A movie starring Vicky Kaushal called Chhaava held top spot at cinemas through much of 2025. Yet behind those numbers came heated arguments. This story about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj – the fierce Maratha king – and his battle against Mughal ruler Aurangzeb stirred emotions nationwide. Especially in Maharashtra, voices rose loud.
Even now, long past opening week, people still talk. Into that space steps composer A. R. Rahman. His words arrive slow, measured, without filter – on a film dividing audiences.
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Rahman openly acknowledged that Chhaava was, in many ways, a divisive film. “It is a divisive film,” the composer admitted. “I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but the core of it is to show bravery.”
A movie called Chhaava kept leading ticket sales through most of December. Then came a shift – Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar climbed ahead. Trouble started bubbling up across some areas of Maharashtra, though. In Nagpur, protests turned violent. Officials watched closely. The state’s top leader, Devendra Fadnavis, pointed at how Aurangzeb appeared on screen as a spark. That depiction, he said, stirred strong feelings among viewers.
Navigating Art in Polarised Times
Rahman reflected on the growing challenge of creating art in an increasingly polarised cultural landscape. Addressing the responsibility artists carry, he said, “That’s the reason God is giving more power to people like us – so that we can replace the bad with good by word, action and art.”
Asked if scandals push him to pick roles more carefully, Rahman stressed purpose matters most. A film built on wrong motives? He stays away. Projects get weighed by their core aim first. Only then does he say yes.
Questioning His Own Involvement
Interestingly, Rahman revealed that he had initially questioned his involvement in Chhaava. “I had asked the director, ‘Why did he need me for this film?’” he recalled. “But he said that we need only you for this.”
Despite recognising the film’s polarising nature, Rahman expressed faith in audiences’ ability to think independently. “It is an enjoyable film, but people are smarter than that,” he said. “Do you think people are going to get influenced by movies? They have an internal conscience that knows what is truth and what is manipulation.”
Honoured To Tell Sambhaji Maharaj’s Story
Finding heart in Chhaava meant more to Rahman than any debate around it. With quiet admiration, he described Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj – not just as a figure, but as someone alive in every Maratha’s veins – “the most celebrated,” he said, “a spirit drawn from their own history.”
“The ending, where the girl recites that beautiful poetry – it’s very moving,” Rahman said. “I’m so honoured to have scored the full film, which carries the pulse and soul of every Maratha.”
Calling Out Stereotypes
Funny how some folks fixate on characters saying “Subhanallah” when things get bloody. Rahman called that kind of detail uninspired, almost like a shortcut. Not thoughtful – just easy. His take? Totally overdone. Uncomfortable even. A reflex, not reflection.
Concluding on a hopeful note, Rahman reaffirmed his faith in humanity. “People are not foolish. They have a conscience, heart, love and compassion. I have great respect for people.”
