Indian Filmmaker Paparao Biyyala obtains official rights of 'The Sound of Music' for his debut film 'Music School'

Paparao Biyyala, an Indian filmmaker and former IAS officer, has become the first person in India to secure the official rights to the musical play "The Sound of Music" for his debut film, "Music School." The play, written and composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein in 1959, has been a popular cultural phenomenon for decades. Robert Wise's 1965 film adaptation of the musical was the only official adaptation until now.

Biyyala obtained the rights to the music for "The Sound of Music" and recreated three songs from the musical, including "Do Re Mi," "So Long Farewell," and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," beautifully woven into different situations in "Music School." Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja scored the original musical notes by Richard Rodgers, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra performed them for the film.

Speaking about the process of securing the rights to the music, Biyyala said that, as a diplomat working for the United Nations, it was a good negotiating experience. The journey to obtain the rights of such a renowned and classic musical was not easy, but they were determined, and things eventually fell into place.

Biyyala was delighted to work with music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, describing him as a genius who simplified the decision-making process for him. The director was initially scared of making any wrong choice, but Ilaiyaraaja's experience and brilliance made the process so much simpler.

The film "Music School" is a musical narration of the sensitive and prevailing concern of academic pressure subjected to young students by society, parents, and teachers. It has a total of eleven songs, three of which are recreated from "The Sound of Music." The film is shot in Hindi and Telugu and dubbed in Tamil. It stars Shriya Saran, Sharman Joshi, Prakash Raj, Ozu Barua, Gracy Goswamy, and other cast members, including child actors.

The grandeur look of the film was captured by ace cinematographer Kiran Deohans. Hollywood choreographer Adam Murray choreographed multiple songs, while two of India's best choreographers, Chinni Prakash and Raju Sundaram, choreographed the other songs.

"Music School" is set to release on May 12, 2023, in Hindi-Tamil by PVR and in Telugu by Dil Raju. The film presents a unique and creative adaptation of the timeless classic "The Sound of Music" that is sure to enthrall audiences.