Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman's new song, "Mangal Rang," created for Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated mythological epic Ramayana, has climbed to the top of the YouTube Music charts. Rahman himself took to Instagram to share a screenshot of the achievement, thanking his listeners for their support.
The song, which celebrates the sacred union of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, features vocals by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. Its chart-topping performance, however, has been met with a flurry of mixed reactions and considerable debate across social media platforms.
Controversy Surrounds "Mangal Rang"
Upon its release, "Mangal Rang" quickly became a talking point due to several perceived issues. Critics on social media questioned its musical arrangement, describing it as having a qawwali-like style, which some felt was inappropriate for a traditional Indian epic. Others accused Rahman of reusing musical motifs from his previous Tamil compositions, while many expressed a preference for music more rooted in traditional Sanskrit devotional styles.
Beyond the auditory aspects, a particular visual sequence in the song's accompanying video also sparked controversy. A scene depicting women applying haldi (turmeric paste) to Lord Rama, with Sita standing beside him, drew criticism. Viewers debated the appropriateness of Sita's presence during what is traditionally a groom's haldi ceremony, with some suggesting it might represent a different ceremonial occasion, possibly a coronation.
The Grand Scale of Ramayana
The upcoming Ramayana film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is one of India's most ambitious cinematic projects, boasting a reported budget of approximately Rs 4,000 crore. The adaptation is planned as a two-part series, with the first installment slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, and the second part following during Diwali 2027.
The star-studded cast features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, and Yash as Ravana. Ravi Dubey is set to portray Lakshman, and Sunny Deol will appear as Hanuman. The film's musical score is a collaborative effort between AR Rahman and acclaimed Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, promising a unique blend of Indian and international influences.