Lyricist Manoj Muntashir has responded to AR Rahman's recent remarks describing Chhaava as a "propaganda" film, questioning why the Oscar-winning composer agreed to work on the project if he had reservations about its story.
Speaking during an interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Muntashir also disagreed with Rahman's suggestion that a possible communal bias could have contributed to him receiving fewer opportunities in Bollywood.
'You Knew the Script Before Signing'
Reacting to Rahman's comments, Muntashir argued that the composer would have been aware of the film's narrative before accepting the assignment.
"It is not like you hadn't heard the script before agreeing to work on it. He must have read the script."
He added that if Rahman genuinely believed the film promoted propaganda, he had the freedom to decline the project before production.
"If it was a propaganda film, why did you do it? I don't understand this."
Debate Over Bollywood Opportunities
Muntashir also questioned the idea that religion alone could explain changes in Rahman's career trajectory.
He suggested that several professional factors could influence the number of projects an artist receives, including:
- Industry relationships
- Audience response to recent work
- Changing trends in music
- Creative preferences of filmmakers
According to Muntashir, these possibilities should also be considered before attributing the situation to communal reasons.
Calls for a Wider Perspective
During the interview, Muntashir referred to several prominent Muslim personalities who have occupied influential positions in India, arguing that professional success cannot always be viewed solely through the lens of religion.
He said he found it difficult to understand why Rahman's comments introduced a communal angle into the discussion and expressed hope that the issue could be discussed openly.
"Whenever I meet him, I will ask him. He does not mind open dialogue."
What AR Rahman Had Said
Rahman's remarks came during an interview with BBC Asian Network, where he reflected on changes within the Hindi film industry over the past several years.
The composer suggested that shifts in industry dynamics may have affected the opportunities coming his way. While discussing possible reasons, he said a communal factor "might" also exist but clarified that he had not experienced discrimination directly.
His comments sparked widespread discussion across the entertainment industry and social media.
About Chhaava
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is a historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.
The film stars:
- Vicky Kaushal
- Rashmika Mandanna
- Akshaye Khanna
- Vineet Kumar Singh
- Ashutosh Rana
- Neel Bhoopalam
The historical drama received significant attention for its subject, performances and music.
