Bridge and Mannar Mathai Speaking 2 the much hyped sequel to the cult comedy classic Mannar Mathai Speaking failing at the box office. Rahul had composed only three tracks for London Bridge, as he had to leave the project owing to scheduling conflicts. Later in the year, the Telugu film Paathshala for which he had composed, became a box office success. Rahul's songs for the movie were received well,[15][16] but it was his background score that was unanimously praised by all reviewers, as a major plus point, crediting it to have elevated the movie to a different level.[17][18][19][20][21]

The year 2015 opened on a favourable note for Rahul, as his background score for the Mammootty starrer Fireman received praise.[22][23][24][25] His second release of the year was Sidhartha Siva's Ain which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam. The month of August saw the release of his songs from Kohinoor, a heist film set in the 1980s. The song Hemanthamen went on to rake in unanimous praise from critics and public alike, being hailed as an outstanding nostalgic melody.[26]

The year 2017 opened on an excellent note with his song Lailakame from Ezra becoming a smash hit,[27] prompting several cover versions, including one by Rahul Raj himself.

In early 2018, the film Kuttanadan Marpappa met with negative reviews with the music too receiving a lukewarm response. He signed Academy Award Winner Resul Pookutty's multilingual titled The Sound Story directed by Pookutty's protege Prasad Prabhakar. The movie was touted to feature 164 tracks comprising background score pieces and 2 songs.[28] He composed the songs of the film, but opted out before composing the background score, as there were schedule conflicts with his stint in Berklee, Spain.[29]

In June 2019, he composed and conducted the symphonic piece Birth of the Nemesis, which was performed by the London Orchestra.[30] He returned from Europe in July 2019 and was immediately signed by Priyadarshan to compose the background score of his magnum opus Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham, a historical epic set in the 16th century. Having no release in 2020 due to pandemic-induced postponements, his first release after the 2020 lockdown was the Mammootty-starrer The Priest in early 2021. The film opened to mixed reviews, but the music met with overwhelmingly positive responses,[31] particularly the score with IBTimes hailing it as the major highlight of the film.[32] His first release in 2022 was the Mohanlal-starrer Aarattu, directed by B. Unnikrishnan which received predominantly positive reviews for the music, despite the film being critically panned. Meanwhile, veteran director Sathyan Anthikad signed him to score his Jayaram-starrer Makal. He scored two films in 2023, both ending up has box-office duds with the music too making no significant impact. His notable upcoming releases are the Suresh Gopi-starrer Varaaham directed by Sanal V. Devan, The Statesman directed by Kishore Prakash Menon and an untitled film directed by Rathish Ambat in Malayalam; Yaar in Tamil; and another untitled film in Hindi.[33][34]

In 2013, Rahul Raj was designated as the President of the FEFKA Music Directors' Union, the official association of film composers in the Malayalam film industry.[35][36]

Film discography[edit | edit source]

2000s[edit | edit source]

Year Film Language Songs Score Director Other notes
2007 Chotta Mumbai • Malayalam Yes Yes Anwar Rasheed
Time • Malayalam Yes Yes Shaji Kailas

Winner – JayCee Foundation Award for Best Music Direction

2008 Annan Thambi • Malayalam Yes No Anwar Rasheed
Malabar Wedding • Malayalam Yes Yes Rajesh-Faisal
One Way Ticket • Malayalam Yes No Bipin Prabhakar
Maya Bazar • Malayalam Yes No Thomas Sebastian
Crazy Gopalan • Malayalam Yes No Deepu Karunakaran
2009 Ritu • Malayalam Yes Yes Shyamaprasad Winner – Kerala State Film Award – Best Background Score
Winner – Vayalar Movie Award – Best Music Direction

2010s[edit | edit source]

