Watch Indian Ocean Turn Newscasters of Doom and Hope in Animated ‘Jaadu Maaya’ Video

What’s a supervillain dinosaur doing hurling asteroids at the Earth? That question is answered in – of all the places – Indian Ocean’s somber new music video for their new song “Jaadu Maaya,” featuring lyrics and direction by Varun Grover and co-direction and animation by Ankit Kapoor.

Part of their upcoming eighth album Tu Hai, “Jaadu Maaya” sees Indian Ocean paint a bleak picture of the planet, pointing to apathy from those in power. But it also serves as a warning and reminder for people to take their own steps towards eco-preservation for the Earth’s sustainability.

With Indian Ocean teaming up with Grover, they’re presenting the follow-up to their 2020 single “Akhiyan Udeek Diyan” and the first album since 2014’s Tandanu. A description in the press release for “Jaadu Maaya” describes the lyrics to have “layered meanings, mingling despair and hope.” The statement adds, “The track’s themes are rooted in the band’s affinity for environmental consciousness.  Despite the stark realities of climate change and environmental degradation, Jaadu Maaya reminds us that there is always a silver lining, and that it’s never too late to take meaningful action towards creating a more sustainable future.”

In the animated music video, Indian Ocean band members Rahul Ram, Amit Kilam, Himanshu Joshi, Nikhil Rao and Tuheen Chakravorty take on the guise of prime-time news hosts, each presenting their own segments as they sing the lyrics to “Jaadu Maaya.” The press statement adds, “The accompanying music video is a powerful and heart-rending portrayal of a world falling apart, while we argue about small issues there’s a larger threat that we need to be aware of, which is presented as an allegory.”

Tu Hai – which is being released in a piecemeal fashion over the next two weeks – will include songs like “Jungle,” a ballad featuring saxophonist George Brooks, the philosophizing “Iss Tan Dhan” featuring Tamil lyrics contributed by ghatam maestro Vikku Vinayakram, the two-parter title track which delves of existential and spiritual questions and “Rebirth,” an instrumental closing track originating in guitarist Rao’s Carnatic music affinities. The full album will be available by May 5th.

Indian Ocean bassist-vocalist Rahul Ram further explained in a statement that Tu Hai is spiritual and contemplative and has been a “transformative expedition” for the band over the years it’s taken for them to finish it. “We completed the production in 2019 but there was an unfortunate pandemic outbreak and we had to rethink our plans. During the lockdown, the importance of how we need to cooperate and coexist with nature became such a glaring hard truth and that if we give nature a chance, it will recuperate.”

Ram adds that the album is a “tribute to that universal thought as well as a friendly reminder to all of humanity to make sustainably wise choices that are not just fodder for your outer appearances but also a haven for your inner temple.” Indian Ocean will soon hit the road following the album release, with Ram promising that the band will travel to different parts of the country over the next few months.  

Watch the video for “Jaadu Maaya” below. Stream the song here.