Sony Music is no.1 in South

Company Brief

Mumbai, February 7, 2011

Music giant, Sony Music continues to rule Kollywood with the massive success of Aadukalam. The film - which has grossed over Rs. 30 crore - is undoubtedly one of the biggest hits of the year, and the second smash hit from the trio of Dhanush - Vetrimaran - G.V.Prakash . The music of Aadukalam, which was dominating the music charts before the movie release, has now scaled new heights. 'Yathe Yathe' - the No.1 song for the last 5 weeks - has already been declared the most romantic song of the season. The radio charts have the top 3 songs all from Aadukalam!

And it doesn't end here. Sony has also just release two of the most eagerly awaited soundtracks by the prodigal Harris Jayaraj - Engeyum Kaadhal & KO. KO is an action movie starring Jeeva, and sees director K V Anand and Harris Jayaraj after their blockbuster from last year - Ayan. Engeyum Kaadhal stars Jayaram Ravi and is directed by Prabhu Deva, who's Pokkiri was the biggest hit of 2007.

With Aadukalam, KO and Engeyum Kaadhal, Sony Music has an incredible 8 out of the top 10 songs on radio and 11 out of the top 20 most downloaded tracks on the Nokia Ovi Store. The music trade and VAS managers expect the music of KO and Engeyum Kaadhal to become chartbusters as the movies nears release. It is a possibility that almost all songs in the Tamil market would be from these three soundtracks!

Sony Music - which entered Kollywood only in 2009 with the Kamal Haasan starrer Dhasavathaaram - has been a trend-setter in this exciting and growing industry. Its acquisitions have ranged from reputed blockbusters to sleeper hits - Gautham Menon's Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Mani Ratnam's Raavanan, Singam, Yee Maya Chesave, Aarya-2, Aayirathil Ourvan, Vikram's Kanthaswamy, Gautham Menon & Harris Jayaraj's Vaaranam Aayiram, Masilamani, Naadodigal, Sakkarakatti, Darling, Nenu Meeku Thelusa & Goa amongst others. In the year end countdown Sony Music had 40 out of the top 100 songs on radio.

Sony Music has been successful by taking calculated risks. Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Sony Music-India and Middle East, says, ""We have always believed in the global appeal and potential of Tamil Cinema and Music. Over the last few years Sony Music has been making substantial investments in promoting Tamil and Telugu music and we will continue to do so. Our partners - be it the producers, the trade or media associates - value our marketing and promotions expertise and our transparency."

Innovative and aggressive marketing has been Sony Music's forte. These range from using 'flash mobs' to launch and promote music, pioneering the use of special mobile apps to increase mobile music downloads and integrating radio and on-ground activity where fans can participate and interact with actors, composers and singers. These activities have worked wonders, and the results vouch for it. Not only do they top retail and radio charts, they result in significant mobile and internet downloads. As the mobile and internet penetration is one of the highest in the country, the download numbers are comparable to the biggest of Hindi Soundtracks. Aadukalam has already clocked a million downloads, and growing. At the rate its going, it will soon catch up with musical phenomenons like Vinnaithandi Varuviya and Vaaranam Aayiram !

Explaining Sony Music's approach, Mr. Shridhar Subramaniam says, "Our foray into a particular market is well-researched and once we enter a market, we like to redefine standards by introducing exciting world-class initiatives. Be it packaging, promotions or exploring new media and technology. Our associates and partners have realized the value addition we bring to a project, and this has been the basis of long and deep relations with key talent in the marketplace."

2011 has started with a bang for Sony Music with Aadukalam, Engeyum Kaadhal & KO. Sony Music plans to release over 20 Tamil soundtracks this year. This will be in addition to the 15 soundtracks Sony Music will release in Hindi. With the early success of 'Darling' from Vishal Bhardwaj's 7 Khoon Maaf, it looks like its going to be Sony Music's year in Bollywood too.

"2011 is going to be a landmark year for us. There is some phenomenal music and the exponential expansion of new technology and media is only going to make it bigger than ever." concludes Shridhar Subramaniam.

For further information, please contact:

Sony Music

Bindiya Poojary

Mobile: +919820217050

Email: Bindiya.Poojary@sonymusic.com