Bengaluru, Sept 15 (UNI) There are composers whose music fills a room, and then there is Ricky Kej, whose music fills the world. The Grammy Award-winning composer has once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to translate emotion into sound, this time with two very different but equally compelling projects.
Kej’s score for ‘Papa Buka’ has accompanied a historic moment: the film has become the first-ever official Oscar entry from Papua New Guinea. Directed by Dr Biju, the film tells the story of an aging war veteran, Papa Buka, who guides two Indian historians in uncovering untold World War II stories connecting India and Papua New Guinea.
Kej’s music, at once intimate, sweeping, and haunting, breathes life into the story, giving voice to memories that span continents and generations. In celebrating this milestone, Kej expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Papua New Guinea and congratulated the entire filmmaking team.
“Thrilled that our film ‘Papa Buka’ has created history. The first-ever official entry from the nation of Papua New Guinea to the Oscars. I composed the original score for this beautiful film, which tells the story of an aging war veteran as he guides two Indian historians in uncovering untold World War II stories that connect India and Papua New Guinea,” he told UNI. “My heartfelt congratulations to the director, Dr. Biju, and the entire team. Very grateful to the Government of Papua New Guinea for believing in this film,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kej’s artistic journey extends to his latest project, ‘Wild Tamil Nadu’, a five-year odyssey that captures the majestic forests and wildlife of southern India. Directed by Kalyan Varma and Rohit Varma, the documentary combines stunning visuals with Kej’s immersive score, each note echoing the rhythms of nature itself.
The film is set for worldwide release in theatres and on streaming platforms, with the soundtrack album to follow. In both works, Kej demonstrates the rare ability to connect music, story, and emotion so seamlessly that the audience doesn’t just watch, they feel.
From the human stories of war and memory in Papua New Guinea to the silent, untamed beauty of Tamil Nadu, Kej’s compositions remind listeners that the right score can transform cinema into something that lingers long after the credits roll. UNI BDN SSP
