Ramayana song Mangal Rang sparks backlash over ‘qawwali-like sound’; AR Rahman reacts
Released on Sunday (October 25), the song features Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal’s vocals, with lyrics by . It depicts the wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, with Ranbir Kapoor playing Rama and Sai Pallavi portraying Sita.
Ramayana song faces backlash
Soon after its release, several users took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions, with some arguing that the musical arrangement did not suit the epic’s setting. Others compared the composition with Rahman’s earlier songs, including ‘Kun Faya Kun’ from Rockstar and the Tamil track ‘Enna Solla Pogirai’ from Kandukondain Kandukondain.
One user criticised the song’s perceived Sufi and qawwali influences, writing, “Putting Sufi qawwali beats into Valmiki’s Ramayana is peak Bollywood delusion. Zero cultural grounding, zero research, just recycled templates slapped onto a massive budget.”
Putting Sufi qawwali beats into Valmiki’s Ramayana is peak Bollywood delusion. 💀
Zero cultural grounding, zero research, just recycled templates slapped onto a massive budget. Stop treating sacred Itihasa like a regular Friday rom-com! https://t.co/PRfi75xgyJ— Gaurav (@k_gauravs) October 25, 2026
Another user expressed disappointment with the composition, posting, “Qawwali in Ramayana. AR Rahman never fails to disappoint.”
Qawwali in Ramayana. AR Rahman never fails to disappoint. https://t.co/OgOM28P3H3
— Alpakanya (@Alpakanya) October 25, 2026
Some listeners also accused the composer of reusing elements from his previous work. One user wrote, “Qawwali music in Ramayana AR Rahman are u nuts”
Qawwali music in Ramayana AR Rahman are u nuts
#Ramayana https://t.co/xvyQnGIqlx
— Beë ♔ (@chaoticc_beee) October 25, 2026
Another post questioned whether Rahman was the right choice as music director for the film, comparing the song’s sound with ‘Kun Faya Kun’ and suggesting that composers Ajay-Atul or Shankar Ehsaan Loy would have been better suited to the project.
The criticism also extended to the film’s soundtrack more broadly. Some users said they would have preferred music rooted more closely in Sanskrit traditions, while others argued that the composition should have made greater use of traditional Indian instruments.
AR Rahman responds to criticism of Ramayana music
The online debate comes as Rahman has addressed the mixed response to the film’s music. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the composer said the extensive process behind making music leaves him with little energy to monitor online feedback.
“We do so much work, filtration, ideation, and iteration that there’s no energy left to look at feedback!” Rahman said, adding that he and his team released the music after extensive work and testing.
He also referred to the initial backlash faced by ‘, another track from the film, saying that his son had told him that people who criticised the song initially were later apologising. Rahman said he had done his work sincerely and hoped audiences would celebrate it.
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The composer also described working on Ramayana as a great honour, noting that the songs had been created in five languages. His remarks came amid renewed discussion over the musical direction of the film, which is among the year’s much-anticipated releases.
About Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The first part is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, with the second part planned for Diwali 2027.
Written By Uditi Sharma!