AR Rahman brought the India leg of his Wonderment Tour to Mumbai’s Jio World Garden on November 1, and used the sold-out concert to answer the conversation building around the Ramayana soundtrack. The three-hour show mixed his iconic 90s compositions with contemporary work, backed by an international ensemble.
Before a crowd of 10,000, he introduced Mangal Rang, the Ramayana track that released last month, and called the film “the biggest Indian film” set to arrive.
“It’s an honour to serve my country, to serve such belief in India.”
He then offered a lighter response to the critics: “With whatever little talent I have, I’ll use that to bring beauty into the music and the soundtrack. They say now, if everybody likes your work, get out from that place.”
Why listeners are divided
The soundtrack has drawn mixed reactions since the first songs arrived. Some fans feel the melodies are close to Rahman’s earlier compositions. Others have said the upbeat vocals and beats of Jai Jai Ram feel closer to a sports track. Mangal Rang has also been compared with Kun Faaya from Rockstar, with some calling the Sufi-style piece an odd fit for an epic like Ramayana.
Rahman had earlier told Hindustan Times that the team filters, tests and iterates so much that there is little energy left to read feedback. His son, he said, often reminds him that the same critics apologise later; Rahman added that he has done the work sincerely and hopes people celebrate it.
Ramayana at a glance
- Director: Nitesh Tiwari
- Music: AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, who makes his Indian film debut
- Cast: Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Release: Part One worldwide on November 5, ahead of Diwali; Part Two around Diwali 2027
- Produced by: Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana
Why the Zimmer collaboration matters
Rahman also explained why having Hans Zimmer on board changes the film’s reach. “Him coming onto the project is such a blessing because it changes the narrative,” Rahman told HT. “If someone in New Zealand or Europe sees Hans Zimmer’s name, they will watch. If they just see Indian names, they might think it’s just another Indian movie… It’s a great move by the producer.”
Catch it this week
The debate will meet the film quickly: Part One opens worldwide on November 5, just ahead of Diwali. Listen to the two released tracks before booking, and if you want Rahman’s set live, the Wonderment Tour’s next India stop is Gurgaon’s Backyard Sports Club on November 21.
Source: Hindustan Times