Year Film Language Songs Score Director Other notes
2010 Chekavar • Malayalam Yes Yes Sajeevan
2011 Oh My Friend • Telugu Yes No Venu Sriram Telugu Debut.
Winner – Maa Music Award – Best Debut Music Composer
2012 Bachelor Party • Malayalam Yes Yes Amal Neerad
2013 Kili Poyi • Malayalam Yes Yes Vinay Govind
Paisa Paisa• Malayalam No Yes Prasanth Murali Background Score only.
D Company • Malayalam No Yes Vinod Vijayan Anthology film.
Segment: Day of Judgement.
2014 London Bridge • Malayalam Yes No Anil C. Menon Opening Credits Theme & 2 songs only.
Mannar Mathai Speaking 2 • Malayalam Yes Yes Mamas K. Chandran
Kadavul Paathi Mirugam Paathi • Tamil Yes Yes Raj-Suresh Tamil Debut.
Paathasala • Telugu Yes Yes Mahi V. Raghav
2015 Fireman • Malayalam No Yes Deepu Karunakaran
Ain • Malayalam Yes Yes Sidhartha Siva
Kohinoor • Malayalam Yes Yes Vinay Govind
Style • Malayalam No Yes Binu Sadanandan Background Score only.
2016 Mudhugauv • Malayalam Yes Yes Vipin Das
Karingunnam Sixes • Malayalam Yes Yes Deepu Karunakaran
Kasaba• Malayalam Yes Yes Nithin Renji Panicker
White • Malayalam Yes Yes Uday Ananthan
IDI- Inspector Dawood Ibrahim • Malayalam Yes Yes Sajid Yahiya
2017 Ezra • Malayalam Yes No Jay K
E • Malayalam Yes Yes Kukku Surendran
Sherlock Toms • Malayalam No Yes Shafi
2018 Hey Jude • Malayalam Yes No Shyamaprasad One song only.
Kaly • Malayalam Yes Yes Najim Koya
Vikadakumaran • Malayalam Yes No Boban Samuel
Kuttanadan Marpappa • Malayalam Yes Yes Sreejith Vijayan
B. Tech • Malayalam Yes Yes Mridul Nair
Ente Mezhuthiri Athazhangal • Malayalam No Yes Sooraj Tom
Dakini • Malayalam Yes No Rahul Riji Nair Guest composer. Two songs only.
The Sound Story • Malayalam Yes No Prasad Prabhakar Announced by Resul Pookutty.
Multilingual film.[28][37]
2019 Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakeel • Malayalam Yes No B. Unnikrishnan Announced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. Guest composer. Two songs only.
Oru Nakshathramulla Aakasham • Malayalam Yes No Ajith Pulleri, Suneesh Babu Guest composer. Two songs only.

2020s[edit | edit source]

Year Film Language Songs Score Director Other notes
2021 The Priest • Malayalam Yes Yes Jofin T. Chacko
Lalbagh • Malayalam Yes Yes Prasanth Murali
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea • Malayalam No Yes Priyadarshan
2022
Aaraattu • Malayalam Yes Yes B. Unnikrishnan [38]
Freedom Fight • Malayalam Yes Yes Jeo Baby Anthology film. Segment Old Age Home.
Makal • Malayalam No Yes Sathyan Anthikad
Eesho • Malayalam No Yes Nadirshah
2023
Lovefully Yours Veda • Malayalam Yes Yes Praghesh Sukumaran
Dance Party • Malayalam Yes Yes Sohan Seenulal Three songs and score.
2024
Pushpaka Vimanam • Malayalam Yes Yes Ullas Krishna
Porattu Nadakam • Malayalam Yes Yes Noushad Saffron
Manorathangal • Malayalam Yes Yes Rathish Ambat
2025
Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal • Malayalam Yes Yes Sharan Venugopal
Oka Padhakam Prakaram Telugu Yes No Vinod Vijayan
Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali[39] • Malayalam No Yes Sethu Nath Padmakumar
2026
Varaaham[40] • Malayalam Yes Yes Sanal V. Devan
Kaalante Thangakkudam • Malayalam Yes Yes Nithish K.T.R
The Statesman • Malayalam Yes Yes Kishore Prakash Menon

Short films[edit | edit source]

Year Title Director Notes
2020 Mattoru Kadavil Rahul K Shaji
2025 Adavi The Forest Rahul K Shaji Pre Production in Progress

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Award Year Project Category Outcome
Kerala State Film Award 2009 Ritu Best Background Score Won
Vayalar Movie Award 2009 Ritu Best Music Composer Won
Jay Cee Foundation Award 2007 Time Best Music Composer Won
Maa Music Award 2011 Oh My Friend Best Debut Music Composer (Telugu) Won
Flowers Music Awards 2018 Lailakame (Ezra) Best Song Composition Won

