AR Rahman says Hans Zimmer's name will draw global viewers to Ramayana
The composer told the Hindustan Times why he broke his solo rule for the epic, as a new song from the film splits opinion online.
AR Rahman has said that having Hans Zimmer on Nitesh Tiwari's two-part Ramayana will bring in audiences beyond India. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, he said viewers "in New Zealand or Europe" would watch because they saw Zimmer's name.
His comments come as the film's music divides listeners. NDTV reported that reaction on X to the new song Mangal Rang has been split. The song pairs the voices of Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal with Rahman's composition, and NDTV's headline asked: "Qawwali In Ramayana?"
The Hindustan Times reported that three songs from the film have been released so far. The most discussed was Ravana Tandav. Social media users criticised it at first and later apologised to Rahman. The composer said he had no energy left to check feedback after so much work on the music, but he knew about the debate. "My son keeps telling me, 'This is what they said yesterday, now they're apologising...' I say fine, I've done my work sincerely and hope people celebrate it," he told the paper.
Rahman, a two-time Oscar winner, has always composed alone. He said Zimmer joining the project "changes the narrative". "If they just see Indian names, they might think it's just another Indian movie," he said, calling the decision "a great move by the producer".
He also told the Hindustan Times that Zimmer had invited him to work together 14 or 15 years ago, soon after his Oscar win for Slumdog Millionaire. He let it pass. "Back then I was in chill-out mode," he said, laughing.
Rahman said Ramayana came three decades into his career, and he could not "stay on old glory" from films such as Rockstar or Slumdog Millionaire. The songs are in five languages, and he described the work as a huge honour and a big responsibility.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita, and is produced by Namit Malhotra. Before it opens, Rahman will play Jio World Garden in Mumbai on November 1 as part of his Wonderment Tour. The Hindustan Times described the tour as a three-hour show mixing his 1990s compositions with newer work.
Part One of Ramayana releases worldwide on November 5, ahead of Diwali. Rahman's tour reaches Backyard Sports Club in Delhi on November 21. The second part of the film is slated for release around Diwali 2027.
Sources: Hindustan Times, AR Rahman is amused by people criticising Ramayana songs, then apologising; reveals he once let go of Hans Zimmer collab to 'chill' | HT Exclusive; NDTV, 'Qawwali In Ramayana?' AR Rahman Faces Criticism Over New Song Mangal Rang.
