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A. R. Rahman Calls ‘Chhaava’ Divisive, Defends Scoring Sambhaji Story

In a BBC interview, he condemned clichéd Islamic exclamations in violent scenes, emphasizing careful intent in project choices.

Overview

  • Rahman said the film was divisive and acknowledged it “cashed in on divisiveness,” even as he described it as centered on bravery.
  • He said composing for a film about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was an honor and spoke of the story’s emotional resonance.
  • He criticized the use of phrases like “Subhanallah” and “Alhamdulillah” in negative contexts as a cliché he found “cringe.”
  • He stated that he tries to avoid movies made with a “bad intention,” reflecting on the responsibility artists carry.
  • He noted faith in audiences’ ability to discern manipulation, as officials in Maharashtra linked post-release unrest in Nagpur to anger over Aurangzeb’s portrayal.