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK: Chasing the Music of Heart - Trivandrum News | Yentha.com". Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "I Personally - Rahul Raj - Part 01 Kappa TV". YouTube. 31 March 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  3. ↑ "The Hindu : Extolling the deity of Sabari hill". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 February 2003. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  4. ↑ "Mohanlal's Chotta Mumbai Returns To Theatres: A Cult Classic Revs Up Again!". Filmfare. 5 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  5. ↑ https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/interviews/2025/05/15/rahul-raj-music-director-interview.html
  6. ↑ https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2025/06/08/chotta-mumbai-re-release-massive-response-fans-dancing-theatres-mohanlal-thala.html
  7. ↑ George, Liza (19 June 2010). "The right scores". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  8. ↑ "Times Group epapers - the Times of India epaper, Economic Times epaper, Maharastra Times ePaper, Mirror epaper". Archived from the original on 24 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  9. ↑ "Real life on reel". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 21 November 2010. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  10. ↑ "It's Rahul rage in Tollywood!". The Times of India.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. ↑ "Music Director Rahul Raj on his movie "Bachelor Party" - YouTube". YouTube. 14 June 2012. Archived from the original on 19 June 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
  12. ↑ "2012/06/review-bachelor-party-usual-amal-neerad". filmmatter.com. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  13. ↑ "Music spectrum of 2013". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 December 2013. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  14. ↑ "Malayalam Cinema News | Malayalam Movie Reviews | Malayalam Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Malayalam". Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  15. ↑ "Paathshala music review - Telugu cinema news". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  16. ↑ "Audio Review : Paathshala – Meaningful Album". 2 September 2014. Archived from the original on 16 March 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  17. ↑ "Paathshala Movie Review | Justtelugu". Archived from the original on 21 December 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  18. ↑ "Mahi V. Raghav-Paatashala 2014 telugu movie review and rating | TheLawa". Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  19. ↑ "Paathshala Movie Review". Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  20. ↑ "'Paathshala' Review: Audience Call it New-Age Tollywood Movie". International Business Times. 10 October 2014. Archived from the original on 10 November 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  21. ↑ "Paathshala Movie Review: "A New Age Drama" - Your Refreshment". Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  22. ↑ T (19 February 2015). "Movie Reviews". Manoramaonline.com. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  23. ↑ മനീഷ് നാരായണന് (19 February 2015). "ഫയര്മാന് | Southlive". Southlive.in. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  24. ↑ "Fireman Movie Review". Metromatinee.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  25. ↑ Mathew, Tony (19 February 2015). "This Fireman sets fire to theatres". English.manoramaonline.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  26. ↑ "തനി നാടൻ 'മണവുമായി' ഹേമന്തമെൻ". Archived from the original on 10 September 2015. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
  27. ↑ "Rahul Raj's cover for Lailakame from Ezra goes viral - Times of India". The Times of India. 12 March 2017.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Now, meet Resul Pookutty, the actor! - Times of India". The Times of India. 12 October 2017. Archived from the original on 13 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  29. ↑ "A musical break". 3 September 2018.
  30. ↑ "സ്വപ്നം യാഥാർഥ്യമായപ്പോൾ ഈ ഭൂമിയിൽ തന്നെയില്ല; മറഞ്ഞുപോയ ഹേമന്തത്തെ പറ്റി രാഹുൽ രാജ്".
  31. ↑ "The Priest Review: A gripping mystery thriller!". 11 March 2021.
  32. ↑ "The Priest movie review: Mammootty's film is a classic horror crime thriller". International Business Times. 11 March 2021.
  33. ↑ "The New Indian Express Group the New Indian Express-Kochi epaper dated Fri, 19 Apr 13". Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  34. ↑ "Interview with Rahul Raj - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  35. ↑ "Music directors rubbish claims made by singers". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  36. ↑ "www.deccanchronicle.com/130829/entertainment-mollywood/article/%E2%80%98-singer%E2%80%99s-role-important-limited%E2%80%99". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 12 January 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  37. ↑ "Oscar winner Resul Pookutty to debut as an actor - Tamil News". 31 October 2017. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  38. ↑ "Mohanlal's next is Aaraattu". The New Indian Express. 17 November 2020. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  39. ↑ "'ആഭ്യന്തര കുറ്റവാളി' കോമഡി ചിത്രമോ? ആസിഫ് അലിയുടെ പിറന്നാൾ ദിനത്തിൽ ഫസ്റ്റ് ലുക്ക് പോസ്റ്റർ". Mathrubhumi. 4 February 2025.
  40. ↑ Features, C. E. (7 July 2024). "Indian 2 singer Abby V to debut in Malayalam with Suresh Gopi's Varaaham". Cinema Express.

External links[edit | edit source]

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