AR Rahman Responds to Online Criticism of Ramayana Songs

Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman has responded to the online criticism surrounding the songs from Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious film Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. The recently released track “Mangal Rang” and the earlier song “Ravan Tandav” have sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some listeners questioning the musical style. Rahman said he does not spend much time following online comments because composing music involves extensive research, preparation and experimentation. He explained that his team carefully develops its music before presenting it to audiences and that he prefers to concentrate on his work rather than constantly monitor public reactions. He also recalled how his son sometimes tells him that people who criticised his work one day later return to apologise.

Rahman described working on Ramayana as a special responsibility in his decades-long career. He said musicians must continue evolving rather than repeatedly recreating the sound of earlier successes such as Roja, Bombay, Rockstar and Slumdog Millionaire. He also expressed enthusiasm about composing songs for the epic in five languages and collaborating with renowned Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer. According to Rahman, the collaboration could help present the film as a global cinematic project and introduce the story to audiences beyond India. Meanwhile, “Mangal Rang”, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita, has drawn criticism from some viewers who feel its qawwali-inspired elements may not suit the spiritual setting. Others are awaiting the film’s complete soundtrack before forming an opinion.