The latest track from the epic saga has ignited a storm on X. "Mangal Rang", a collaboration between AR Rahman, Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, dropped on October 25, 2026, and immediately drew a cross‑fire of criticism.
X roared with discontent: "Putting Sufi qawwali beats into Valmiki’s Ramayana is peak Bollywood delusion," one user scrawled, while another quipped, "Qawwali in Ramayana. AR Rahman never fails to disappoint." The chorus of backlash echoed with accusations of cultural misstep and recycled melodies, some even pointing fingers at a former Tamil hit.
Behind the commotion is Nitesh Tiwari’s big‑budget epic, cast with Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Yash, Sunny Deol, Rakul Preet Singh and Lara Dutta. The film, slated for a worldwide release on November 5, reportedly cost ₹9,000 crore, making every creative decision a headline‑making gamble.
Critics argue the qawwali vibe feels out of place in a narrative steeped in Sanskritic tradition. Comparisons to Rahman’s earlier work in "Jodha Akbar" and "Rockstar" surface, as fans demand a more authentic soundscape that respects the epic’s cultural roots. Some even suggest that a different composer—say, Ajay‑Atul or Shankar‑Ehsaan‑Loy—might have delivered a score that resonated with the storyline.
What lies ahead? The next single from the soundtrack is still under wraps, while the film’s premiere draws in a crowds that will decide whether the music can survive the backlash. In the end, the controversy might just add fuel to the hype, but whether it will turn into a ticket‑booming success remains to be seen.