What began as a film comment has now snowballed into a full-blown celebrity clash. Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has publicly lashed out at music maestro A. R. Rahman following his controversial remarks on Chhaava, calling him the most “prejudiced and hateful” person she has encountered.
The sharp exchange has sparked heated reactions online, with fans and industry insiders weighing in on both sides.
What triggered the controversy?
The row began after Rahman, during an interview with the BBC Asian Network, described Chhaava — starring Vicky Kaushal — as a “divisive” film. While he acknowledged the film’s intent to portray bravery, he suggested it benefited from social and political divisions, a remark that quickly drew attention across social media.
Kangana’s explosive Instagram response
On Saturday, Kangana took to her Instagram Stories to respond directly to Rahman’s comments. Sharing a screenshot from his interview, she wrote a strongly worded message accusing the composer of bias and intolerance.
She claimed that despite facing prejudice in the industry for her own political affiliations, she had “not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful” than Rahman — a statement that immediately went viral.
‘You refused to even meet me’
Kangana went further, recalling her personal experience with Rahman during the making of her directorial Emergency. According to her, she had wanted to narrate the film to him but was denied even a meeting.
“I was told you don’t want to be part of a propaganda film,” she wrote, adding that Emergency later received praise from critics and even appreciation from opposition party leaders for its balanced approach.
She ended her message by saying Rahman was “blinded by hate” and expressed disappointment over his stance.
Rahman’s original take on Chhaava
Rahman’s comments that ignited the storm were measured but pointed. He said the film leaned into divisiveness while still attempting to showcase courage and heroism at its core. His statement divided opinion, with some praising his honesty and others accusing him of unfairly judging the film’s intent.
About Emergency
Kangana was last seen in Emergency, a political drama she directed and co-produced, portraying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film explored the 21-month Emergency period from 1975 to 1977 and also starred Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, and Milind Soman. Despite critical discussion, the film failed to make a significant impact at the box office.
Final words
The Kangana–Rahman face-off has once again highlighted how film commentary can quickly turn political — and deeply personal. Whether this war of words escalates further or fades with time remains to be seen, but for now, the debate around Chhaava, Emergency, and artistic neutrality is firmly back in the spotlight.
