A.R. Rahman Redefines Bollywood Music With ‘Chhaava’ & Revolutionizes India’s Musical Theater

A.R. Rahman’s Vision for ‘Chhaava’

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, known for his groundbreaking work in Slumdog Millionaire, is once again pushing creative boundaries with his latest score for the historical film Chhaava. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the film has already grossed over $33 million, making it one of the biggest Indian hits of the year.

Rahman, who previously collaborated with Utekar on the successful Mimi, shared his approach to composing the Chhaava score. Having recently worked on Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan series, another historical epic, Rahman sought a fresh sound for this project. “They wanted a global sound, something unique,” he explained.

Creating a Powerful Soundtrack

Rahman designed the film’s music to subtly elevate its narrative. “Music should enhance emotions, making the audience feel the story rather than just noticing the music,” he said. Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior king, and Rahman started his work by composing the character’s theme.

“The first request from the director was to create a theme that reflects Chhaava’s glory,” Rahman shared. “After a few attempts, we found the perfect one. The director was thrilled, saying, ‘This is enough for me, I’ll go and shoot this.’”

One of the film’s standout tracks, “Jaane Tu”, carries deep emotional weight. Rahman revealed that this ballad, which plays a key role in the film’s climax, was among the first melodies he created. “It symbolizes the spiritual connection between the protagonist and his wife, their unspoken understanding in a crucial moment,” he explained.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

For Rahman, the challenge was to avoid repeating past work while maintaining authenticity. “It had to appeal to today’s audience while staying true to the historical setting,” he noted. The Chhaava 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.

“I started with Sony, and Sony started with me. My album went international unexpectedly, and suddenly, I was recognized in places like Paris and London,” he reminisced.

Transforming India’s Musical Theater Scene

Beyond films, Rahman is on a mission to elevate India’s musical theater industry. In partnership with VGP Group, he is building a 3,000-seat theater in Chennai, with additional projects planned alongside the Tamil Nadu government. His KM Music Conservatory is also integrating a Broadway-style curriculum, collaborating with faculty from Broadway itself.

“We need theaters that stand as monuments, just like the Taj Mahal,” Rahman emphasized. “Look at the Sydney Opera House or Baku’s Heydar Aliyev Center. India needs world-class venues for performing arts.”

He believes India’s top architectural minds are often utilized abroad for companies like Apple, Intel, and Microsoft. “It’s time to bring that talent back home and create something iconic here,” he asserted.

Exciting Upcoming Projects

Rahman’s creative plate is full with multiple high-profile projects, including:

• Thug Life (Mani Ratnam)
• Peddi (Ram Charan)
• Tere Ishq Mein (Anand L. Rai)
• Baab (UAE director Naila Al Khaja)
• Secret Mountain, a meta-band project exploring new musical dimensions

He is also deeply interested in how streaming platforms are reshaping music discovery. “Platforms like Spotify introduce me to new artists. That’s how I found Abhilasha Sinha, who later sang for my Mili soundtrack,” he shared.

A Lifelong Passion for Music

Rahman views artists as mirrors of society, filling the void with art, beauty, and poetry. “Without music, life feels mundane to me,” he admitted. With advancing AI and digital tools, he believes there are endless possibilities for aspiring musicians. “Everyone has the power to create now. If they don’t, it’s their own choice,” he remarked.

Through his music and theater projects, A.R. Rahman continues to shape India’s cultural landscape, blending tradition with modern innovation to create timeless musical experiences.