Here’s a bold statement: One of Bollywood’s biggest hits of 2025 has just been called out for exploiting divisiveness—and it’s sparking a heated debate. AR Rahman, the legendary music composer behind Chhaava, recently shared some eyebrow-raising thoughts about the film, leaving fans and critics alike divided. But here’s where it gets controversial: Rahman admitted that while the film aimed to showcase bravery, it also capitalized on polarizing sentiments. Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal as Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, was a box office juggernaut, crossing the ₹800 crore mark worldwide. Yet, Rahman’s comments have reignited discussions about the film’s impact and intentions.
In a candid interview with the BBC Asian Network, Rahman reflected, ‘It is a divisive film. I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but the core of it is to show bravery.’ He even recalled questioning the director about his role in the project, only to be told, ‘We need only you for this.’ Rahman also addressed the film’s use of phrases like ‘Subhanallah’ and ‘Alhamdulillah’ in negative contexts, calling it ‘cringe’ and expressing faith in the audience’s ability to discern truth from manipulation. ‘People are smarter than that,’ he emphasized, ‘They have an internal conscience that knows what’s real.’
And this is the part most people miss: While Chhaava is based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel and boasts a stellar cast, including Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, its portrayal of history has been both celebrated and criticized. Social media erupted with reactions, one tweet declaring, ‘Chaava is not divisive. It is history. Showing history is not divisive.’ But is it that simple? Does depicting history automatically exempt a film from being divisive, or does the way it’s presented matter more?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can a film simultaneously honor historical figures and exploit societal divisions for commercial success? Rahman’s comments invite us to dig deeper into how art intersects with audience perception. What do you think? Is Chhaava a masterpiece of bravery or a calculated play on polarizing emotions? Let’s debate—share your thoughts in the comments!
