‘Thulasi’ and ‘Ninna Notavu’: A fresh wave in Kannada indie music

Kannada indie music has rarely been in the limelight when compared to other regional indie industries, such as Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. However, recent singles ‘Thulasi’ and ‘Ninna Notavu’, resonated widely on streaming platforms with their melodic hooks appealing particularly to younger listeners.

These songs have spurred conversations about the growth of Kannada independent music and Siddhartha Belmannu, playback singer, notes, “This is a golden period for Kannada independent music.”

As the industry has relatively few musicians, recent collaborative efforts have offered hope for emerging artistes. These musicians are attempting to fill the gap in the indie space. Tanmay Gururaj, a Kannada independent artiste, points out, “The Kannada industry lacked contemporary songs that appealed to the younger generation. With ‘Ninna Notavu,’ I composed something fresh. The industry has a lot of scope for indie music, and independent artistes must have the freedom to experiment and be creative in their compositions.”

Siddhartha Belmannu.
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Making waves

Tanmay’s work, ‘Ninna Notavu’, a melodious, romantic number has crossed 1.07 million streams on Spotify, while the music video for ‘Thulasi’ hit 5.6 million views.

‘Thulasi’, by composer Sumedh K of Su From So fame, fuses Purandaradasa’s traditional kritis with contemporary elements. “When streaming took over, independent music demanded technological literacy. But in India, we still approach it like cinema; music must come first, and the video should only reinterpret it,” says Sumedh.

The production of the video, supported by Rectangle Films and Light Bucket Productions, prioritised creative intent over conventional formulas, resulting in a fantastic visual narrative.

Key moments, such as an encounter in an enchanted forest, symbolise transformation and the reclamation of self. Shaped through close collaboration with a committed team, the single also reflects the current state of independent Indian music videos, seeking to create space for authentic indigenous voices on a global platform.

The visual script of ‘Thulasi’ was developed by Neel Kote, a senior art director and producer. “The journey of the video began with the music itself. I wrote in response to what the composition suggested rather than trying to control it, and the narrative gradually evolved around ideas of transformation and emotional release,” says Neel.

Neel Kote.
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He adds, “Independent Indian music videos still operate with limited reach and room for experimentation. ‘Thulasi’ is a small step toward creating space for indigenous voices to find a global platform without losing their cultural identity.”

Tanmay, who plays the tabla, says his inspiration is Tamil ace music composer Anirudh Ravichander. “Since childhood, I have played the tabla. While watching films, I observe how music elevates scenes and emotions. During the pandemic, I learned the piano, which drove me to create music,” says Tanmay.

He adds, “I faced financial constraints, as independent Kannada songs weren’t explored as they were in other languages. However, I am grateful to my mother, who encouraged and supported me with the necessary resources.”

Reflecting on the making of ‘Ninna Notavu’, Tanmay speaks of the patience the process requires. “The music takes two weeks; the lyrics took three months. I wanted Kannada indie to resonate across India with something fresh and emotionally honest. When listeners say they see their own stories in the songs, and hum the hooks, it means the song is working.”

Tanmay Gururaj.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

He adds, “Over the past two years, indie music has grown significantly across India; however, the Kannada industry was lagging in terms of content.”

Tanmay says trust in the process is his mantra for quality music. “I am currently working on a few songs, as I try to understand the audience’s taste. There was no reference point in Kannada. I took my time with ‘Ninna Notavu’, trusted the process, and when I felt satisfied, I knew the audience would vibe with it,” says Tanmay.

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Going forward

According to Siddhartha, creative freedom in the independent system calls for bridging the gap between the singers and their audience. “The transformative Kannada indie music is characterised by creative freedom and accessibility through platforms such as Spotify and YouTube. Artistes can express their true emotions, as opposed to film music, which is tailored to commercial demands.”

“The rise of social media, Siddhartha says has enabled connections and recognition for artistes such as Sanjith Hegde and Sumedh K. “Support from sponsors and production houses is crucial for growth, as is integrating artistes into a royalty-based system to alleviate production costs.”

The Kannada music scene, diverse in genres and dialects, has potential for further development, with artistes such as Raghu Dixit paving the way for sustainability in independent music. “Digital platforms and live concerts have given us the freedom to create honestly and reach audiences directly, a phenomenon absent a decade ago. Independent music is reaching listeners, but is not yet at the scale it deserves,” says Siddhartha.

Published – March 06, 2026 11:03 am IST