Is Anirudh Losing His Midas Touch?
The beats are still loud, but the applause is no longer unanimous. The composer and playback singer’s recent music has sparked debate over whether he is repeating the formula that once made him a phenomenon
Anirudh Ravichander has been the undisputed music powerhouse of South Indian cinema for years. But is the composer who once seemed incapable of delivering a flop soundtrack beginning to lose his Midas touch?
While he remains one of the most sought-after music directors in Indian cinema, a growing wave of criticism suggests that audiences are beginning to tire of his signature sound.
His music for Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and scheduled for an October 15, 2026 release, has already attracted considerable online trolling and mixed reactions. The criticism centres on a familiar complaint: Anirudh’s trademark electronic-heavy arrangements, pulsating beats and high-decibel background scores are beginning to sound predictable.
For a composer known for reinventing commercial cinema’s sound, accusations of formulaic music are significant. Critics say his recent compositions echo earlier hits rather than explore new territory.
His impressive slate of films, including Indian 2, Devara, Vettaiyan, Vidaamuyarchi, Kingdom, Coolie and Madharaasi, reflects his extraordinary demand. Yet the response to their soundtracks has been uneven. While Devara’s Fear Song and select portions of Coolie have generated considerable excitement,
several other albums have struggled to create the kind of widespread musical frenzy associated with his earlier successes.
There are also questions about the mixing and sound design of some recent tracks. Critics argue that the emphasis on volume, aggressive beats and overpowering arrangements occasionally comes at the expense of musical layering, melody and sonic clarity.
Yet writing off Anirudh would be premature. His ability to turn a film’s promotional campaign into a musical spectacle remains formidable. His live performances draw enormous crowds, while his background scores continue to be a major part of the cinematic experience. Few contemporary composers can generate the same level of pre-release anticipation simply through their association with a film.
Perhaps what Anirudh is experiencing is less a creative decline than the inevitable fatigue of an extraordinarily demanding career. With several high-profile projects in the pipeline, including King, which reunites him with Shah Rukh Khan, and anticipated collaborations with directors Lokesh Kanagaraj and Vetrimaaran, he has opportunities to surprise audiences and expand his musical vocabulary.
Producer Allu Aravind believes it is far too early to question the composer’s staying power. “A talent as big as Anirudh can’t be written off just because of some recent songs. I think his career has just started. He has a long way to go.”
Tamil actor Vishal Krishna sees the criticism as part of the natural cycle of success. “It is an inevitable cycle: first the sky-high praise, then the criticism. He should listen to the criticism, but do what his heart tells him. All superstars in every walk of life go through this phase of questioning.”