Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava was the highest-grossing film of 2025 for several months, until Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar dethroned it in December. The film emerged as a major box office success, but it was also widely called out for being divisive due to its portrayal of the conflict between Maratha warrior-king Sambhaji Maharaj and Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Now, maestro A. R. Rahman, who composed the music for the film, has shared his thoughts on the same and admitted that the film was indeed divisive. The blockbuster reception of the film was followed by riots in Nagpur, Maharashtra, which as per Chief Minsiter Devendra Fadnavis were caused by people 'showing their anger at Aurangzeb'.
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman spoke about working in a film industry that is becoming increasingly divisive by the day. "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, art," he said. When asked if he has become more conscious about picking his projects and avoiding films that are divisive, he said, "Some films are made with a bad intention. I try to avoid those movies.”
However, Rahman was countered and asked about his statement when he had earlier declared that he was proud of Chhaava’s soundtrack despite it being a divisive film. Responding to the same, he said, “It is a divisive film. I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but I think the core of it is to show bravery. I had asked the director. 'Why did he need me for this film? but he said that we need only you for this. It is a enjoyable film, but definitely people are smarter than that. Do you think people are going to get influenced by movies? They have something called internal conscience, which knows what the truth is, and what manipulation is."
Rahman also admitted that he is honoured to give music for a film that is based on the life of a great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. "Chhaava is the most celebrated character. It is like the blood of every Maratha. Once the film finishes, you see the girl saying the beautiful poetry. It’s very moving. I’m so honoured to have scored that full movie, which has the pulse and soul of every Maratha."
Rahman was also asked about the characters in the film saying 'Subhanallah' and 'Alhamdulillah' when something bad is happening in the film. Responding to the same, he said, "That is such a cliche. it is cringe. I have great respect for people. They are not that foolish to get influenced by false information. I have great faith in humanity. People have a conscience, heart, love and compassion."