A major clash has erupted between actor-politician Kangana Ranaut and Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman. Following Rahman’s recent viral comments labeling the 2025 blockbuster Chhaava as “divisive,” Kangana took to Instagram to reveal a personal snub she faced from the maestro during the production of her directorial venture, Emergency.
The Controversy: “Prejudiced and Hateful”
Kangana shared a screenshot of Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network and penned a scathing note, accusing him of being “blinded by hate.”
- The Snub: Kangana claimed she “desperately” wanted to narrate Emergency to Rahman, but he reportedly refused to even meet her.
- The “Propaganda” Label: She revealed being told that Rahman did not want to associate with a “propaganda film.”
- The Counter-Attack: Kangana highlighted that while Rahman snubbed the project, critics and even some opposition leaders had praised it as a “masterpiece.” She called Rahman the most “prejudiced” man she has encountered in the industry.
“I face so much prejudice because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you.” — Kangana Ranaut via Instagram Stories
What Did AR Rahman Say?
The feud was ignited by Rahman’s candid take on the current state of Bollywood. Speaking about the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava (which grossed nearly ₹1,000 crore in 2025), Rahman admitted:
- Divisive Themes: He agreed the film was “divisive” and “cashed in on divisiveness.”
- “Cringe” Dialogue: He called the use of religious terms like Subhanallah in negative contexts “cliché and cringe.”
- Selective Approach: Rahman emphasized that he now tries to avoid films made with “bad intentions,” though he scored Chhaava because he felt its “core was bravery.”