By A.R. Rahman’s Unique Approach to ‘Chhaava’
Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, known for his legendary work in Slumdog Millionaire, brings his musical brilliance to the historical epic Chhaava. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the film has already crossed $33 million at the box office, cementing its success.
Having previously worked with Utekar on Mimi, Rahman was excited to collaborate again. Despite recently composing for another historical project, Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2, he embraced a fresh challenge. “They wanted a global sound, something new and powerful,” Rahman shared.
Creating an Emotional & Powerful Score
For Chhaava, Rahman focused on making the music seamlessly blend with the storytelling. “The best music doesn’t stand out—it enhances the emotions,” he explained.
The film stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the Maratha warrior king. Rahman’s first task was composing Sambhaji’s theme, a defining musical identity. “After a few versions, we landed on the perfect one. The director was thrilled and said, ‘This is all I need. I’m ready to shoot!’”
A standout track in the film, “Jaane Tu”, carries deep emotional weight. “It was one of the first melodies we created. It became the voice of his wife in the climax, showing their spiritual connection,” Rahman explained.
Blending History With Modern Soundscapes
Rahman carefully balanced tradition and modernity in the Chhaava soundtrack. “It had to feel grand but also connect with today’s audience. The challenge was making it fresh while keeping it true to history,” he said.
The soundtrack was released under Sony Music India, marking another milestone in Rahman’s long-standing relationship with the label, which began with his 1997 album Vande Mataram. “Sony started with me, and I started with Sony. My album went international, and suddenly, I was recognized in Paris and London,” he recalled.
Transforming India’s Musical Theater Industry
Beyond films, Rahman is working to revolutionize India’s musical theater scene. He is developing a 3,000-seat theater in Chennai in partnership with VGP Group and working with the Tamil Nadu government on more projects.
His KM Music Conservatory is introducing a Broadway-inspired curriculum, training students under Broadway professionals. They are also producing a version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock.
“India needs world-class performing arts centers, just like the Taj Mahal is a monument of the past. Look at the Sydney Opera House or Baku’s Heydar Aliyev Center—we need something iconic for the future,” he emphasized.
Rahman believes India’s top designers and architects often work for Apple, Intel, and Microsoft abroad, but he wants to bring that talent back home. “We have brilliant minds. Let’s use them to build something monumental in India,” he said.
Exciting New Projects on the Horizon
Rahman has several major projects in the works, including:
- Thug Life (Mani Ratnam)
- Peddi (Ram Charan)
- Tere Ishq Mein (Anand L. Rai)
- Baab (UAE director Naila Al Khaja)
- Secret Mountain, a futuristic music project
He is also exploring how streaming platforms are reshaping music discovery. “I find incredible new artists on Spotify. That’s how I discovered Abhilasha Sinha, who later sang for my Mili soundtrack,” he shared.
The Passion That Drives Him
Rahman believes music is life’s greatest escape. “Artists reflect society’s voids and fill them with beauty, poetry, and sound,” he said. “Without music, life feels mundane to me.”
With the rise of AI and digital tools, Rahman believes anyone can create music today. “If someone isn’t making music now, it’s their own fault. The tools are there—just use them,” he remarked.
Through his groundbreaking film scores and ambitious theater projects, A.R. Rahman continues to redefine India’s music landscape, blending tradition, technology, and artistic innovation to shape the future of entertainment.
