Amidst recent controversy surrounding the film Chhaava, director Laxman Utekar has revealed his reasons for bringing A.R. Rahman on board as the music composer. The historical drama, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal, became a box office success in 2025 but also sparked debate over its portrayal of historical figures and events.

Rahman himself has added fuel to the fire by admitting that the film was "divisive" and that it "cashed in on divisiveness," while still maintaining that the core of the film aimed to showcase bravery. He also confessed to questioning Utekar about why he was needed for the project.

Utekar, however, had a clear vision for the film's music and Rahman's role in bringing it to life. In an interview, Utekar explained that he didn't want the music to simply replicate a regional, Marathi flavor. His aim was for a wider, international appeal, drawing inspiration from films like Gladiator and Troy. "I wanted to make the film in Hindi so that the world knows about it and I wanted wide approach," Utekar stated. He felt that Rahman, with his global recognition and unique musical sensibilities, was the perfect choice to achieve this vision.

Utekar revealed that Rahman questioned the film's purpose before agreeing to compose the music. However, after watching the film, Rahman described the project as "magical". Despite the composer's recent comments about the film's divisiveness, Utekar has stood by his decision to collaborate with Rahman, emphasizing that the intention was to craft a universally appealing narrative.

The controversy surrounding Chhaava extends beyond Rahman's comments. Some viewers have criticized the film's historical accuracy and its depiction of certain characters, leading to unrest and even legal threats. A descendant of the Shrike family, Laxmikant Raje Shirke, threatened a defamation lawsuit, claiming that his ancestors were wrongly portrayed. Utekar apologized to the Shrike family, clarifying that he did not intend to disrespect them.

Adding another layer to the situation, Rahman's recent remarks about facing potential "communal" discrimination in Bollywood have stirred further debate. While Rahman clarified that he never directly experienced discrimination, he alluded to a shift in power dynamics within the industry. These comments have sparked reactions from other industry figures, with some supporting Rahman's sentiments and others urging caution against associating creativity with communal factors.

Despite the various controversies, Chhaava achieved significant commercial success, grossing over ₹797 crore worldwide. The film features a stellar cast, including Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna, and its music, composed by A.R. Rahman, has been well-received by many. Chhaava remains a talking point, igniting conversations about artistic freedom, historical representation, and the complex relationship between cinema, culture, and identity in India.