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A. R. Rahman Calls 'Chhaava' Divisive, Defends Scoring Sambhaji Maharaj's Story

He condemns clichéd religious portrayals in the film as “cringe.”

Overview

  • In a BBC Asian Network interview on January 16, Rahman said the film “cashed in on divisiveness” while maintaining its core aim was to depict bravery.
  • Rahman said he felt honored to compose for a story centered on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and recounted being told the project specifically needed his music.
  • He criticized scenes that use phrases like “Subhanallah” and “Alhamdulillah” in negative contexts, calling the device a cliché he finds “cringe.”
  • He expressed faith that audiences are not easily manipulated by movies and said he now avoids projects made with “bad intention.”
  • Chhaava led India’s 2025 box office before Dhurandhar surpassed it in December, and its run was followed by unrest in Maharashtra, including Nagpur riots cited by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.