A Landmark Collaboration
Ricky Kej, also a Padma Shri awardee, expressed pride in this achievement. He called it “the first step in the Oscars race” but emphasized that his greatest joy lies in creating music deeply rooted in history. Papa Buka tells a moving story about Indian historians searching for an indigenous World War II veteran, uncovering forgotten secrets and cultural connections between India and Papua New Guinea.
Tribal Sounds as Inspiration
For the score, Kej drew inspiration from Papua New Guinea’s tribal traditions and natural soundscapes. He studied:
-
Raw tribal music
-
Indigenous instruments
-
Jungle rhythms
-
Archival recordings
This deep research allowed him to create a soundtrack that blends authenticity with cinematic subtlety. “It’s a very subtle film, so the music had to be in sync with it,” he explained.
The Cast and Storytelling
Papa Buka features Sine Boboro, John Sike, Ritabari Chakraborty, and Prakash Bare in leading roles. Through its narrative, the film bridges cultures and highlights untold stories from World War II, making it both a cinematic and cultural milestone.
Ricky Kej’s Illustrious Career
This is not Kej’s first collaboration with Dr. Biju. He previously composed for Adrishya Jalakangal (2023), a Malayalam anti-war film. His other notable works include:
-
Wild Karnataka (2020) — National Award-winning documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
-
MR-9: Do or Die (2023) — an international spy thriller featuring Hollywood actors Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White.
-
Gandhi: Mantras of Compassion — an album created with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi and over 200 musicians from 40 countries.
His upcoming project, Wild Tamil Nadu, continues his tradition of socially impactful music.
Beyond Bollywood
Despite his global recognition, Kej has not yet composed for Bollywood. He explains:
“I love watching Hindi films but I can’t do item numbers or misogynistic songs. I’ve stuck to music that represents me, and perhaps that’s why I’ve won three Grammys. Still, I’d love to compose for Bollywood someday.”
This artistic integrity has shaped his unique path — one that blends environmental consciousness, cultural authenticity, and social responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Ricky Kej’s contribution to Papa Buka not only strengthens India’s presence in international cinema but also elevates Papua New Guinea’s voice on the global stage. By weaving tribal music, history, and cross-cultural storytelling, Kej continues to prove why he is among the most respected global composers today.
As Papa Buka begins its journey at the Oscars, it marks a celebration of art that unites cultures and gives forgotten stories a chance to be heard.
Comments
0 comment