‘Ramayana’ Song ‘Mangal Rang’ Controversy: AR Rahman Faces Massive Backlash Over Qawwali-Like Tune
AR Rahman's 'Mangal Rang' from Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana: Part 1' sparks outrage over its 'qawwali-like' tune, dividing netizens ahead of the film's November 5, 2026, global release. The Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi starrer, with a INR 4,000 crore budget, is facing scrutiny for its musical choices in the epic saga.
A new song titled "Mangal Rang" from Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious mythological saga, Ramayana: Part 1, has ignited a fervent debate across social media platforms. Composed by the legendary AR Rahman and sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, the track, intended to celebrate the divine love and sacred union of Lord Rama and Maa Sita, has drawn significant criticism for its perceived qawwali-like musical style and Sufi influences. ‘Ramayana’: Sunny Deol’s Lord Hanuman FIRST Look Teased, Namit Malhotra Confirms Expansive Cinematic Universe Plans.
Ramayana Song Mangal Rang Controversy Takes Centre Stage
Released just ahead of the film's grand theatrical debut, "Mangal Rang" quickly became a talking point on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many listeners expressed dismay, claiming the composition had a distinct qawwali sound, which they found inappropriate for a devotional song from the Ramayana epic. Critics were quick to draw comparisons between "Mangal Rang" and Rahman's earlier Sufi-inspired hit, "Kun Faya Kun" from the 2011 film Rockstar.
Watch the Music Video of ‘Mangal Rang’:
Comments flooded in, with one user remarking, "Qawwali in Ramayana. AR Rahman never fails to disappoint." Others voiced a desire for a more traditional Indian sound, suggesting the inclusion of instruments like veena, sitar, mridangam, and tabla, along with a greater emphasis on Sanskrit lyrics to better reflect the film's mythological setting. While the song's visuals include a 'Haldi' ceremony, any specific controversy over it being mistaken for 'chumawan' has not been widely reported.
While AR Rahman has not directly addressed the specific backlash, reports indicate he is 'amused by people criticising Ramayana songs, then apologising,' and he tends not to focus on direct audience reactions. He recently shared an anecdote from 2014 where a fan had reportedly manifested his involvement in composing for Ramayana.
Public Outcry to ‘Mangal Rang’ Song
The public outcry surrounding 'Mangal Rang' highlights the strong sentiments and high expectations audiences hold for cinematic adaptations of revered Indian epics. While a segment of netizens unequivocally criticised the musical direction, finding it to be a departure from the traditional essence expected of Ramayana, others lauded the song for its 'divine vibes' and 'beautiful vocals,' praising the chemistry between lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the accompanying visuals.
Fans React to ‘Mangal Rang’ Song
Some fans even expressed excitement, calling Ramayana: Part 1 a potential "GENERATIONAL FILM" based on the promotional material and the song. The discussion underscores a broader debate within the industry regarding the creative liberties taken in portraying mythological narratives and the appropriate musical language for such projects.
More About ‘Ramayana: Part 1’
Ramayana: Part 1, directed by National Award-winning Nitesh Tiwari, features a stellar cast with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva.
Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, the film is an ambitious two-part live-action epic. The musical score is a collaboration between AR Rahman and Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, marking Zimmer's debut in the Indian film industry. With an estimated budget of INR 4,000 crore for both parts, it stands as one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. ‘Ramayana’ Advance Booking: Ranbir Kapoor-Yash Movie Crosses USD 500K in North America Pre-Sales Ahead of Grand Diwali Premiere.
Ramayana: Part 1 is set to have its world premiere at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on October 27, 2026, followed by a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, coinciding with the Diwali festivities. It will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and English. Despite the "Mangal Rang" controversy, the film remains one of the year's most anticipated releases, promising a grand cinematic spectacle that reimagines the timeless epic for a global audience.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 26, 2026 01:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
